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Mission Statement

Empowering Future Leaders: Cultivating Critical Thinkers in a Media-Rich World

Our mission is to equip students and educators with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate and critically evaluate the complex media landscape. By fostering media literacy, we aim to create a community of informed and responsible citizens who can discern credible information, combat misinformation, and promote a culture of truth and transparency.

Objectives for Students

1. Understand Media Literacy: Gain a comprehensive understanding of media literacy, including the principles of critical thinking, the impact of media on society, and the importance of evaluating sources.
2. Identify Misinformation and Fake News: Learn to recognize and distinguish between credible information and misinformation or fake news through practical examples and exercises.
3. Master Lateral Reading: Develop and practice lateral reading techniques to verify information across multiple sources and platforms.
4. Peer Education and Leadership: Prepare to return to their schools as media literacy ambassadors, equipped to teach and train their peers on identifying misinformation and using lateral reading strategies.
5. Promote a Culture of Inquiry: Foster a mindset of curiosity and skepticism, encouraging peers to question and verify information rather than accepting it at face value.

Objectives for Teachers

1. Professional Development in Media Literacy: Engage in professional development sessions that provide comprehensive training on integrating media literacy into various subjects and classroom activities.
2. Curriculum Integration: Learn strategies for incorporating media literacy into the existing curriculum, ensuring that students develop critical thinking skills across all subjects.
3. Combat Misinformation in the Classroom: Gain practical tools and resources to help students identify and challenge misinformation and fake news within their academic work and daily lives.
4. Support Student Leaders: Develop methods to support student leaders in their efforts to educate peers, creating a collaborative environment where teachers and students work together to promote media literacy.
5. Create a Media Literate Classroom Culture: Establish and maintain a classroom culture that values inquiry, critical thinking, and informed discussion, ensuring students are prepared for the media challenges of the 21st century.

Requirements to Attend Misinformation Day

For Schools:

1. Student Participation:
   • Each participating school must bring a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 20 students to the event.
   • Students should be selected based on their leadership potential and interest in media literacy.
2. Teacher Participation:
   • At least one teacher from each participating school must attend.
   • Teachers will receive professional development focused on integrating media literacy into their classrooms and curriculum while their students are attending the conference sessions.

For Students:

1. Eligibility:
   • Students must be in high school and demonstrate an interest in media literacy and leadership.
   • Students should be willing to take on the role of media literacy ambassadors in their schools, teaching and training their peers after the event.
2. Preparation:
   • Students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with basic concepts of media literacy, fake news, and misinformation prior to the event.
   • Participants should be prepared to engage actively in sessions and activities, including the escape room.

For Teachers:

1. Professional Development:
   • Teachers will participate in dedicated professional development sessions focused on media literacy during the event.
   • Sessions will include strategies for teaching media literacy, integrating it into various subjects, and combating misinformation in the classroom.
2. Support and Implementation:
   • Teachers should be prepared to support their students in implementing media literacy projects and activities in their schools post-event.
   • Teachers will receive resources and materials to aid in the integration of media literacy into their teaching practices.

General Requirements:

1. Commitment:
   • Both students and teachers must commit to attending the entire day of activities, from the opening session to the closing remarks.
   • Participants should be ready to engage, collaborate, and contribute to discussions and activities throughout the event.
2. Follow-Up:
   • Schools are encouraged to share the outcomes and impact of the event within their communities.
   • Students and teachers may be asked to provide feedback on the event and its effectiveness in promoting media literacy.

By meeting these requirements, schools, students, and teachers can ensure a productive and impactful experience at Misinformation Day, empowering participants to become media-savvy leaders and educators in their communities.

Sessions/Keynote

Options

• Emma Gray – Microsoft (link)
• Craig Silverman – ProPublica (link)

