TPSW 2026 — Ten Photos to Shake the World — is back, capturing the spirit of volunteerism and the social impact it creates. We invite amateur and professional photographers alike to capture the raw, unfiltered truth of human dedication.
Across Asia, countless acts of impact unfold every day in complete silence—a newly planted sapling, a quiet moment of mentorship, a town rebuilt from ruin. Yet, the true weight of volunteerism remains largely invisible to the world.
ASSIST is ready to disrupt that silence with the return of Ten Photos to Shake the World (TPSW) 2026.
Aligned with the UN’s International Volunteer Year 2026, our mission goes beyond mere documentation. While global institutions establish policy, TPSW shifts the lens back to the front lines. We are handing creative control to those on the ground, empowering local communities and storytellers to claim their own narrative.
The contest is open to both amateur and professional photographers residing in the five participating countries: the Philippines, India, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand. Whether you use a DSLR or a smartphone, we invite anyone documenting grassroots impact to participate.
What the contest is looking for
We are looking for photos that document the raw reality of grassroots work. This means capturing volunteerism in all its forms—from the active momentum of community projects to quiet moments of mentorship, shared learning, and genuine human connection. Winning entries reflect the true atmosphere on the ground: candid, meaningful interactions and the steady, everyday effort that drives lasting change.
How it works
- Submission Window: Submissions are open from September 3, 2026 through October 15, 2026. Entries must be submitted online through the official Call for Entries form.
- Two-Stage Judging: All entries undergo an initial internal screening by the ASSIST team, followed by a final evaluation by an external jury of professional photographers and development leaders.
- Awards & Recognition: A tiered award system will honor winners across both categories, including:
- Top 3 Professional Entries
- Top 3 Amateur Entries
- 4 Consolation Prizes
- Special Awards (to be announced)
- Winner Announcement: Finalists and winners will be announced in November 2026 across ASSIST and TPSW official channels.
For complete eligibility requirements, photo specification guidelines, and evaluation criteria, please review the full details and contest mechanics: https://tinyurl.com/TPSW2026ContestPrimer
