{"id":13990,"date":"2025-07-24T14:10:47","date_gmt":"2025-07-24T21:10:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/?p=13990"},"modified":"2025-07-24T15:31:40","modified_gmt":"2025-07-24T22:31:40","slug":"empowering-tomorrows-critical-thinkers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/2025\/empowering-tomorrows-critical-thinkers\/","title":{"rendered":"Empowering Tomorrow’s Critical Thinkers: A Call to Action"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"In the complex world we navigate today, teaching kids to be critical thinkers<\/strong> and savvy media consumers<\/strong> has never been more vital. At KIDS FIRST!, we’ve embraced this mission for 34 years, and our impact on youth and families is a legacy we cherish. Our alumni consistently tell us the profound difference KIDS FIRST! has made in their lives.<\/p>\n

This year, despite the unexpected loss of two major government grants due to recent challenges in Washington, we’ve pivoted with purpose. We’re launching two exciting initiatives to create sustainable, ongoing revenue streams to support our essential KIDS FIRST! Film Critics program<\/strong> and the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival<\/strong>.\"\"<\/p>\n

A Win-Win for Schools and Future Leaders<\/strong><\/p>\n

We’ve established a groundbreaking partnership with a network of 5,000 Montessori schools nationwide<\/strong>. We’ll collaborate with them to host the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival<\/strong> at their campuses \u2013 serving as either a vibrant fundraising event for their school or a special bonus for their families. This is truly a win-win, offering schools a fantastic program while generating vital funds for KIDS FIRST!<\/p>\n

With each participating school, we’ll recruit new members for our KIDS FIRST! Film Critic team<\/strong>. These young critics will provide their schoolmates with the latest film and media reviews, fostering media literacy from within their own communities.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Our Urgent Need: Doubling Your Impact<\/strong><\/p>\n

To kick start these powerful initiatives, we urgently need to raise $30,000 in the next 30 days<\/strong>. This is a deeply personal ask. Like many of you, I am profoundly concerned about the future of our country, of our world, and committed to efforts organizations that make a tangible difference.<\/p>\n

Right now, your donation to KIDS FIRST! will be matched dollar-for-dollar through August 31st!<\/strong> This is a powerful opportunity to double your impact<\/strong> and fuel a movement that’s building a smarter, more discerning generation.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>More Than a Program \u2013 It’s a Movement. <\/strong>KIDS FIRST! is about more than just film reviews; it’s about empowering young people. Our team of KIDS FIRST! Film Critics<\/strong> creates their own insightful reviews of the latest films, TV shows, and digital media. These reviews are shared with the public through our social media channels, website, and blogs. We’ve cultivated a vibrant community of young people who:<\/p>\n