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With input from expert advisors, Active Voice creates video modules, web content, film discussion guides, educational toolkits, and other resources to transform concerned citizens into active ones.
Fixing the Future Fixing the Future
The Fixing the Future Screening Toolkit (pdf: 2 MB), developed by Active Voice in collaboration with JumpStart Productions and Area23a, was created for local organizations across the country hosting community events in conjunction with the July 2012 theatrical release of Fixing the Future. With tips on how to plan a successful event, conduct grassroots marketing, define objectives and a direct call-to-action, as well as ideas for sustaining the momentum of support after the film screening, the toolkit is a useful resource for anyone interested in hosting screenings of Fixing the Future, well beyond the theatrical release.
Equal Voice Youth Empowerment Project Equal Voice Youth Empowerment Project
Created by Active Voice with funding and support from Marguerite Casey Foundation, the Equal Voice Youth Empowerment Toolkit (pdf: 1.3 MB) / Spanish Version (pdf: 1.5 MB) is designed to help youth leaders, adult facilitators and educators use the short documentary Maria Full of Hope as a tool for training and empowerment. The toolkit includes reflection and discussion questions, background information on issues that directly affect young people, inspiring case studies of individuals and organizations overcoming social inequities, and suggestions for how to lead a successful community campaign. The Equal Voice Youth Empowerment Event Planning Guide (pdf: 467 KB) is a great step-by-step resource for organizations and individuals that want to host community events that use Maria Full of Hope and other tools and activities to inspire civic engagement among young people.
Hawo’s Dinner Party guide Hawo's Dinner Party
The "Hawo’s Dinner Party" Recipes and Discussion Guide (pdf: 700 KB) was designed to accompany the 31-minute video module adapted from Welcome to Shelbyville that delves into the story of several Somali refugees living in rural Tennessee. Developed by Active Voice in collaboration with Everyday Democracy and Tanenbaum Center for Interreligious Understanding, the Guide provides discussion prompts and frequently asked questions to help clergy, educators, law enforcement and public officials understand the unique challenges facing immigrants and refugees from Muslim-majority countries. To inspire a people-to-people exchange among groups coming together for the first time – ideally over a meal or potluck – the Guide also offers recipes from the diverse cast of Welcome to Shelbyville. The Event Planning Toolkit and Facilitation Guide (pdf: 3 MB) is a great resource for coordinators and provides nuts and bolts guidance on planning a screening that will support more welcoming and inclusive communities.
Building a Nation of Neighbors guide Building a Nation of Neighbors
The "Building a Nation of Neighbors" Discussion Guide (pdf: 2 MB), developed by Active Voice in collaboration with Welcoming America, was created to accompany the 25-minute video module adapted from Welcome to Shelbyville. By providing additional footage and background information on the Welcoming America model, the module and guide provide tips and guidance for organizations and individuals on how to build communities that are more welcoming to immigrants.
Welcome to Shelbyville guide Welcome to Shelbyville
Created by Active Voice in collaboration with BeCause Foundation and with funding from the Carnegie Corporation of New York, the Welcome to Shelbyville Discussion Guide (pdf: 3.8 MB) provides insights into Shelbyville’s history of demographic change as well as helpful facts around immigration nationally. The guide’s facilitation questions allow audience members to explore these dynamics by walking in the shoes of local residents featured in the film, and its resource list will aid with further research and actions. The Event Planning Toolkit (pdf: 1.9MB) is a great step-by-step resource for coordinators planning a screening and using their events as launchpads for immigrant integration efforts.
Waiting for Superman guide Waiting for “Superman”
The Waiting for “Superman” Community Discussion Guide, developed by Active Voice in collaboration with Participant Media with funding from the Ford Foundation, is designed to be a resource for communities interested in beginning or continuing a conversation about creating and sustaining great public schools, with a focus on parent engagement. The guide, available in English (pdf: 1.19MB) and Spanish (pdf: 564KB), provides a framework for exploring what changes are necessary in your schools and district and for deeper examination of key components of great schools, including high standards, strong partnerships and prepared and effective teachers. The Event Planning Toolkit (pdf: 316KB) provides organizations and individuals hosting screenings of Waiting for “Superman” with guidelines to jumpstart community conversations around education reform.
