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Media Awareness Network and Canadian Teachers’ Federation to Celebrate 5th Anniversary of Media Literacy Week

Ottawa, June 30, 2010 –Media Awareness Network (MNet) and the Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF) are joining to mark the fifth anniversary of Media Literacy Week, November 1-5, 2010, by encouraging youth, parents, educators, community leaders, governments and media industries from across the country to participate in and support media and digital literacy initiatives in their regions.

“CTF is proud to be partnering with MNet for a fifth year on this important initiative,” says CTF President Mary-Lou Donnelly. “We encourage teachers to integrate media and digital literacy into their classrooms to equip their students with the necessary critical thinking skills for positive and enriching media experiences.”

The theme for this year’s Media Literacy Week – Gender and Media – encourages adults to explore with young people a wide-range of media issues, such as body image, stereotyping, sexualisation, gender roles and healthy relationships – as well as how media can be used to provide more realistic and empowering examples for youth.

“Girls and boys look for role models to help them define their social identities and media provide a wide range of models on what it is to be male or female in today’s society,” said MNet Co-Executive Director Cathy Wing. “This year’s theme helps youth think critically about the ways that media can limit or expand their potential.”

Before and during the week, schools, community organizations, libraries, and parent- and youth-based groups across Canada will be participating in activities, such as panel discussions, youth forums, film festivals, animation workshops, student video contests, conference presentations and parent workshops.

This year, MNet and CTF welcome the active involvement of the education sector through the support of the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association and the Manitoba Teachers’ Society. In addition, returning collaborators include: Manitoba Education, National Film Board of Canada, Association for Media Literacy, McGill University Faculty of Education, Ontario Library Association, Concerned Children’s Advertisers, London Public Library and the Prime Minister’s Awards for Teaching Excellence.

Media Literacy Week is supported again by YouTube as a Gold Sponsor and Bell as a Silver Sponsor for 2010.

For individuals looking to get involved, visit the Media Literacy Week Web site at: www.medialiteracyweek.ca.

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About Media Awareness Network (MNet) is a Canadian not-for-profit centre of expertise in media and digital literacy. MNet's programs are funded by its public and private sector sponsors and partners, who include: CTVglobemedia • Canwest • TELUS • Bell • Canadian Internet Registration Authority • National Film Board of Canada. (www.media-awareness.ca/)

Canadian Teachers' Federation (CTF) represents nearly 200,000 teachers as their national voice on education and related social issues. (www.ctf-fce.ca)

For more information, contact:

Media Awareness Network
Tel: (613) 224-7721
mlw@media-awareness.ca

Francine Filion
Director of Communications
Canadian Teachers' Federation
613-688-4314, ext. 630
ffili@ctf-fce.ca

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