A chapter of the Institute’s work is coming to a close …
I have some news I’d like to share with you today. Two years ago, the National Institute on Media and the Family’s board of directors started strategic discussions about the organization’s evolving mission and goals. The current challenging economic environment accelerated those discussions. As a result, the Institute’s board of directors made the decision to close the Institute, effective December 31, 2009 and to begin transitioning the programs to other organizations who share our mission and values.
This does not mean the Institute’s thought-provoking work, research and advocacy will be ending. We’re already engaged in discussions with both national and local non-profits interested in carrying on our programs, including Say Yes To No ®, Switch ® and through-u ®. I am very confident that our programs’ new homes will continue to educate parents and caregivers.
I feel honored to have had the privilege of leading an organization that has accomplished so much during the past thirteen years. One of the core questions guiding the Institute’s work and mission has been, “what sort of future do we want for our kids?” We’ve been privileged to engage parents, teachers, doctors, coaches, and other caring adults in the important work of answering this question. We’ve met many of you in living rooms, school auditoriums, board rooms, press rooms, in the halls of Congress, places of worship, and coffee shops to explore the powerful role of digital technologies in children’s lives today – and to give shape and voice to a future where families have the tools they need to navigate this new digital world successfully.
Thank you for partnering with us to make these compelling visions of the future a reality. We’ve accomplished a lot of amazing things in the last thirteen years. And in that same amount of time there has been unprecedented technological innovation and an ever-increasing number of screens in young people’s lives, making the Institute’s mission just as relevant today as when we started. So while this chapter of the Institute’s work is coming to a close, I am excited to transition the Institute’s programs to organizations that will continue to foster the same important conversations and bring relevant solutions to parents. I will keep you posted as these conversations evolve.
As for myself, retirement is not in my vocabulary. I will continue to speak and write on topics related to parenting in the 21st century. I am very grateful for your support which has enabled us to accomplish so much for children and families throughout the years. I look forward to continuing that work with you.
Sincerely,
David Walsh, Ph.D.
Founder
National Institute on Media and the Family
32 people left feedback on “A chapter of the Institute’s work is coming to a close …”
Dear Dr. Walsh,
I was so saddened to hear about the Board’s decision. The work you and the Institute have done through the years has changed the lives of many. It has, at the very least, made parents and families question and think about their role as consumers of technology. I use your work daily as a Parent Educator in an Early Childhood Program that is also challenging my own thoughts on technology. I passionately pass on the research to families regarding parenting, technology, and exploratory play. Thank you for all the work and dedication. I look forward to continued information.
Ann Ricketts
Ann, Thank you very much for your kind, thoughtful words. The Institute’s work has depended upon the time and energy of people like yourself working with communities and families to make a positive impact. All of us at the Institute are dedicated to carrying on this work and we look forward to staying in touch. Warmly, Dr. Dave
Dear Dr. Walsh,
I was shocked to hear the news of the closing of the Institute. Your work is needed more than ever … especially in these difficult economic times. I will continue to follow your work where ever you are.
Best Regards,
Colleen Barrett
Dear Dr. Walsh,
While it’s sad to hear that the Institute will be transitioning to different things, the work you and your colleagues have done has been a great gift to parents and educators. I’ve always felt that you were one of our ministry partners, particularly at times when I was able to get the information I needed from the website. Most people probably don’t know that when a person really needed something you were just a phone call away.
I second Ann’s thanks for all your hard work and dedication on behalf of our kids. It’s good to know that you won’t be going away, just showing up in different places and in different ways. You’ve been a great blessing to our homes, churches, and schools.
Lynn Henry
Dr. Walsh,
I am also very saddened to hear news of this closure. Our school district has been committed to share your research, knowledge and views with our parents. We purchased “Why Do They Act That Way…?” for every 6th grade parent to use during that school year, and “No, Why Kids…” for every Kindergarten parent to use for a year. With these awesome books, and a year-long check-out procedure, we will continue to educate parents and teachers for years to come! I look forward to spreading your work and reading whatever is yet to be published!! Thank you! Lynn Dwyer, School Social Worker
This is sad news. First off thank you for the incredible outstanding work and research that you have done and made availabe to the community with such great passion. I am encourged that the programs and work you have done will be carried on in other capacites. Be proud of your work and the work that all the staff at the Institute have been involved with. Know that you have made a lasting difference in the lives of children and families. I frequetly use Through-U materials with new child care providers and famiiles. You have made it so easy to share those important messages about screen time and making choices that support children and families. I will continue to share these valuable messages.
