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Welcome to 'The Truth of the Matter,' our new bi-monthly donor newsletter designed to give you an exclusive, behind-the-scenes peek at Poynter’s work in quality journalism. In each edition, you’ll learn about the impact of a Poynter program and you’ll hear from other donors — like you — about why they support this important work.

MediaWise Voter Project prepares first-time voters

Think back to the very first time you voted in an election. You probably remember the thrill of making your voice heard. But if you’re like most people, you probably questioned whether you were prepared and informed enough to take on this daunting responsibility. Poynter recognized this issue and decided to extend a helping hand to these voters who will be exercising their civic duty for the first time in an era of rampant online misinformation.

Poynter has received funding from Facebook to launch a national media literacy program called the MediaWise Voter Project (#MVP). The program’s goal is to reach two million American college students, teaching them to be prepared and better informed as they vote for the first time in the 2020 election.

“Poynter is dedicated to elevating fact-based expression so that everyone can actively and confidently participate in our democracy,” said Neil Brown, the president of the Poynter Institute. “Facebook’s investment in this initiative will help first-time voters have access to independent, non-partisan and credible information so that they can make the most of their new civic responsibility.”

The MediaWise Voter Project builds on the momentum created by Poynter’s digital literacy project for teens called MediaWise — which teaches middle and high school students how to identify factual information, put posts in context and avoid sharing misinformation in their social media feeds. Read more.

Watch our MediaWise video to see how we're empowering the next generation of American Voter.

Explore your impact on Poynter’s work in 2019

Thanks to your generosity last year, Poynter made great strides in 2019. Countless communities were better informed, politicians were held accountable for their claims, and women and journalists of color were elevated in their newsrooms. Check out our Year in Review slideshow to learn more about our 2019 successes!

PolitiFact launches new website

Voters can now search by issues, people and even ratings on the Truth-o-Meter. Next time you’re watching a debate, town hall, State of the Union address or TV interview, pull up Poynter's PolitiFact to see who’s telling the truth.

Meet one of Poynter's corporate donors

Corporate Sponsor: Lori Rabinowitz, chief marketing and business development officer, Trenam Law

Location: Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL

How did you learn about Poynter?
One of our valued clients introduced us to the Poynter Institute and we learned about its commitment to responsible journalism and the media. We were happy to support the organization by sponsoring its annual Bowtie Ball.

How does Poynter's mission add value to your company?
We are proud to give back to organizations that help the Tampa Bay community in education, diversity and youth. We, too, interact with journalists when they report on news about Trenam Law and are grateful for their professionalism and accuracy in factual reporting.

Why do you support Poynter?
Poynter is a true partner. With our sponsorship dollars, not only are we able to support the organization, we are also able to be recognized in Poynter’s marketing materials and take advantage of the opportunity to meet and network with other community leaders and noted companies in Tampa Bay that also support the organization.

Attend our upcoming community events

An Evening with NPR’s Korva Coleman

April 22
6 p.m. — 8:30 p.m.
Join us for a reception, dinner and program at the Poynter Institute. The conversation will be moderated by Kelly McBride, Poynter’s senior vice president and the chair of the Craig Newmark Center for Ethics and Leadership. Tickets: $125 per person.

What Journalists are Learning - and You Need to Know - About Climate Change
May 28
Save the date! Tickets on sale soon.

Thanks for tuning in and for all you do to support Poynter's work elevating journalism and fact-based expression. If you’d like to share your story about why you support Poynter in an upcoming newsletter, please reach out to me at [email protected].

Josh Herrington
Development Director

Poynter Foundation Board Members:

Brian Tierney, CEO, Brian Communications
Michael Dreyer, President, Tampa Bay Trust Company
Frank “Sandy” Rief III, Attorney, Allen Dell, Attorneys at Law
Liz Sembler, Board Member, Corporation for Public Broadcasting

The Poynter Institute for Media Studies is a global leader in journalism education and a strategy center that stands for uncompromising excellence in journalism, media and 21st-century public discourse.

The Poynter Institute | 801 Third Street South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 | www.poynter.org

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