Talking about media with young people can open doorways for authentic dialog and create opportunities for students to learn and grow. In this Media Power Youth workshop, we’ll explore ways that you can use media as a connection point with your students to help them navigate real-life stressors and build a stronger school community. We’ll share recent research on how media affects youth mental health as well as the perspectives we’ve gathered from our Youth Media Squad. We will also discuss how to begin a conversation with parents about best media practices at home, and share some of our hands-on activities that you can implement in the classroom and during one-on-one student mentoring. This session will include a 15-minute Q&A.

About Heather Inyart:

Heather Inyart is the Executive Director for Media Power Youth, a New Hampshire-based nonprofit that inspires young people to engage with media in thoughtful and constructive ways that support well-being. Heather partners with educators, health professionals, parents, and community leaders to develop media literacy programs that build advocacy, critical thinking, and social-emotional skills. Media Power Youth also provides resources and supports for substance misuse prevention, mental health, and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Prior to Media Power Youth, Heather held a variety of positions in marketing and strategic planning for consumer products companies and nonprofit organizations. Heather lives in Exeter, NH, and enjoys unplugging from media and technology by knitting, cooking, and hiking with her family.

About Claire Garand:

Claire Garand is the Education Program Manager of Media Power Youth and is a passionate advocate for creativity and student voice. She also works annually with the New Hampshire Film Festival Young Filmmakers Workshop, guiding teens through an intense three-day filmmaking program that challenges students to engage with an audience and express themselves through film. She previously has worked with the New York Film Academy, aiding students in their creative projects as well as recruiting and supporting prospective undergraduate and graduate students. In her spare time, you can find her reading or building miniature accessories for her dollhouse. She has her bachelor’s of fine arts in film studies from the University of Colorado at Boulder and is currently living in Manchester, NH.