Faculty
Renee Hobbs
Professor, University of Rhode Island
John Palella
Lecturer in Education,
Brown University
Kent Lenci
Author, Learning to Depolarize
Ben Thevenin
Associate Professor, Brigham Young University
Key Elements of the Program
Expert Guidance
Courageous RI brings together leading experts in the fields of media literacy and civic engagement. For everyone, we offer program outlines, coaching, and guidance on how to host lively Courageous Conversations discussion programs. You will receive practical strategies to counter the hate that leads to violence. Our team of professionals is committed to supporting you throughout the program, ensuring that you have the necessary knowledge and resources to make a meaningful impact.
Collaborative Learning
By joining Courageous RI, you become part of a vibrant network of educators and librarians who share a common goal: combating disinformation and promoting media literacy and active listening. Through collaborative learning, you will exchange ideas and share challenges and success stories. Collectively, we will develop innovative approaches to cultivate Courageous Conversations.
Customized Options and Resources
We understand that every educational setting is unique and that people have different priorities and needs. That's why Courageous RI provides customizable learning opportunities. For middle school, high school, and college educators, we offer a learning community along with teaching resources. For students, we host a media contest to unleash creativity and amplify the power of youth voice.
Congratulations, Graduates!
Courageous RI Professional Development Program
This supportive online professional learning community helped participants develop educational strategies to reduce the fear and hate that lead to violence.
The Media Education Lab offered a fully-online professional development program for middle school, high school, and college educators. Participants came from across Rhode Island, the USA, and the world!
In the Fall of 2023, 54 middle school, high school, or college educators participated in a 10-hour online PD program consisting of 6 one-hour online programs plus independent reading, viewing, writing, and other work. They developed a final assignment to implement with learners in their own schools, libraries, and communities.
Vanderbilt University
Coalinga Middle School
Hope HS
Columbia College
Hastings-on-Hudson UFSD
Reporter, Hindustan Times
School District of Philadelphia PSTV
Bryant University
University of Rhode Island
Luisa Murillo
Progreso Latino
Chuck Morgan
Community College of RI
Ramona Bessinger
Classical HS
University of Rhode Island
Joseph L. McCourt Middle School
Johnston High School
Paul Cuffee Upper School
Participants
Graduate Student, Salzburg University
Indiana University
Stockton University / Princeton University
Nowell Academy
University of Rhode Island
School District of Philadelphia PSTV
Alfred University
Beacon Charter High School for the Arts
Woonsocket High School
Narragansett High School
Fayetteville-Manlius Middle School
Kate Ray
Cranston High School West
Photography Museum, University of California Riverside
Moses Brown
East Providence High School
Melissa Gillespie
Portsmouth High School
Jenks Middle School
South Kingstown High School
Kickemuit Middle School, Bristol Warren
Rocky Hill Country Day School
Johnston Senior High School
Classical HS
Janine Wilkins
Park University
Greystone School and Roger Williams University
Narragansett Pier Middle School
Paul Cuffee Upper School
Saucon Valley High School
Elaine Costa-Bernardino
Rocky Hill School
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Miriam Badger
Birchwood and Ricci Middle Schools
Shawn Domgaard
Washington State University
Kristin Killilea
Middlebridge School
Lucia Delaroca
Rhode Island College
Why It Matters
Counter Disinformation
In Courageous RI, you are empowered to become a frontline defender against disinformation, hoaxes, propaganda, and the culture of outrage. You will learn how to help people make more responsible choices of information, entertainment, and persuasion.
Improve Media Literacy Skills
In the digital age, media literacy is no longer an option but a necessity. You will gain insights into media biases and learn about how the media ecosystem monetizes anger and hate.
Reduce Violence Through Civic Education and Engagement
By developing the knowledge, habits of mind, and critical thinking that leads people away from polarization and hate, you will contribute to positive change in your community.
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