Courageous Conversations: Leading Community Discussions about Media Literacy

In today’s digital age, where misinformation proliferates and emotions often eclipse facts, the need for robust media literacy is more pressing than ever. Recognizing this, I embraced the opportunity to join the Media Education Lab’s Courageous Conversations professional development program in Fall 2023. This initiative is at the forefront of combating violent extremism by equipping citizens with the tools to critically analyze media, discern the seeds of hate online, engage in active listening, and disseminate these skills to counteract radicalization.
As part of the program, I was introduced to Courageous Rhode Island’s Courageous Conversations curriculum including topics as wide ranging as influencers, conspiracy theories, free speech, and others. Inspired by the program, I developed a fellowship in Spring 2024: Enhancing Civic Engagement Across Generations through Media Literacy Education. As part of the fellowship, undergraduates led community conversations using the CRI curriculum with a variety of age groups spanning from Gen Alpha middle schoolers to Baby Boomers at local centers for older adults. Over the course of the semester students explored media literacy, as well as learning skills to adapt and implement the curriculum for different ages and cultural contexts.
My presentation will introduce the Courageous Conversations curriculum and include a roadmap for implementation of the CRI curriculum within attendees’ own institutions and communities. I will highlight benefits of entrusting college undergraduates with leading these critical conversations on contentious issues and reflect on the challenges encountered along the way.