Objectives for Presenters

1. Model Effective Teaching Techniques
   • Demonstrate best practices for teaching media literacy, including interactive and engaging methods that students can replicate when instructing their peers.
2. Develop Teaching Skills
   • Equip students with essential teaching skills such as lesson planning, classroom management, and effective communication techniques tailored for their peers.
3. Hands-On Practice
   • Provide opportunities for students to practice teaching media literacy concepts in small groups, with feedback from peers and presenters to refine their approach.
4. Understanding Media Literacy
   • Ensure students have a deep understanding of key media literacy concepts such as misinformation, fake news, and lateral reading to confidently teach these topics.
5. Resource Utilization
   • Introduce and familiarize students with various tools, resources, and collateral materials (e.g., lesson plans, activities, handouts, and digital tools) that they can use to teach their peers.
6. Creating Lesson Plans
   • Guide students in creating effective and engaging lesson plans that they can use when teaching media literacy at their schools, including clear objectives, activities, and assessments.
7. Engagement Strategies
   • Teach students how to use interactive and participatory engagement strategies to make their lessons more appealing and effective for their peers.
8. Building Confidence
   • Conduct activities designed to build students’ confidence in their ability to teach and lead discussions on media literacy topics, including public speaking exercises and peer support networks.
9. Evaluating Understanding
   • Train students on methods to assess their peers’ understanding of media literacy concepts, including formative and summative assessment techniques.
10. Promoting a Supportive Environment
    • Encourage students to foster a supportive learning environment that promotes open dialogue, critical thinking, and mutual respect among their peers.

Session Breakdown (90 Minutes)

1. Introduction and Overview (10 minutes)
   • Brief introduction to the session’s objectives and importance of teaching media literacy.
2. Modeling Teaching Techniques (20 minutes)
   • Presenters demonstrate a media literacy lesson, showcasing effective teaching methods.
3. Hands-On Practice (20 minutes)
   • Students practice teaching a segment of the lesson in small groups, with feedback from presenters and peers.
4. Resource Walkthrough (10 minutes)
   • Introduce students to the tools, resources, and collateral materials available for teaching media literacy.
5. Lesson Planning Workshop (20 minutes)
   • Guide students in developing their own lesson plans, providing templates and support as needed.
6. Confidence-Building Activities (10 minutes)
   • Conduct exercises to build students’ confidence in their teaching abilities, such as public speaking drills.

Tools and Resources Provided

1. Lesson Plan Templates: Easy-to-use templates for structuring media literacy lessons.
2. Presentation Slides: Pre-made slides covering key media literacy concepts.
3. Interactive Activities: Engaging activities designed to illustrate media literacy topics.
4. Assessment Tools: Formative and summative assessment tools to evaluate peers’ understanding.
5. Handouts and Worksheets: Printable materials to support lessons and activities.
6. Digital Tools: Access to online platforms and resources for interactive learning.
7. Teaching Guides: Comprehensive guides on best practices for teaching media literacy.

By focusing on these objectives, presenters will ensure that student leaders are not only knowledgeable about media literacy but also equipped with the skills, confidence, and resources needed to effectively teach and train their peers.

Potential Topics and Rational for Sessions on Fake News and Media Literacy

Title	Description	Rationale
Understanding Fake News	Explore what fake news is, its origins, and its impact on society. Discuss the different types of fake news and how they spread.	Provides foundational knowledge essential for identifying and understanding fake news.
The Psychology of Misinformation	Delve into why people believe fake news, the role of cognitive biases, and the psychological mechanisms behind misinformation.	Helps students understand the human factors that contribute to the spread and belief in fake news.
Spotting Fake News	Learn practical techniques for identifying fake news, including checking sources, verifying information, and recognizing red flags.	Empowers students with actionable skills to discern credible from false information.
Lateral Reading	Teach the technique of lateral reading, where students learn to verify information by cross-checking multiple sources.	Introduces a critical method for verifying information, enhancing analytical skills.
Evaluating Sources	Understand how to assess the credibility of different sources, including news outlets, social media, and websites.	Promotes critical thinking and source evaluation, essential for media literacy.
The Role of Algorithms	Examine how social media algorithms influence what news we see, including filter bubbles and echo chambers.	Raises awareness about the digital environment and its impact on information consumption.
The Impact of Fake News	Discuss the real-world consequences of fake news on politics, public health, and society at large.	Highlights the significance of media literacy in maintaining a healthy, informed society.
Fact-Checking and Verification	Learn about fact-checking organizations and tools, and how to use them to verify information.	Provides students with reliable resources to counter misinformation.
Media Bias and Perspective	Explore how different media outlets can present biased perspectives and how to detect and analyze bias in news reporting.	Encourages critical analysis of media to understand bias and its influence on public perception.
Creating and Sharing Information	Teach responsible creation and sharing of information, emphasizing the ethical considerations of media production and dissemination.	Instills a sense of responsibility and ethics in media consumption and production.
Case Studies in Fake News	Analyze real-world examples of fake news, how they were debunked, and their impact on public opinion and behavior.	Provides concrete examples to illustrate the concepts and consequences of fake news.
Media Literacy in the Digital Age	Discuss the importance of media literacy in the context of digital media, including social media, blogs, and online news.	Highlights the evolving landscape of media and the need for continuous media literacy education.
Developing Critical Thinking	Focus on building critical thinking skills that enable students to question and analyze the information they encounter daily.	Enhances overall analytical abilities, crucial for navigating the media landscape.
Collaborative Verification Projects	Engage students in group projects to collaboratively verify information and create presentations on their findings.	Promotes teamwork and practical application of verification techniques.
The Ethics of Journalism	Explore the ethical responsibilities of journalists and the standards they should uphold, including accuracy, fairness, and impartiality.	Emphasizes the importance of journalistic integrity in maintaining trust in the media.

