Project (In)Visible: Sonder Collection

The Sonder Collection featuring (In)visible Boulder is a multi-media collaboration between Boulder County and 7 local non profits. Led by local creative studio, One Thousand Design, the project is igniting a community conversation about stigma, stereotype, and disparity in our community. It features the stories of our most marginalized neighbors – the homeless, working poor, transgender, immigrants and others. Over 50 individuals across Boulder County participated in the project which includes photography exhibit that is rotating around the county, a documentary short film and audio stories which we’ll be airing on Tuesday mornings on KGNU.

 

There will be a screening of the documentary followed by a panel discussion with members of the participating non-profits from 6-9pm on September 14th at the Dairy Arts Center in Boulder. Portraits will be on display in the lobby beginning at 6 p.m. Film at 7 p.m., with panel discussion to follow.

The event is free and open to the public, reserve a ticket here.

The Working Poor

Across Boulder County, 14% of individuals live below the poverty line of approximately $11,000. While 95% of County residents have a GED or high school diploma, it is unfortunately not enough to thrive. Since 2006, individuals with a high school diploma or equivalent actually saw their median earnings decline 7% as compared to those with graduate or professional degrees who experienced a 17% increase.

In Boulder County, 10% of families live below the poverty line of $24,000; that’s nearly 16% of children under the age of five who live in poverty. While the faces of these families are diverse, the disparity leans towards minority populations – 35% of Latino youth under the age of 18 live in poverty. Child care, housing prices, transportation, and liveable wages all contribute to families’ need for assistance. The income gap between Boulder County’s self-sufficiency standard ($75,000) and the national poverty line at which families can receive assistance ($24,000) contributes to this burden.

Listen to the stories:

 

 

 

 

 

Transgender

While more than 75% of Boulder County residents report being open to gay and lesbian people, this population is still at an increased risk for discrimination, violence, and sexual assault. More than one-quarter of LGBTQ youth report bullying as compared to 14% of straight teens; rates of suicide and self-harm are also higher among these communities.

Listen to the stories:

Youth in Crisis

There are approximately 1,500 homeless youth in Colorado, 25% of whom likely suffer from some form of mental illness. In Boulder County, more than 30% of those individuals identify as LGBTQ. Youth in crisis are more vulnerable to sexual exploitation and suicide, leaving them in need of a unique set of services to ensure their safety and stability as they transition into adulthood.

Listen to the stories:

 

 

 

Photos from the Sonder Collection Project (In)Visible are currently on display throughout the County this spring and summer. For more information visit www.sondercollect.com.

Participants include the Boulder County Circles Campaign, Boulder County Head Start, Attention Homes, Emergency Family Assistance Association, Intercambio, Sister Carmen, and Out Boulder County.

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