I applaud Wendy and Ricardo's recent writings on the subject, it is somehow therapeutic to read the honesty behind their frustration.

As a practitioner of participatory video for 15 years, and as director of an organisation, Insightshare, we have faced the same walls. We have had some successes that we are proud of and developed some partnerships with development agencies that we are keen to sustain and build upon because we can see real results and benefits to communities and other stakeholders. This work tends to involve training project staff in PV, carrying out field work and supporting the creation of strategic action plans. The trickle down effect to communities can be very slow after the initial field work and training, and i worry about how much local people are getting their hands on the equipment we leave behind, and at the slow rate of visible change. I agree with Ricardo and Wendy's analysis of the aspects that block change at the grassroots.

Certainly we learned some years ago the value of individual "champions" well placed in organisations like the UN and who have personally witnessed the transformative power of the PV process and continue over the years to promote our approach.

Increasingly we are deciding to zig zag around some of the established, obvious International Development clients who have provided our bread and butter, but instead to follow our instincts and passion by working directly with communities. That is being invited by communities directly, by their home-grown NGOs or Associations or introduced by their allies, leading to capacity building process and on-going long term support based on the real needs on the ground. In turn this is leading to the creation and growth of new networks, with support from enlightened donors who trust in our methods and look for more direct and real connection with people on the ground.

Conversations with the Earth is a good example of this; an indigenous-led network connecting communities at the frontline of climate change through participatory video hubs -these are social media centres owned and run by communities like the Baka villagers of Mayos in the Eastern forests of Cameroon (www.conversationsearth.org).

Ultimately it takes courage and sacrifice and perseverance to follow strong principles in the world of business. At Insightshare nobody earns very much! Until very recently the directors (both with young families to support) couldn't rely on getting a regular salary. We rely heavily on dedicated volunteers, we are politically motivated, we are "do-ers", i guess we are activists, and cashflow is not something we focus on. Sometimes we "land" well paid consultancy work and we do the best we can working in a corporate or beaurocratic environment that sits very awkwardly with the principles of participatory communication (and can be somewhat "poisonous"). We choose this work strategically and it subsidises the work we really enjoy, with local people.

The way we are growing as an organisation reflects the situation: training local and regional networks of PV trainers, investing in a future where as practitioners we leave a smaller carbon footprint by travelling less, and enabling us to deliver training at much cheaper local cost. We always have a big vision in mind, that is about spearheading A MOVEMENT! alongside kindred spirits and diverse partners.
Nick Lunch, Director, Insight
www.insightshare.org

It feels good to have people who think alike.