Volunteer Requirements

Role	Responsibilities	Number of Volunteers Needed	Qualifications
College Facilitator	Lead a group of students through sessions, provide guidance, and support learning activities.	20 (1 per group)	College students with experience in teaching, tutoring, or leadership roles.
Escape Room Facilitator	Run and manage the escape room activities, including setting up, explaining rules, and guiding participants.	2	College students with strong organizational and communication skills.
Registration Volunteers	Manage the registration table, check in students, provide information, and distribute materials.	4 (2 per shift)	College students with good organizational and communication skills.
Lunch Facilitators	Assist with organizing and distributing lunch, ensuring smooth and orderly process.	4	College students with good organizational and teamwork skills.
General Helpers	Assist facilitators and presenters with various tasks, including setup, transitions, and material distribution.	10	College students with a willingness to help and support the event activities.

Cost Breakdown

Criterium
	Schools	13
	Students Per School	15
Student
	Number Students	195
	Shirt	$     12.50
	Binder/Materials	$        9.00
	Lunch	$     12.50
			$  6,630.00
Teachers
	Stipend	$     50.00
	Travel Cost	$  100.00
	Sub Cost	$     50.00
	Lunch	$     12.50
			$  2,762.50
Volunteers
	Total Volunteers	30
	Amazon Gift Card	$ 25.00
	Lunch	$ 12.50
	Shirts	$ 12.50
			$1,500.00
Administration	Management	$ 2000.00
Total			$  12,892.50

Group Responsibilities

Chairperson

The Chairperson leads the board and oversees the entire planning and execution of the conference. This role involves:

• Coordinating and facilitating board meetings.
• Ensuring all board members are fulfilling their responsibilities.
• Liaising with sponsors, partners, and key stakeholders.
• Overseeing the development and finalization of the conference agenda.
• Providing guidance and support to other board members.

Vice-Chairperson

The Vice-Chairperson supports the Chairperson and steps in when necessary. This role includes:

• Assisting the Chairperson in coordinating board activities.
• Ensuring the smooth operation of the conference planning process.
• Handling financial aspects such as budget preparation, expense tracking, and financial reporting.
• Recording and distributing meeting minutes in collaboration with the Logistics Coordinator.

Logistics Coordinator

The Logistics Coordinator is responsible for overseeing all logistical aspects of the conference. Key responsibilities include:

• Securing venues and handling venue logistics.
• Coordinating transportation and accommodation for speakers and attendees.
• Managing registration processes and participant communications.
• Organizing catering and meal arrangements.
• Assisting the Vice-Chairperson in recording and distributing meeting minutes.

Program Director

The Program Director develops and coordinates the conference program. This role encompasses:

• Creating the conference agenda and schedule.
• Identifying and securing speakers and facilitators.
• Developing session topics and descriptions.
• Coordinating with presenters and ensuring they have the necessary materials.
• Ensuring the program aligns with the conference objectives.
• Handling communications and negotiations with presenters.
• Ensuring presenters are well-prepared and have necessary materials.
• Coordinating presenter schedules and session assignments.
• Providing support to presenters on event day.

Marketing and Communications Director

The Marketing and Communications Director manages all promotional and communication efforts. Responsibilities include:

• Developing and implementing a marketing plan for the conference.
• Creating promotional materials and content.
• Managing social media and online presence.
• Liaising with media partners and sponsors for publicity.
• Handling all communications with participants and stakeholders.

Volunteer Coordinator

The Volunteer Coordinator recruits, trains, and manages volunteers. Key duties include:

• Developing a volunteer recruitment plan.
• Identifying volunteer roles and responsibilities.
• Conducting volunteer training sessions.
• Coordinating volunteer schedules and assignments.
• Ensuring volunteers are supported and recognized for their efforts.

