As the world watches Americans head into the U.S. Presidential Election season this fall, the need for an active and engaged public representing diverse communities, beliefs, and priorities is evident. At the same time, headlines are filled with threats to equality, freedom, and liberty—the very ideals that led to the founding of the Republic. These include news about voter suppression, police brutality, and dire consequences of human behaviors on our climate. Without the watchful eye and activism of the people of the United States, our Republic is in peril. How do we help to protect our democracy? Our expert panel will share why building an engaged public—especially young people—through media literacy and discourse about public issues is so important, and they’ll share concrete advice that educators can use every day. This will be a moderated conversation with ample time for Q&A.
Speakers:
Jimmeka Anderson, The Urban Education Collaborative at UNC Charlotte
Mary Ellen Daneels, Illinois Civic Mission Coalition John Silva, News Literacy Project
Moderated by: Dr. Kei Kawashima-Ginsberg, Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement,Tufts University
