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Kids have a tough time navigating the world today, especially in terms of media. At KIDS FIRST! we teach kids how to use critical thinking in assessing the values of a film or other form of entertainment. We always tell them, “We’re going to teach you how to think, we’ll never tell you what to think.” And so far, it seems to be working. We do believe that education empowers children to become informed, compassionate, and engaged citizens. It helps them to
- Develop critical thinking skills so they can analyze information and make informed decisions.
- Understand and appreciate different cultures and perspectives, which builds empathy and tolerance.
- Identify and challenge injustice and advocate for what is right.
- Contribute to the progress of society by using our knowledge and skills to solve problems and create a better world.
Recently we asked some of our alumni how their experience with KIDS FIRST! affected their college or young adult years. Here are stories from two of them.
I could write novels about how KIDS FIRST! has impacted me and made me more well-rounded and more confident in myself, but if I had to put it in a few sentences or a paragraph for potential benefactors or media industry professionals, it would look like this. Growing up when I did, finding your voice as a kid can be hard. We learn how to walk, to talk, to be good listeners and communicators, and more. But, I didn’t discover my voice and the power my words and opinions had until I walked through that door on KIDS FIRST’s audition day. The key to life is absorbing information, communicating effectively, being kind to everyone you meet, finding ways to be happy and finding ways to leave your legacy and make the world a better place. For me, KIDS FIRST! did all of that and more. It was the perfect way for me to find my voice and connect with others who had theirs too. I am an Associate Marketing Manager for an events company. The communication, time-management and personal skills I developed from being in KIDS FIRST! extremely prepared me for this job, since I regularly engage in writing and editing social media content. (Samantha Marcus)
My time at KIDS FIRST! was the most influential period of my life. I joined when I was 13 with a speech impediment and no experience in the film industry. Thankfully, Ranny Levy took me under her wing. From exciting private screenings to unforgettable red carpet events, KIDS FIRST! gave me opportunities that I could only dream of. Under Ms. Ranny’s tutelage, I learned how to be a professional presenter and a conscientious writer. My education at KIDS FIRST! was intensive but never patronizing because Ms. Ranny sees the limitless potential in children and pushes them to be the best they can be. I recently earned my BA in Practical Filmmaking at MET Film School in London. I’ve worked on feature films, high end commercials and award winning short films. My most recent accomplishment was being a Production Manager for the Short Film Last Call starring Tom Holland and Lindsay Duncan which premiered at Tribeca Film Festival. With every project I still use the same communication skills that KIDS FIRST! equipped me with. (Keefer Carteen)
We believe in these kids. They are the Future Creatives Of Tomorrow.
Support KIDS FIRST! Film Critics today and help us keep giving kids a voice.
Your donation of any amount will make a difference. Here are a few examples:
- $20: Sponsor a youth filmmaker to submit a film to our festival.
- $120: Sponsor a tween or teen at KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Boot Camp.
- $2,000: Sponsor a mini film critics boot camp at a local film festival.
- $5,000: Support a KIDS FIRST! Film Critic for one year.
Every donation helps us empower young people to share their voices and perspectives on film. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of kids everywhere.
KIDS FIRST! is a project of the national 501(c)(3) Coalition for Quality Children's Media. Your donation is tax-deductible to the degree allowed by law. EIN: 85-0398632https://youtu.be/MLbF_h8ew5Y
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KIDS FIRST! Journey
Today, one week into our annual year-end fundraising campaign, we've reached 20% of our goal, thanks to generous people like you! Please help us reach 100% so we can continue our important work in children's media, which often changes lives one person at a time.
As we begin our 33rd year, I've been reflecting on our journey and our vision for the future. When I co-founded KIDS FIRST! in September 1991, little did I know that it would evolve into my life's most defining work. A casual conversation with my colleague, Paula Miller, marked a turning point in my life. We, along with a few others from the children's media industry, had been toying with the idea of creating a service that would help parents choose quality programming for their children. Paula, having recently been laid off, posed a question that forced me to confront my own commitment to this idea. She asked, "Are you serious about doing this?" Her question was a wake-up call. It was time to either fully commit to this idea or let it go.
By the end of our first meeting, we had developed a business plan to start a nonprofit and created a list of potential board members. As she drove away, we literally tore that list in half and began making phone calls. I still remember calling Peggy Charren (Founder, Action for Children's Television), who grilled me like I was on the witness stand before saying, "Oh sure, you're fun to talk with. I'm in!" After that, things began to flow pretty smoothly, though we definitely had our ups and downs. We launched the concept at VSDA (some of you remember that conference), where Bruce Apar, Editor of Video Business, approached me and said, "You need me on your board." Many other critical people joined us along the way and I'll share some of those stories at a later time.
What I did not know at the beginning is how this organization would grow and become so much more than meets the eye. On the surface, we teach media literacy in action to our team of 65 tween and teen reporters who review the latest films and interview the cast and crew. But KIDS FIRST! is so much more.We have created a community where these young people can engage with media professionals in a dialogue that makes children's media relevant. We build lifelong friendships for young people with a shared interest in storytelling, filmmaking, and investing in their future. We help them find their purpose and become leaders who impact the lives of others in a meaningful way.
Please help us meet our end of year goal by making a contribution yourself and sharing our story with friends, family and colleagues. Every little bit helps, whether it is $5 or $1500.
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