Marie Johnson CAP Agency CCR&R
Dear Dr. Walsh,
I, too, am saddened to hear of the board’s decision. Just as Ann said, I use your information as a resource in my parenting classes all the time. I took your “Say Yes to No” training and have presented the class both at my church and in the school district I work in. Thank you so much for your work over the years. I could count on you for accurate, up to date information. I know you will use that wonderful energy and passion for helping parents in other valuable ways in the future and look forward to seeing what they will be.
Sincerely,
Joy Spencer
Parent Educator
Times are changing, and you, your family and staff have led a disciplined worthy cause, enlightening us to take up the charge. Thanksgiving blessings and salutes from a family who will continue to carry your positive messages. All the best!
Dear Dr Walsh,
As one privileged to have heard you in person, as an RN who has worked with children and adolescents for the past 16 years (first as a Nationally Certified School Nurse, and then as an RN/therapist with the SC Department of Mental Health), and now as a forced disabled retiree due to a head injury caused by an auto accident that has now made me once again a voice for those who have none, I so indeed hope yours will not be silent.
Children and Adolescents have so benefited from your humor, and your insistence that so very many of them are not sick at all but ’suffering’ from the very normal stages of emotional turmoil that are common to their growth and development.
How rich might we all be (literally and figuratively), if we could celebrate and enjoy the differences that each child brings to their family, school, and community, rather than feel as I do so many times that their parents, schools, and the medical establishment especially, are seen to be in collusion…so quick to stuff pills down these children in an effort to have them all sit still (which of course is not entirely necessary, now is it?), causing a whole host of additional problems for everyone, but most importantly for the child, that are life altering.
Thank you so much for your effort to educate families, and by virtue of that, all of us. We are so grateful. Please continue to find ways to connect, whether by your writing, blogging, or speaking. We WILL hear you.
Thank you for your valuable work. I, too, am saddened to see another partner-advocate for conscientious, mindful parents and teachers close up shop due to the challenging economic climate. I’m sure I speak for all the people who have benefited from and been inspired by your research and activism when I say we look forward to seeing where you will be applying your talents and energies after N.I.M.F. closes on 12/31/09.
Dr. Walsh, so sorry to read the news. I just blogged about this on http://www.startribune.com/cribsheet, the Star Tribune’s parenting blog.
I hope you find a new home for your research soon. Will you continue your blog and how can we reach you in future? May
Though the news is unfortunate, I have faith that the messages the center prmotes will carry on. One question looking ahead:
What is the best method to contact soemone about speaking engangements?
Dr. Dave: I too was saddened to hear the news. I only hope that some organization might come forward to make it possible to continue your great work. My prayers will be with you all the way!
Thank you for all your efforts toward children.
Bruce
Hello all, It has of course been an overwhelming day for all of us here as we feel the emotional impact of the Institute’s closure. Yet the kind, warm, and encouraging words in your comments remind me yet again that the real power of our work has been through all of you – creating positive change in your homes, churches, schools, community centers, families, and communities. And this work does not end today! I look forward to being in touch, watching the Institute’s programs flourish in new homes, and continuing to work with and on behalf of families and children. Thank you so much for your kind responses to this morning’s blog. It means a lot to us. Sincerely, Dr. Dave
Thank you so much for the work you have done over the years. We are big believers in the work of the Institute and found your books and seminars Dr. Walsh, very helpful. Like so many others, I look forward to seeing your work and that of the Institute continue on as NIMF passes the torch.
Best wishes,
Jeanne
The poor content of gaming is growing at alarming rate(on line gaming, too) even during these challenging economic times. I’m a weekend parent due to separation. Being a witness from this event and gaming, both which can and has transformed children environments, destructively tepid how to deal with life, with more aloofness and dynamic’s of distraction and interruption, which rob them of life prior ambition. I shaken yet not move to think, your purpose is over, any more than mine. It is important to continue to fight the good fight. Just as birthing pains convey new life, which leads to death, it severs as reminder us the purpose and motivation. Yes, it is painful, too, and the fact is this dark movement has yet full manifest itself in this Country. I greatly appreciate you and your staff for the life messages of light and warning, to our community at large. May this network continue to grow . You are not alone. My those crowns land where they belong, forever.
