Socality, an online platform that helps promote creative relationships, teamed up with Charity: Water to hold a worldwide InstaMeet on March 21 at Greers Ferry Lake in Heber Springs, Ark to raise awareness for the need for clean water.
Charity: Water helps bring clean and safe drinking water to people in developing countries. There are 748 million people who do not have clean water and people are taking a stand to eliminate this problem.
One method of raising awareness was to host the InstaMeet, which happened in Heber Springs and 19 other cities across the globe. Reymark Frank, a community ambassador and leader for Socality, and freshman Reed Robertson hosted the Instameet, which took place from 4 p.m. until sunset. The event welcomed anyone and many Harding students participated. Participants took photographs throughout the event of each other and water with the props and gear that Instagram sent.
Frank said it is his duty to promote and build community in Arkansas.
“The biggest thing I was looking forward to was building the community in Arkansas and bringing people together under a single cause,” Frank said.
Junior Anna Winchester attended the event alongside freshman Brighton Thompson. Neither Winchester nor Thompson had attended an InstaMeet before, but said they were glad they did.
“I was really glad I was a part of this event because it not only brought me out of my comfort zone, talking and sharing with strangers, but it was also for a very good cause,” Winchester said.
The InstaMeet proved to be a unique way for students to support an important cause, all while having a good time, according to Thompson.
Not only did participants take and post photos, they also shared clean water solutions with one another.
“The best part was the fellowship, because it was just people from all different places and walks of life getting together to do something out of the ordinary,” Thompson said. “We took pictures, listened to music and were able to appreciate the differences we all have and enjoy the beauty around us.”
Overall, Frank said the InstaMeet was a huge success. To learn more about the non-profit that many students raised awareness for at Greers Ferry Lake visit www.charitywater.org or search for Instagram’s hashtag #wwim11.
“Photography can be used in many ways,” Frank said. “But the most predominant thing is how photography can capture live moments as still shots, which portray emotions or can make a statement. But as well, photography can be used in graphics, which can in turn be used to raise awareness.”
