In this uplifting conversation, Rosemary Smith, from the Getting Better Foundation, discusses with Penny Ronning the positive impact of media literacy and critical thinking skills on combating human trafficking and strengthening democracy. Rosemary shares the story of Edgar Welch and Pizzagate to illustrate how misinformation can lead to violence and she highlights the importance of media literacy education in building trust.
Rosemary covers practical tools for developing critical thinking skills and distinguishing fact-based information from falsehoods. Penny and Rosemary emphasize the value of diverse perspectives and the power of storytelling in promoting empathy and understanding. They also discuss the crucial role of media literacy in preserving democracy and fighting human trafficking both domestically and globally.
Rosemary also discusses the Getting Better Foundation’s powerful and award-winning documentary, Trust Me. By the end of the conversation, listeners will feel inspired to watch the film and share it with others of all ages!
Like the film, this conversation is filled with hope, highlighting the positive impact of media literacy for today and future generations.
To learn more about the Getting Better Foundation, please visit their website HERE (gettingbetterfoundation.org/) .
To learn more about the Trust Me Documentary, please visit its website HERE (www.trustmedocumentary.com/) .
To learn more about the Yellowstone Human Trafficking Task Force, please visit our website HERE (yhttf.org/) .
Host: Penny Ronning
Writer: Penny Ronning
Producers: Penny Ronning, Ty Lowe
Editor: Ty Lowe
Sound Designer/Engineer: Ty Lowe
Music: Ty Lowe, Konstantin Klimov
Graphic Design: Rae Clark
Website: Justin Townsend
Rosemary Smith Bio
Rosemary Smith has accumulated considerable international experience in the media over the last three decades. She began her career in the media as a co-owner of FCC-licensed radio stations throughout Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas. Rosemary is a media literacy expert, Montana’s state lead for Media Literacy Now, and envoy to the U.S. State Department’s American Film Showcase. She manages the Montana-based Getting Better Foundation and spearheads its global distribution of the award-winning Trust Me Documentary and the film’s educational curriculum in partnership with the News Literacy Project.
Rosemary has authored many blogs and is working on her first children’s book about media literacy. She’s delivered presentations and contributed to publications on media and citizenship-related issues in dozens of countries. Rosemary remains interested by the challenges posed by emerging media forms and issues relating to media literacy, mental health, peace, and democracy.