How we use technology is more important than ever these days 鈥� our education, advocacy, work and social lives are primarily limited to online settings. In light of youth鈥檚 increased reliance on technology as well as current racial and social justice movements, 优蜜视频 offered a complimentary Spyglass online workshop series this month called Digital Civics: Changemakers of Tomorrow.

Bethany Ellerbrook, whose graduate research explored tween and teen media engagement, led students through four workshops. In 鈥淔act or Fiction,鈥� students learned how to identify misinformation and craft persuasive pitches in support of a cause they care about. The student-selected topics included global climate change, the Black Lives Matter movement, unequal access to food and clean water, education disparities and marine pollution. It was inspiring to hear directly from our stellar students about the changes they want to make for the betterment of the future!

In 鈥淩aising Awareness鈥� and 鈥淭elling the Story,鈥� students explored the fundamentals of visual design and video production, then created powerful Instagram posts to advocate for their causes. Finally, in 鈥淐ontent and Conversations,鈥� they discussed online echo chambers and the differences between debate and dialogue, plus shared their final designs with one another.

In the last meetings of each of the two class sections, students shared their final thoughts and takeaways: they were proud of themselves for what they were able to create in under two weeks and excited to continue acting in support of their causes. Several students were also inspired to share their creations on their own social media! See below for some of their final creations, and see the rest on the .

Although we are looking forward to learning together in person again, it has been incredible to meet students from all over the country. This summer, the Spyglass program has served students from almost 20 states. In the Digital Civics series alone, brought together students from California, Washington, DC, Florida, Arkansas and more. We can鈥檛 wait to see how these students continue to make a difference and advocate for their causes!

The final Digital Civics workshop ended with a quote from the late civil rights activist and US Representative John Lewis: 鈥淲hen you see something that is not right, you must say something. Democracy is not a state. It is an act, and each generation must do its part鈥︹��

We鈥檇 love to hear from our community: what causes are you passionate about? What online resources help you and others advocate for positive change?

The Institute for Educational Advancement (优蜜视频) is deeply saddened by the most recent examples of the horrific injustice that has plagued our nation鈥檚 Black community for far too long. We join communities around the world that are banding together to mourn and work towards social justice. We share in the grief and pain caused by these tragedies, yet we are hopeful that this outcry against racism and violence will result in real change. 
 
优蜜视频 is committed to being part of the solution. We are listening, asking questions, learning and taking action. 优蜜视频 serves children of all ages and backgrounds; we understand that the dialogue about inequality and violence will look different in each family.  These conversations are important for us all.  Our children are watching us 鈥� they want to help us create a more just and civil society that embraces equality and condemns racism. As an organization, 优蜜视频 celebrates differences. We teach tolerance, respect and acceptance for all, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation or background. We hope to inspire change in our nation by modeling integrity, respect and understanding. 优蜜视频 strives to offer a welcoming space for conversation and healing, a space where uniqueness is honored, and discrimination and violence are never tolerated. Yet we know we can do more.
 
We invite our entire community to the conversation and hope that you will dialogue with us by sending your feedback and suggestions. 优蜜视频 is taking the following actions:

• We are hosting a Spyglass workshop: 鈥淒igital Civics: Changemakers of Tomorrow鈥� as a complimentary offering.
• We are expanding our work to diversify 优蜜视频鈥檚 community with the help of partner organizations.
• We are gathering and disseminating resources for 优蜜视频鈥檚 community.
• We are advancing our Public Policy efforts to ensure gifted youth from all backgrounds are identified and served.
• We encourage our constituency to use their voice to vote.

We have gathered a collection of resources that may be of assistance, and we will continue to update this list on 优蜜视频鈥檚 blog.  Please continue to share articles, books, podcasts or videos that have been helpful for your family!
 
优蜜视频 is committed to listening to your voices, and we will work together to create social justice. Thank you for allowing 优蜜视频 to be a part of your lives.
 
In Solidarity,
 
Elizabeth D. Jones
优蜜视频 President
 

RESOURCES

This section will be updated regularly as we receive feedback and resource suggestions from the 优蜜视频 community. 

Books about Racism:

Videos

Articles

• • Your Kids Aren’t Too Young to Talk About Race: Resource Roundup