In images and words, The "IMatter" Project reflects the vitality and strength of communities through the beauty and promise of youth
Mission Statement
Rob Goldman’s “IMatter” Project is a multimedia youth empowerment program that celebrates the sanctity and self-worth of teens and young adults. The captivating campaign uses public media -- print, radio and web-- as a catalyst to engage communities in conversations regarding the challenges facing our youth. The social movement cultivates civic empowerment, uplifting and uniting citizens of all ages while instilling a sense of communal pride and promise.
The program features Goldman’s compelling photographic portraits accompanied by “IMatter” statements, written and spoken by each subject. Irresistible faces broadcast self-reflective messages of optimism that drive community engagement through larger-than-life banners, billboards, audio recordings, radio broadcasts and interactive exhibits. Captivating works are designed to provoke intergenerational discourse about critical youth issues that include anxiety, depression, homelessness, substance abuse, mental illness, gang violence and suicide.
The aesthetic uplift of the campaign inspires people to imagine and build a healthy community while promoting empathy, belonging and hope. We bring together the forces and faces of communities with an enticing platform that unites governmental, civic, educational, corporate and philanthropic forces to bring about positive change for youth.
Our History
The "IMatter" Project launched in Northport, New York in 2013 where images of local youth and their "IMatter" statements filled the windows of the Northport Public Library. Since then, the "IMatter" Project has been successfully implemented in a variety of public venues including colleges, libraries, civic associations, public schools and the Raymond J. Lesniak Recovery Recovery High School in New Jersey. The project is currently being implemented as a "Compassion Campaign" in partnership with the city of New Haven, Connecticut.
Our Founder & Director - Rob Goldman
Rob Goldman is an internationally published photographer, community-engaged artist, educator, author and speaker. His work interweaves aspects of art, education and social action to foster personal and professional growth while building community.
For over 30 years Rob's photographs have been celebrated in gallery exhibitions and national magazines including: Cosmopolitan, Time, Brides and Mademoiselle, and have appeared in ads for Club Med, Microsoft, AT&T, Marriott and Seagrams. Rob is currently on the adjunct professor faculty at Wesleyan University and Eastern Connecticut State University where he is teaching courses in photography and social engagement art.
He is the author of Shooting From The Heart: Creating Passion & Purpose in Your Life and Work. Rob's message is simple: "The world doesn't change, we do.
Positive change requires listening to the voices in our hearts that guide us to toward our true selves and our true purpose." This guidebook will help readers become more conscious of how thoughts and emotions get in the way of our ability to live with deep peace.