We're Back With More VK 4 Good!

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Our goal with this secondary newsletter is to highlight the work of our amazing community and the ways creativity is being produced and supported in Idaho - from sitting on boards, to building programs, or producing public art projects.

Each month, we'll highlight the VK 4 Good projects we have going on, or we'll talk about a local creative that inspires us. Really, we just want to spread the love our community deserves.
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Uplifting Communities
in India with the
​Dignity Freedom Network

Dignity. Purpose. Opportunity. Freedom.
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DFN is a nonprofit organization that works to protect vulnerable women, children and families from exploitation. Their goal is to restore freedom and opportunity for these groups specifically, while also uplifting their communities through whole care practices.
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Our director, Ryan Cork, has volunteered for DFN over many years, traveling to remote parts of India to help tell these unique stories and bring his creative eye to translate their mission into compelling visual storytelling. The stories he's able to capture are used to promote the work being done in the country by DFN and partner organizations as well as supporting fundraising efforts to continue the impact of that work.

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The first time Ryan introduced our team to the spots he's directed for DFN, we sat on the couch in our editing room in awe. The emotional intensity and beauty behind the stories they tell struck us with admiration for the work that they do.
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We thought it was a fitting time because Ryan is actually on a plane to India right now for his 9th year directing with DFN! So today, we're looking back and celebrating the beautiful work he's created over the years.
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Q: Why did you start doing this work? What's the story, what was the inspiration?

When I was building my company Scout Visual, I knew I wanted to work with cause-based organizations. That’s always been a really important part of my life and is my way of using my talents to make some small difference in the world. I heard of DFN through my uncle and reached out to offer my services. What started as helping edit some video they captured on a trip grew into a yearly trip of my own to capture footage for videos to be released the following year. I didn’t know what to expect before my first trip but quickly fell in love with the country of India, the kids that DFN serves, and the mission of the organization.
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Q: Why do you think it's important to do this kind of work along side commercial projects?

I believe continually participating in volunteer work is essential to a well-rounded creative. Not only are you offering your talents to help grow some kind of philanthropic work, but you also have an opportunity to grow your skill set. This work with DFN is important now and always because DFN can only continue with gracious donations from people. Telling the stories of the impact of those donations is what keeps donors engaged. The lessons learned will impact your commercial work as well.
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Q: What has surprised you about this project? What have you learned? How has it changed you?

I've been to India 8 times now and every trip throws new surprises at us. Whether it's a story we haven't encountered or a location that's new and interesting, we're always having to be continually adaptable. I think that's the biggest lesson I've learned from working with DFN. Being adaptable and flexible can serve to make your work better in the end. Allowing for modifications in the process of creation and being open to new information as the work unfolds has become pretty central to my creative work.

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