Sponsorship and Partnership Coordinator

The Sponsorship and Partnership Coordinator secures sponsorships and builds partnerships. This role involves:

• Identifying potential sponsors and partners.
• Developing sponsorship packages and proposals.
• Maintaining relationships with sponsors and partners.
• Ensuring sponsors receive appropriate recognition and benefits.
• Coordinating with other board members to fulfill sponsorship agreements.
• Identifying potential grant opportunities.
• Writing and submitting grant proposals.
• Maintaining records of all grant applications and outcomes.
• Ensuring compliance with all grant requirements and reporting.

Evaluation and Feedback Coordinator

The Evaluation and Feedback Coordinator oversees the evaluation process to measure the success of the conference. Responsibilities include:

• Developing evaluation tools and surveys.
• Collecting and analyzing feedback from participants, volunteers, and speakers.
• Providing reports on the effectiveness and impact of the conference.
• Making recommendations for future events based on feedback.

Grant Letter

Lilly Endowment Inc.
2801 N. Meridian St.
Indianapolis, IN 46208-0068

Dear Members of the Lilly Endowment Grant Committee,

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to introduce MisInformation Day by Indiana Council for the Social Studies, a dedicated advocate for educational excellence and civic engagement. Our mission is to empower students and educators with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the complex media landscape, fostering a community of informed and responsible citizens.

We are excited to present our latest initiative, “Misinformation Day,” a comprehensive media literacy project designed to combat misinformation and fake news. This initiative will involve a one-day event aimed at training student leaders from various schools in media literacy, equipping them with the skills to educate their peers about the dangers of misinformation and the importance of critical thinking.

Project Overview:

• Target Locations: Northwest Indiana, Indiana University, Ball State University, and Indianapolis.
• Participants: Approximately 200 student leaders (15 per school) from various high schools in each region.
• Activities: The event will include sessions on identifying fake news, lateral reading techniques, the psychology of misinformation, and practical teaching skills. Additionally, all participants will engage in an escape room activity designed to reinforce media literacy concepts and provide hands-on facilitation experience.
• Facilitators: Each group of 10 students will be guided by a college facilitator, ensuring personalized attention and effective learning.

Support Request: To successfully implement Misinformation Day, we seek your generous support. Specifically, we require:

• Funding: A total of $30,000 to cover event logistics, educational materials, facilitator stipends, and participant lunch.

We believe that the backing of the Lilly Endowment would significantly bolster our efforts to cultivate a media-literate youth, equipped to discern credible information and act as informed citizens. Your involvement will not only lend credibility to our initiative but also ensure its success and sustainability.

Thank you for considering our request. We are confident that with your support, we can make a significant difference in empowering the next generation to critically engage with the media and uphold the values of truth and transparency in our society.

We look forward to the opportunity to discuss this proposal further and explore how we can collaborate to achieve our shared goals.

Sincerely,

(TEAM)

Version .1

Mission

• To empower Indiana students, educators, and communities with critical information literacy skills to identify and combat misinformation, fostering a more informed and engaged citizenry.
• To promote understanding and awareness of misinformation in Indiana through education, collaboration, and public engagement, ensuring that every Hoosier has the tools to access and evaluate information critically.
• To provide comprehensive media literacy education across Indiana, equipping individuals with the skills to discern fact from fiction in the digital age and contribute to a truth-informed public discourse.
• To collaborate with educational institutions, libraries, and community groups in Indiana to develop resources and workshops that enhance critical thinking and digital literacy, combating the spread of misinformation.
• To champion the importance of media literacy in Indiana’s schools and communities, developing a statewide network of informed citizens and educators dedicated to the principles of truth and transparency in information.

Objective

Student-Oriented Objectives:

1. Create interactive workshops for students on identifying misinformation.
2. Organize student competitions on creating effective anti-misinformation campaigns.
3. Launch online platforms for students to discuss and learn about media literacy.
4. Implement hands-on activities that engage students in evaluating news sources.
5. Encourage student-led initiatives to promote digital literacy within their communities.

Educator-Oriented Objectives:

1. Develop media literacy curriculums aligned with Indiana’s educational standards.
2. Train educators in the latest digital literacy practices and tools.
3. Offer certifications for educators who complete specialized media literacy training.
4. Organize annual conferences for educators to share resources and effective teaching strategies.
5. Provide ongoing professional development focused on integrating media literacy into various subjects.

Media Specialist Objectives:

1. Foster partnerships with local media to promote responsible journalism and accurate reporting.
2. Train librarians and media specialists in advanced information verification techniques.
3. Develop resources and toolkits specifically for media specialists to use in community education.
4. Coordinate with tech companies to provide access to advanced tools for checking information accuracy.
5. Create a network of media literacy advocates among professionals in journalism and library science.

