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Busted Halo uses innovative social media techniques to reach out to “spiritual seekers” in their 20s and 30s about a variety of topics. Busted Borders’ Immigration Initiative will give Flip Video Cameras to immigrants, or agencies, so that they can record their opinions and experiences in short video “diaries” online. The goal of the Busted Halo® project is to put a human face on the issue by creating a forum for stories and blogs by immigrants themselves. Ultimately, the Initiative will help democratize the debate on immigration by enabling the voices and images of immigrants to be heard.

You can help Busted Halo by identifying individuals who would be interested in adding their input to the conversation about immigration. We are looking for people who are willing to share their hopes, dreams, struggles, plans, values and questions with a national audience.

Ideally, the participants would be:
1. In their 20s/30s
2. Willing to video diary/blog for us at least once a week for 3 months. (NOTE: if the blogs find an audience and participants are willing the length of time could go on as long as both parties feel it’s appropriate.)

As a starting point, they could offer insight into any of the following questions:
• Why did you or your family come to the United States?
• What is daily life like for you as an immigrant?
• How do you negotiate the worlds of education, housing, healthcare, finances, family, friends, relationships, etc.?
• What are some of the fallacies and misperceptions you have experienced as an immigrant?
• What is your community like? Are there any culture gaps between first, second and third generation immigrants? Is there a feeling of isolation or even alienation between the generations?
• How has your faith/church impacted your life in the United States?
• What have been some of the challenges that you have faced in this country?
• What do you like most about living in the U.S.?
• What do you miss about your home country?
• What are your plans for the future?
Participants will receive a small stipend in compensation and will also be able to keep the Flip video camera. However, the real draw should be their desire to participate in the project and share their stories.

Immigrants of all backgrounds are welcome to participate in this project, regardless of country of origin, immigration status, or English-speaking ability. Busted Halo understands the importance of protecting the confidentiality of any participants who do not wish to share their identity on camera and it will take all precautions not to give away any identifiable information. Technical assistance will be available to assist participants with the use of the Flip Video Camera.

Please contact Mirlande Jeanlouis [mirlande_at_bustedhalo.com] for more information about the Immigration Initiative or if you know someone who would be interested in participating.