Activists's Introductory Tour to Media Literacy Welcome to the growing field of media literacy education. There is a huge need for activism and advocacy around media issues.

Our lives are subject to significant influence by media messages. As individuals, families, communities and a society, we are inundated daily by messages that tell us we aren't good enough the way we are -- that we need to buy more things and be more beautiful to be OK in the world. Violence in the media encourages us to accept violence as normal in everyday life. Slanted and superficial TV news coverage distorts our view of our neighbors (including local, national and international neighbors) and promotes a sense of civic dis-empowerment, as if nothing we do can make a difference.

But, kids (and adults) love media! TV is the dominant force in American culture. How can we get people to pay attention to the power and influence of media in our lives? Helping children become critical viewers and thinkers about media messages is especially important. So is helping families learn why they should manage their media consumption so it doesn't interfere with recreational activities and family time. And in this time of politicial divisiveness, helping citizens understand that major media outlets usually do NOT give them accurate, thorough and unbiased information is vital to maintaining the health of our democratic system.

If you already define yourself as an activist, you're probably already familiar with what needs to be done and the resources available to do it. But since you're here, these are our suggestions for getting involved in media literacy education as a citizen advocate/activist.

Begin with these steps. You don't have to do them in order, nor all at once. An estimate suggests how much time you might spend on each. Just start now, come back often, and sign up for our Email news regarding additions to this site and items that match your specific interests.

	(5-10 minutes) Familiarize yourself with the varying definitions of  “What is media literacy? ”
	(15-30 minutes) Visit our pages on these special interest areas related to media activisim (a new window will open). From there, briefly visit some of the major sites in the media literacy education field. Advertising & Consumerism (including marketing, public relations, branding and commercialism in schools) Global Media Issues (including media economics and democracy) Health & Behavior (incuding media violence, alcohol/tobacco advertising, sexuality, body image, obesity) Kids, Parents & Media Media ecology (exploring media and human values) Representation (gender, age, race and other stereotyping in media)
	(5 minutes) Check out the different professional organizations for media educators. ACME has a more activist approach toward media and health issues; AMLA members tend to be more K-12 educators but also includes many media/health advocates.
	(5 minutes) Considering joining a listserv (email discussion group). Members of the Action Coalition for Media Education (ACME) are automatically added to its listserv.
	(5 minutes) Scan the conference calendar to see what may be in your area. Too far away or not until next year? Check out the online learning events sponsored by MediaLiteracy.com.
	(The rest of your life) Promote media literacy to your friends, co-workers, to members of your community organizations -- to everyone you meet. Your work will give them life-changing skills in becoming more conscious consumers of media and more engaged, effective citizens of this country and this planet.

Start now, and let us know if there's anything we can do to help you.