The Kitsap Center for Excellence in Media Literacy

The Kitsap Center for Excellence is a unique, community partnership of agencies, individuals and organizations committed the betterment of all people living in the Kitsap County Area of Washington State through the promotion of media literacy.

The Kitsap Center for Excellence includes a wide and unique range of representatives including public access television stations, community media, public health, education, public housing and childrenπs support organizations as well as individuals concerned about the media our children are exposed to daily.

The Kitsap Center for Excellence, and three other regional centers in Washington State are coordinated by Teen Futures Media Network, College of Education, University of Washington and sponsored by the Washington State Department of Health. Tackling a wide range of Media Literacy issues as well as youth media production, community organizing around media literacy issues, partnering with local schools and community groups as well as community television stations ≠ the Kitsap Center for Excellence is a unique project exemplifying the connection between Media, Culture and community.

What is Media Literacy?

Media Literacy can be described simply as the process of teaching individuals ways to decipher and understand the media. Just as we learn to decipher language when we learn to read ≠ so Media Literacy can teach us all how to ≥read≤ different kinds of media messages.

By learning to understand the messages in media as diverse as the evening news, a TV comedy or a cigarette ad in a magazine, citizens learn to critically assess the thousands of media images we see every day.

The Kitsap Center Resource Guide

Media Literacy can cover a vast range of topics as well. From gender and violence issues, to consumerism to the neurological development of children exposed to television from an early age ≠ Media Literacy has something for everyone.

Over 1,000 studies exist on the topic of Media and Violence alone! No wonder people often feel overwhelmed in this field!

This guide was created to assist both the newcomer to Media Literacy and the seasoned professional find resources and materials.

Roberta Kowald

Coordinator

Kitsap Center for Excellence in Media Literacy

rkowald02@erthlink.net

June 2003.