Make Agent Orange History guide Make Agent Orange History
As part of an effort to raise awareness of the long-term effects of Agent Orange in Vietnam, the Make Agent Orange History Event Planning Toolkit provides event ideas, framing suggestions and background information to help motivated people who want to educate their communities about this humanitarian concern and inspire action in support of environmental cleanup and healthcare in Vietnam.
Have You Heard guide

Have You Heard
Active Voice, in collaboration with Clarity Films and Steps International and with funding from the Ford Foundation, developed the Have You Heard From Johannesburg Discussion Guide (pdf: 1.3MB). The guide is designed to help viewers use the seven-part series as a springboard for dialogue on a range of themes and issues related to the global anti-apartheid movement: human rights, social justice, race relations, civic engagement, global citizenship and economic justice. It suggests overarching discussion questions about the entire series, and also allows viewers to delve deeper into each of the seven episodes and explore key themes.
Ingredients for Change Community Action Guide Food, Inc.
As part of the Ingredients for Change Campaign (funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation), Active Voice, in collaboration with Participant Media, Magnolia Pictures and River Road Entertainment, has created a Planning Toolkit (pdf: 700KB) and Community Action Guide (pdf: 2 GB) to be used for community screenings of the film Food, Inc. Specifically designed to inspire community dialogue pertaining to food access issues, obesity, and other diet-related health problems, the Action Guide establishes clear connections between public health issues and the film's main overarching themes of industrial agriculture and modern U.S. food policy. The Toolkit outlines the objectives of the campaign, and provides concrete steps for creating effective and impactful events. Spanish versions of the Planning Toolkit (pdf: 700 MB) and Community Action Guide (pdf: 2 GB) are also available to download.
Shelby Knox Redux Shelby Knox Redux
The Shelby Knox Redux Discussion Guide was developed to accompany Shelby Knox Redux to prompt faith-based dialogue and reflection around sexuality and lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender (LGBT) inclusion. While the guide was specifically developed for use in churches, many of the questions are relevant for a range of faith-based and secular audiences. The accompanying Resource Guide also provides additional links and information addressing faith-based LGBT work.
Greensboro: Closer to the Truth Greensboro: Closer to the Truth
The Closer to the Truth Project Facilitation and Dialogue Guide was produced by Active Voice in collaboration with the Andrus Family Fund, Longnook Pictures, the International Center for Transitional Justice and other experts in racial justice and dialogue facilitation. The Guide accompanies the film Greensboro: Closer to the Truth, by Adam Zucker, and offers historical background and context, customizable discussion questions, suggested group activities, facilitation tips, and a list of resources audience members can use to delve deeper into sustainable community reconciliation.
New Muslim Cool New Muslim Cool
Active Voice created two New Muslim Cool toolkits in collaboration with Specific Pictures and the Interfaith Youth Core, specifically designed for fostering dialogue among diverse groups. Individuals interested in bringing together their friends, families and neighbors should refer to our Watch Party Guide, which was especially designed for small groups. Organizations planning larger, more formal public events should consult our Crossover Conversations Event Planning Toolkit, which includes tips for event framing, a planning checklist, interfaith dialogue suggestions and more.
Child Brides: Stolen Lives guide Child Brides: Stolen Lives
The Facilitator Guide: Global Applications (pdf: 159KB) for the NOW on PBS program, Child Brides: Stolen Lives, was created by Active Voice to support discussions about child marriage in communities grappling with the modern-day relevance of an age-old practice. The guide offers facilitation tips, talking points and discussion questions to deepen conversations among young women and community leaders, as well as suggested activities to spark critical thinking around the impact of child marriage.
A Class Apart
The A Class Apart, A Night Together toolkits were created in collaboration with Camino Bluff Productions, Inc. Individuals can use the House Party Toolkit (pdf: 550 KB) to host a small screening with family and friends, students, or casual community groups. The Event Planning Toolkit for Organizations (pdf: 560 KB) is for those planning a more formal or public screening, and includes additional outreach suggestions, tips for panelists, and planning ideas.
