Kids need media literacy. You can make it happen.

Media literacy is as essential as reading, writing, and math. Yet most students in this country still don’t receive any instruction in it. Media Literacy Now is working to get media literacy education into schools nationwide—but we can’t do this work without the support of people like you.

With your support, in 2026 we will:

  • Refresh our model bill to include new essential elements addressing AI, social media benefits and risks, digital wellness, and cellphones in school policies

  • Engage with coalitions and organizations working within the EdTech and library space to find opportunities to advance media literacy instruction  

  • Convene school and district leadership and educators to share action plan for implementing policies to support media literacy education

  • Curate 10–20 existing PD materials for inclusion in our Resource Library to support teacher training

  • Compile and share subject area crosswalks from states who have mapped out how to incorporate media literacy into different content areas

  • Provide technical support to State Advocacy Leaders in 23 states and create advocacy tools

  • Recruit volunteers to lead efforts in 2-3 additional states

  • Reach out to legislators through our annual survey

  • Conduct additional legislative education outreach and follow-up calls and meetings to support proposed media literacy education bills

  • Distribute “Action Alert” emails to our network to encourage voicing support for proposed media literacy legislation in their respective states

  • Attend and present about the importance of media literacy education at 3-5 state educational conferences

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Why does media literacy education matter?

Why does media literacy education matter?

Gracie Gilligan, a graduate from Maynard Public Schools in Massachusetts, shares how a lack of media literacy sparked misinformation-based arguments among her friends as early as middle school. As part of her senior project, Gracie administered a survey to explore whether students are learning the skills necessary to decode messages sent via social media apps, television, video games, newspapers, and other forms of media. Watch the video to hear why Gracie thinks media literacy is important for her and her peers.

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Contribute toward raising awareness through press outreach and social media campaigns
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Contribute toward the creation and sharing of advocacy tools for educators, parents, and others to bring media literacy into the classrooms and communities.
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Help recruit and support new grassroots advocates to work on the local and state levels to reach dozens of policymakers.
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Contribute to supporting digital wellness and coalition building around K-12 education.
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Contribute to a district/community conducting an evaluation of Media Literacy Education and research using the Media Literacy index
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Help support state chapters with educating policy makers, developing coalitions and shaping policy in their state.

Donate By Check

Media Literacy Now
15 Main Street Suite 102
Watertown, MA 02472

EIN: 46-2991673

Form 990 (2024)

Our Partners

Our work wouldn’t be possible without your generous support and the support of our partners. We’re proud to be working together as a community of passionate media literacy advocates to bring about real change for our young people.

Every day my college students say media literacy
should have been a part of their education in high school, and even grade school.

Joni Siani, Media and Social Science Professor

This is a clear
public health initiative.

Terence R. Flotte, M.D. Provost and Dean, University of Massachusetts Medical School

Media literacy is a critical area for us all, especially our students,
to have a firm understanding of as they transition post-high school.

Brian Haas, Superintendent of Schools, Maynard Public Schools

I think media literacy is one of the most important
skills needed to thrive and be happy in our environment.

Anderson J. Duff, Attorney, Wolf Greenfield

Today, trying to teach without utilizing and helping students analyze the vast media world in which we all swim, is like trying to teach Moby Dick without the whale or the ocean, or like playing football without a helmet.

Fr. Richard Malloy S.J., Chaplain, University of Scranton

I know how important this legislation is
to helping girls cope in this difficult social and political environment.

Ruth Bramson, former Girls Scouts CEO

This is an all-hands-on-deck issue.
We need to wake up.

Keven J. Stratton, Utah State Representative

Legislation is the first step toward a recognition that media have such
a powerful influence on students that it’s time to help them be more thoughtful about how they are affected.

Tom Reid, High School English Teacher