For over twenty years, P.O.V. has pioneered models for civic engagement using independent documentary films by some of the most powerful and acclaimed storytellers of our time. To support the development of young people as actively engaged citizens, P.O.V.'s Community Engagement and Education department provides access to media resources and reach out to youth by partnering with hundreds of schools and community-based organizations such as public libraries, public television stations, youth serving organizations and social service agencies.

Partnerships consist of screenings and discussions around contemporary social issues. “P.O.V. wants to involve as many people as possible in community building and educational programming,” explains Eliza Licht, Director of the Community Engagement and Education department. “Recognizing the power of independent documentary to transform people's understanding of their world, we lend P.O.V. films to educators and community leaders so they can incorporate independent media into their existing programs and tailor events to the needs and interests of their constituencies,” Licht adds.

To support secondary school educators in using media in the classroom, P.O.V. provides lesson plans for grades 6–12 that have been designed to meet national standards, enhance critical thinking skills and address a broad range of academic subjects such as geography, math, science, language arts and social studies. The latest lesson plans range from "Waging a Living,” which challenges students to research and calculate the living wage in their own communities, “The Chances of the World Changing,” where students are asked to create a model of an ecosystem with everyday classroom objects, to “Made in LA,” which compares current garment industry conditions with those at the turn of the century. 

Lesson plans are available online at http://www.pbs.org/pov/classroom.php . Additional companion resource materials can also be downloaded from the Web site, such as discussion guides and “Delve Deepers,” multimedia resources lists. These are produced with nationally recognized media educator Dr. Faith Rogow, issue-area experts, skilled facilitators and the American Library Association.

When educators are ready to use P.O.V. films in the classroom, they can apply to borrow films through P.O.V.'s Community Events Planner at http://www.amdoc.org/outreach/events/index.php. Signing up online as a screening partner will also keep members updated on P.O.V. broadcasts, local events, downloadable materials and other partnership opportunities.

Increasingly, educators and nonprofit organizations across the United States look to P.O.V. as an integral resource for fostering community dialogue and participation. P.O.V. staff have served on the PBS Teacher Advisory Board and presented workshops on using media in the classroom at the National Educational Telecommunications Alliance and The Celebration of Teaching and Learning at Thirteen/WNET–New York.

Produced by American Documentary, Inc. and celebrating its 20th season on PBS in 2007, the award-winning P.O.V. series is the longest-running showcase on television to feature the work of America's best contemporary-issue independent filmmakers. P.O.V.'s television series is broadcast on PBS nationally on Tuesdays at 10 pm from June through October (check your local listings). P.O.V. has brought more than 250 award-winning documentaries to millions nationwide, and now has a Webby Award-winning online series, P.O.V.'s Borders. Since 1988, P.O.V. has pioneered the art of presentation and outreach using independent nonfiction media to build new communities in conversation about today's most pressing social issues. P.O.V. is a project of American Documentary, Inc., a nonprofit media arts organization. More information about P.O.V. is available at http://www.pbs.org/pov.