The Visitor
Active Voice's Discussion Guide (pdf: 700 kb) for The Visitor was created in collaboration with Detention Watch Network, National Immigrant Justice Center, and Participant Media. It provides resources for using this critically acclaimed feature film as a tool for dialogue in a range of settings, from community screenings to at-home discussions. It includes discussion questions, background on U.S. immigration detention, a walk through the legal process, and action steps for those concerned about U.S. immigration
The Mystery of Love
The comprehensive Discussion Guide (pdf: 1.53 mb), created in collaboration with the Independent Production Fund and the Fetzer Institute, provides a range of resources for using The Mystery of Love as a catalyst for dialogue. It includes facilitation tips, dialogue guidelines, discussion questions, activity suggestions and action steps for individuals and organizations who want to engage in substantive dialogue about the many different forms of love in our lives.
Gender Chip Project The Gender Chip Project
Active Voice created an Action Toolkit for Media Working Group’s The Gender Chip Project, which aims to encourage girls and young women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math, and to provide training and support to the adults who mentor them. The toolkit includes discussion questions, resources, and ideas for using The Gender Chip Project documentary with three groups: schools and nonprofits; young women; and professionals and advocates.
A Doula Story A Doula Story
Active Voice worked with The Kindling Group and Chicago Health Connection (CHC) to create a Resource and Discussion Toolkit (pdf: 2.67mb) for individuals and organizations that work with and care about teen parents and their children. It can be used with the documentary A Doula Story in a variety of settings to initiate conversations about teen pregnancy, supplement curriculum for educators and counselors, and as a tool for teens and family service providers.
Stevie Stevie
Active Voice produced the Stevie Resource Guide (pdf: 670kb) in association with Willamsworks, to accompany the film, Stevie, from the award-winning director of Hoop Dreams and The New Americans. This 14-page guide contains film discussion points, child abuse information and statistics, ideas for how to use the film to create dialogue and change, and available resources to professionals, families, and victims.
Chasing Freedom Chasing Freedom
With support from partners including Human Rights First, this Action Guide (pdf: 364kb) helps viewers of the Court TV produced original movie learn more about political asylum and how they can help asylum seekers. AV’s Pro Bono Guide will accompany an 18 minute video module and be tailored for use in law schools throughout the country. (Available Soon)
Deadline Deadline
The film, Deadline, follows former Illinois Governor George Ryan, a longtime death penalty advocate, to his astonishing decision to grant clemency to 160 death row inmates. Created by Active Voice, the Deadline Resource Guide (pdf: 561kb) helps those who want to learn more about these issues or get involved in capital punishment policy review or reform. The guide offers background on the film and issue, discussion questions, glossary of terms, timeline of events and a resource list of organizations.
Farmingville Farmingville
Created in collaboration with Georgetown University’s Center for the Study of International Migration, this Resource Guide (pdf: 430kb) is designed for policymakers and community leaders who want practical ideas for building bridges between day laborers and the communities where they work. An accompanying Discussion Guide (pdf: 236kb) helps facilitators guide productive dialogue.
The New Americans The New Americans Video Modules
Active Voice’s three video modules, excerpted stories from the series, are being used in schools, community settings and workplaces nationwide to support immigrant integration and professional development.
The Islam Project The Islam Project
Soon after September 11, producers of two documentaries about contemporary Islam hired Active Voice to integrate both films into a single educational resource. The Islam Project was piloted in 10 communities to support bridge-building between Muslim and non-Muslim organizations and the film, modules and facilitators guide (pdf: 328kb) are available via www.theislamproject.org. Read about our next steps in the workplace.
Two Towns of Jasper Two Towns of Jasper
In Two Towns of Jasper, two film crews, one black and one white, set out to document the aftermath of the murder of a black man dragged to his death by three white men in Jasper, Texas. A Discussion Guide (pdf: 963kb) from Active Voice accompanied the national broadcast to enable local communities, family and friends to discuss how local towns can probe issues of race and take action.

“Active Voice is an essential part of our team, extending and deepening the impact of our films. They put together an extraordinary group of partners for A Class Apart including national and local Latino organizations…their Resource Guide for Farmingville provided a wealth of context, information and 'next steps' regarding immigration that we couldn’t fit in the film. The Guide’s been used in town hall meetings and policymaker discussions around the country, tangibly deepening the documentary's impact.”

Carlos Sandoval
Filmmaker