Citizen Watchdogs and the Future of News
Reporters, media professionals, and a graduate student explore the power of social media for sharing news and information, catalyzing social activism, and allowing citizens to play a watchdog role.
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Civic Self-Portrait
This handout help students explore what it means to “choose to participate” and to visualize the different elements of being a civic agent.
![Picture of students writing in a group.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-01/Facing-History_SJLA_218.jpg?h=c9f93661&itok=QW12Ek9J)
Front Page News on August 15, 2014
To further explore the power of images and the editorial choices made by different news agencies, have students compare the images and headlines featured on the front pages of a number of newspapers from August 15, 2014.
![People hold hands in prayer in the parking lot of convenience store that was looted and burned after Michael Brown was shot by police in Ferguson, Mo.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/2014_LivinginFerguson_FH230964.jpg?h=8b6300e7&itok=E_y1giir)
Police Officer in Ferguson
A member of the St. Louis County Police fires tear gas during demonstrations in Ferguson, Missouri, on August 18, 2014.
![Picture of Police Officer in Ferguson.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-01/71_Police.jpg?h=32b60151&itok=99j1rWDu)
Peaceful Protest in Ferguson
Peaceful demonstrators gather in Ferguson, Missouri, in the aftermath of Michael Brown’s death.
![Picture of a Peaceful Protest in Ferguson.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-01/73_Protest.jpg?h=e451c7a6&itok=ti5j8GGX)
Three Images of Michael Brown
Use the Analyzing Visual Images teaching strategy to look at three images of Michael Brown.