This programming is a public-facing data-driven storytelling project that allows researchers from the LIFT project to collaborate with media makers to visualize the data we collect for the more general public. To make this happen, we partner with Pop Up Docs™ – a media production company that offers a framework for engaging youth and young adults in visual journalism production through apprenticeships. Together, we host workshops that help tell the stories we find in the data, from the narratives of trusted messengers to the specific concerns of Black communities. During our first workshop, ten Michigan high school students produced a short documentary-style interview production about the named trusted messenger and Detroit Free Press columnist Darren Nichols. 

Our first LIFT Symposium was a huge success, and highlighted research findings, connected trusted messengers, creating opportunities for networking, resource sharing and restoration. Our inaugural symposium  focused on trusted messengers in more traditional media making spaces.

With support from partners, future programming will expand to include trusted messengers across industries including: journalism and media makers; faith leaders; coaches and youth program leaders; activists; and others. 

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We're seeking partners and sponsors to help make this expansion possible. Please reach out if you're interested in being a part of this revolutionary effort. 

This programming focuses exclusively on training and developing trusted messengers, as well as supporting trusted messengers through resilience, retention, and recovery programs. As we continue to expand this programming from the LIFT Symposium, we hope to create standalone opportunities to train and support trusted messengers throughout the year.

With the Diversity Pledge Institute (DPI), we connect LIFT's research-backed trusted messenger training with DPI's DEI landscape and sustainability research to identify ways to maximize DEI investments for newsrooms and individuals. 

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In collaboration with programs and resources available at Michigan State University, we hope to offer opportunities to connect students and trusted messengers  with each other and the world in a series of programs that builds communication skills and issue-specific knowledge, while  providing mentorship and community. Working with the Institute for Journalism and Natural Resources, the Knight Center for Environmental Journalism, and the Center of Journalism Studies, we’ll develop a speaker series dedicated to highlighting trusted messengers’ concerns about climate and environment related issues. 

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We're also seeking partners to collaborate, create and expand with. Please connect with us if you're interested in building something with us!