Josh Schachter

Fellow at Edmund Hillary Fellowship (EHF)

Josh Schachter is the Founder and Executive Director of CommunityShare, a nonprofit organization based in Tucson, Arizona. He has dedicated over 20 years to community-based media projects, focusing on education and social ecology. His work emphasizes creating connections between local resources and educational institutions to enhance real-world learning experiences for students.

Background and Contributions

Education and Early Career: Schachter co-founded the Finding Voice Program, which supports literacy and civic engagement among refugee and immigrant youth through multimedia storytelling. This initiative aims to empower students by enhancing their critical thinking and collaborative skills.1 2 3
CommunityShare: Founded in 2014, CommunityShare operates as a platform that connects educators with local professionals, artists, and organizations. The goal is to share knowledge and resources that enrich educational experiences for students across various settings.1 2 4 Schachter describes CommunityShare as a "human library," facilitating access to community expertise for educational purposes.2 3
Visual Storytelling: As a photographer, Schachter has documented significant social issues, with his work featured in notable publications like the New York Times and the Navajo Times. He believes in the power of visual storytelling to foster understanding and engagement with social and environmental challenges.2 3 4

Philosophy

Schachter's approach combines social capital, systems thinking, and regenerative development, aiming to create inclusive educational ecosystems that support student well-being and civic agency. His vision includes democratizing access to community resources to help all students achieve their potential.2 3 5

Additional Roles

In addition to his work with CommunityShare, Schachter has been involved in various initiatives aimed at enhancing youth media literacy and promoting social entrepreneurship. He has facilitated workshops and projects globally, including in countries like Nigeria, India, and Brazil.3 4

For more information about his work, you can visit his profiles on platforms like LinkedIn or CommunityShare's official site.