By The Education Team
The Defining US Initiative is a content+ community action reach and teach campaign designed to increase awareness and
action in families, schools, communities, and organizations. The model includes:
- Community Film Events that include watching the documentary, discussion, and developing action steps
- Digital Take Action Portals with evidence-based resources for families, schools, and communities
- Digital Professional Development Courses
- Defining US Local Reach and Teach Campaigns
- DIY Moviemaking where students are involved in the process of filmmaking and telling their own story while
learning critical skills
We believe that through our Discover, Understand, and Solve (DUS) communication techniques and mutual-aid model that are woven throughout everything we create and offer, we each will be able to better find common ground, create common goals, and develop coordinated next steps for positive action.
Today, please take the time to explore our varied resources, such as the take action digital portal CWK-TV.
What is CWK-TV?
AWARD WINNING DOCUMENTARIES AND EVIDENCE-BASED RESOURCES THAT BUILD RELATIONSHIPS AND TEACH THE CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS NEEDED TO SUCCEED IN SCHOOL AND LIFE
Connect with Kids through Video (CWK-TV) uses the power of media and the promise of education to help students and educators develop the critical thinking skills needed to succeed in school and life. The PreK-12 platform includes hundreds of proprietary, award-winning documentaries that tell real stories and teach us how to better understand ourselves and each other. These “movies that matter” with evidence-based educational resources are proven to increase self-awareness, build positive relationships, engage in constructive conversations, and develop positive behaviors that improve our lives.
We know this work is important. That’s why we’ve been offering our films and companion resources for over two decades. And today the importance of this work has been magnified. Student and staff social emotional and mental health needs grew exponentially during the Pandemic. Though needs have always been there, issues were exacerbated by social isolation, loss, grief, 
division, and the anxiety around the enormous changes and pressures everyone experienced (and still experience today). In fact, our US Surgeon General has declared a youth mental health crisis and there is a growing call for comprehensive targeted supports that help both students and adults navigate increased pressures and renewed interactions, both in and out of school. Skill building in these areas are foundational to both pro-social behaviors and academic achievement and are necessary to thrive in school, career, and life.
We remain committed to the work we’ve been invested in for over 20 years. Please explore our site to know more about vision and mission for our classroom without walls designed to create hope, healing, and unity in changing times.
