Mission Statement
The "IMatter" Project reflects the vitality and strength of communities through the beauty and promise of youth in images and words.
The “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 to engage people of all ages in conversations regarding the challenges facing today's youth while instilling a sense of communal pride and promise.
The program features Rob Goldman’s compelling photographic portraits accompanied by “IMatter” statements written 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.
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 city-wide campaign in New Haven, Connecticut.
Photos by Rob Goldman
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Founder & Director - Rob Goldman
Rob Goldman is an internationally published photographer, community-engaged artist, educator, author and speaker. His work weaves 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. 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."
Key Community Sponsors
Other Sponsors:
Roz & Jerry Meyer • Pepe's Pizza • New Haven Fire Department • New Haven Sign Company • Henry Lord