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Faculty 

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Renee Hobbs

Professor, University of Rhode Island

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John Palella

Lecturer in Education,

Brown University

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Kent Lenci

Author, Learning to Depolarize

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Emily Bush 

Vanderbilt University

 

Josh Walker

Coalinga Middle School

 

Katie Beer  

Hope HS

 

Christine Oskar-Poisson

Columbia College

 

Arianna Grassia

Hastings-on-Hudson UFSD

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Hitender Rao

Reporter, Hindustan Times

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Jim Wells

School District of Philadelphia PSTV

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Martha Kuhlman

Bryant University

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Robin James

University of Rhode Island

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Luisa Murillo

Progreso Latino

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Chuck Morgan

Community College of RI

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Ramona Bessinger 

Classical HS

 

Sandy McGee 

University of Rhode Island

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Christine Carpentier

Joseph L. McCourt Middle School
 

Kerry Murphy

Johnston High School

 

Kelly Lee

Paul Cuffee Upper School

Participants

Thais Motta

Graduate Student, Salzburg University 

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Paul Cook

Indiana University 

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Tara Ronda

tara.ronda@gmail.com

Stockton University / Princeton University

 

Yomely Moreno

Nowell Academy

 

Kamilah A’Vant

University of Rhode Island

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Shelley Wolfe

School District of Philadelphia PSTV

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Chloe Hansen 

Alfred University 

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Carlos Cruz

Beacon Charter High School for the Arts

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Stefani Anderson

Woonsocket High School

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Kristin Hayes-Leite

Narragansett High School

 

Mary Kate Lonergan 

Fayetteville-Manlius Middle School

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Kate Ray

Cranston High School West

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Steffanie Padilla

Photography Museum, University of California Riverside

 

Kelly Joseph

Moses Brown

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Lori Kiley-Garcia

East Providence High School 

 

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Melissa Gillespie

Portsmouth High School

 

Katharine Amaral

Jenks Middle School

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Rosemary Colao

South Kingstown High School 

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Nicole Galipeau

Kickemuit Middle School, Bristol Warren

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Wendy Gustavel

Rocky Hill Country Day School

 

Brianna Cardillo

Johnston Senior High School

 

Olywyn McCabe

Classical HS

 

Janine Wilkins

Park University 

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Heather Barry

Greystone School and Roger Williams University

 

Laura Hosley

Narragansett Pier Middle School

 

Kerry Caparco 

Paul Cuffee Upper School

 

Amber Sams

Saucon Valley High School 

 

Elaine Costa-Bernardino

Rocky Hill School

 

Cris Damasceno

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

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Miriam Badger

Birchwood and Ricci Middle Schools

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Shawn Domgaard

Washington State University 
 

Kristin Killilea

Middlebridge School

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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.

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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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