Community Objectives:

1. Implement community outreach programs to extend literacy efforts beyond educational institutions.
2. Engage with parents and guardians to educate them on how to support their children’s media literacy at home.
3. Sponsor public seminars and talks on the importance of media literacy and how to combat misinformation.
4. Produce and distribute educational materials on media literacy to community centers and libraries.
5. Measure and report on the impact of media literacy initiatives to guide future community efforts.

Partners

Indiana Council for the Social Studies

• Indiana Council for the Social Studies (Lead)
• Indiana Humanities (Grantor)
• NPR/PBS in Indianapolis
• Center for Representative Government
• Ball State’s Center for Economic and Civic Learning
• Purdue Northwest and Ball State

Presentation Guide Lines

Objectives

Sessions should meet the following learning objectives:

• Participants will be able to explain why verifying information is important. What’s the impact?
• Participants will understand that we are all vulnerable to spreading misinformation.
• Participants will be able to recognize when they should investigate the credibility of information. What does misinformation look like?
• Participants will be empowered: They will be able to explain how to investigate questionable information AND/OR how to find good information. What can we do?

Activities

Sessions must include interactive elements. We recommend aiming for a 50/50 split between lecture and activities, or more activity than lecture time. Here are some ideas, free tools, and resources: 

• Live poll / Word clouds
  • Poll Everywhere (unlimited questions, free up to 25 max audience size)
  • Mentimeter (free up to 2 question slides, unlimited audience size) 
• Quiz / Interactive Ice-breaker 
  • Kahoot (free for less than 50 players – participants could do in pairs)
• Turn & talks / think-pair-share with a partner / small group
• Group drawing reflection activity to work on with a partner / small group

Schedule

March or April 2025

Location

How many and where?

Costs

• Venue/Space
• Swag (t-shirts, stickers, pens)
• Food and beverage (for participants, speakers, and volunteers)
• Escape room kits (printing and packaging of all materials)
• Volunteer training & recognition (lunch during training, celebratory happy hour after event)
• Printing (welcome packet materials, handouts for activities, signage)
• Materials (markers, name tags, lanyards)

Funding

• Indiana Hummanities (Max 3K – must establish a long term sustanability)
• Knight Foundation (Need to do a micro request first) (Apply for funding – Knight Foundation)
• CNN10
• NBCU ([email protected])

Attendees

• Who should be invited?
• Limit the number of students per school? (Goal for them to go back and do something)

Resources

• MisInformation Day Library (UW)
• MisInformation Escape Room

Sample Schedule

This schedule is the most up-to-date reflection of the lessons we’ve learned after hosting MisinfoDay in person and virtually since 2019. The primary differences between this schedule and ones from years’ past – also listed below – are (1) a shorter day and (2) one longer breakout session instead of 2-3 shorter ones. 

09:30 – 10:00 AM	30 mins	Doors Open
10:00 – 10:30 AM	30 mins	Welcome & Opening Keynote
10:45 – 12:00 PM	1 hour 15 mins	Session Time  Students will choose a breakout room session, such as one of the escape room games, debunking deceptive data, or TikTok and misinformation.
12:00 – 12:30 PM	30 mins	Lunch
12:30 – 1:00 PM	30 mins	Closing Keynote & Event Survey (end of lunch)

09:00 – 09:30 AM	30 mins	Doors Open
09:30 –  09:50 AM	20 mins	Welcome & Opening Remarks
09:50  – 11:05 AM	1 hour 15 mins	Euphorigen Investigation Escape Room
11:15 – 12:05 PM	50 mins	Session 1 – View options here
12:15 – 12:55 PM	40 mins	Lunch
01:05 – 01:55 PM	50 mins	Session 2 – View options here
01:55 – 02:05 PM	10 mins	Closing Remarks & Event Survey

Planning Agenda #1

• Location ( Northwest Indiana (Purdue Northwest or Valparaiso University) | Indiana University Indianapolis | Ball State | Indiana University)
• Schedule (Full Day, 9:30 to 1:00, 1/2 Day)
• Funding Sources (Suggestions)
  • Indiana Humanities (Up to $3K, have to come up with a sustaining model)
  • Knight Foundation
  • External Sources (News, Social Media, etc…)
• Agree on a Mission Statement
• Trainer Model (few students from a school attend and give them tools to go back and do it in their school) or Learner Model (larger groups of students)
• Cost breakdowns
• ICSS Regiestration/Money and Management