HMF Mission:

The Media has extraordinary power to focus attention on issues of humanitarian importance; however, this power is not often used effectively.

The mission of the HMF, launched May 1, 2008, seeks to tap into the power of the media—film, both documentary and narrative; art and music; print, web, television, and photojournalism—and extend their influence more broadly, so that humanitarian issues are not just covered in brief articles, commercials, profiles, or soundbytes, but can be explored and given context, so that their importance is more widely known. With greater knowledge, more people in positions of authority and influence can then also be drawn in to be part of the dialogue, so that such issues are not just lamented, but perhaps some constructive and creative answers can be illuminated among those with the greatest capacity to make a difference.

To this end, the HMF will be enlisting the support and partnership of news agencies, journalists, filmmakers, writers, artists, international NGO's, figures in international policy, and international philanthropy--among others--to bring attention to areas of humanitarian importance and to act as a conduit among them, so that collaborations and exchanges of ideas might more easily take place.

It is our warm hope that you will find like-minded people here, will forge alliances and collaborations, and in whatever ways you can promote creating greater visibility and involvement with humanitarian concerns.

The Humanitarian Media Foundation (HMF), a non-partisan, non-sectarian 501(c)(3) entity in the United States, employs and multiple forms of media (film, television, journalism, photojournalism, new media, art, photography, music) to explore aspects of domestic and international humanitarian crises, issues and histories; raise awareness for humanitarian matters; encourage collaboration among media entities and international stakeholders; and facilitate change in areas where it is most needed.

Scope of Humanitarian Matters: Including, without limitation: refugee crises, medical relief, human rights, war, genocide, debt relief, cross-cultural and political conflict, other war crimes and international criminal tribunals, indigenous populations and conflicts within and without their communities, and humanitarian needs during natural disasters.