I am a big fan of skill-based volunteering. While warm-body volunteering is great, I really like it when people take a skill that only they have and use it to help others. Even a seemingly unrelatable skill can be used to make a difference. Help-Portrait is a great example of this.

Help-Portrait was a simple 4-step project that banded photographers together for a good cause. Here’s how it went:

1. Find someone in need (shelters, hospitals, the streets, etc.)
2. Take

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If you like photography and great causes, then I have a great deal for you.

As part of their giving campaign, over 200 Microsoft employees came together to create a fine art photography book where all the profits go to United Way of King County.  The book is offered for purchase at the cost of printing plus $25.00. This additional amount is contributed directly to United Way in your name and is fully tax deductible as a charitable contribution.

I highly recommend that you…

The New York Times wants to publish your photographs in an online readers’ album. How do you see the recession playing out in your community? What signs of hardship or resilience stand out? How are you or your family personally affected? Creative ways of documenting the changes around you are encouraged.

Click here for more details and to submit your photos.