Dr. Dave: I have always believed that if your hypothesis regarding the powerful influence of media on our children was correct, the implications would be significant beyond our imagination. Your work over the past years has raised the essential questions that help us to refocus on what is truly important as we encounter this fast paced world we live in. With the closing of NIMF, we have lost a lighthouse as we attempt to navigate the sea of “change.” Your life’s work has made a significant difference and will serve as a constant reminder of the potential impact -both positive and negative – that media will continue to play in our lives and the lives of our children. We’ll miss the guidance of the institute and the comfort of knowing there was a beacon of common sense that guided our journey. I look forward to your continued personal contributions to this cause that you and the institute have championed for so many years. Kevin
Dear David,
I am truly sorry to hear of the closing of your enlightening Institute. The graduate class I have been teaching this semester, all teachers, found your research studies and wonderful website so helpful. These teachers have come to realize, because of your work, the power of the media (for both good and bad). All of them feel more knowledgeable and better able to make a difference in the lives of their students. Thank you for being such a beacon of light in a sometimes dark world. Thank you for truly CARING about our children. You have walked the walk. We will keep our eyes open regarding new ways you will be connecting with us in the future. Sending much faith, hope and love your way.
Dr. Dave -
I am saddened by the news that the Institute will close. My initial reaction was one of fear. Now what? (I’ll be honest, I cried a bit!) I am hopeful, knowing that your work will continue through other organizations. There is so much that I could say but I do not know where to start or where to end for that matter. So, I will simply THANK YOU for all you have done for my family though your hard work and dedication. Sincerely, Lisa
Dear Dr. Walsh,
God bless you and your family for your dedication. I was sad to just learn about the closing of the center, but your work will carry on through your writing and your voice will be heard. I wrote some time ago about referencing your books on my website that has been dedicated to my 18 year old daughter who was killed in a violent car crash. Emily and her new friend never graduated from High School, the young man who would have been charged with vehicular homicide was apparently raised by a family who love auto racing. It is my mission to get the racing industry to step up and own their responsibility to their young audience. Your work has helped tremendously in my personal recovery journey, thank you so much for all the work that you continue to do. Looking forward to more lectures and keep talking about the teenage brain, because the adults need to hear the message loud and clear.! I am still planning on referencing your book, “Yes to No” on the website at Neon18 (No Excuses on 18), which is under construction presently. Our Schools need your work desperately, teachers and educators, as well as the kids! In my discussions with racing fanatics, they mostly think that the concept of the teenage brain is droll and rediculous. Currently a new clothing manufacturer (Izod) is buying a racing series, and it will be interesting to see of the adults in the compamy will speak to the issues of the teenage brain…..Of course they believe that 18 is legal age and it is the kids problem to make good choices.
This past week my young son turned 16, he dosn’t have his learners permit yet, so I went down to the DMV, they acually did not have any pamphlets on the learners permit because “Of The Economic Downturn”,)..she gave me a website…I asked about drivers ed. No drivers ed in school really because of the” Economic Downturn”….So now the kids are going to be getting drivers liscences, by just passing a driving test? No graduated Drivers Liscencing with monitored progress…WOW. We need your work on the teenage brain more than ever now, so keep talking! Thinking about the economy, our children are the most vulnerable and they are the poorest group socio-economically, are they supposed to get the message when the adults are all concerned about the bottom line…Thinking about Izod again, who will be selling SPEED to kids, by their new apparel line of “Indy Nation”. Where is the accountability? I was wondering of the marketing vice-president of Izod would like a copy of “Yes to Know” and if he would actually get the message. The Children’s Hospital in PA CHOPS does alot of work on the teenage brain and they are first line responders to wreckless driving tragedy…it seems that the information is not accepted by the adults who need to actually be teaching it! Responsible parents are the ones who are aways craving information regarding safety and child development, how do we get the information to those who need the information, but just dont care? The racing industry, for example…The young man who killed my daughter in 2005 was planning on working on a racing team for a well known Indy racing team..aparently he grew up next to the racing family. When the Uncle came over to my home with my daughters belongings from the wreckage, he said OMG. The kids uncle did the same exact thing when he was 18 years old, killed himself and his 18 year old girl friend….A repeat performance. So for the last few years I have been trying to address the racing industry, and they want me to be “That crazy Lady from Disney” who runs around saying “Don’t get on that ride, my daughter was killed on it”…instead of listening to the truth regarding SPEED on the road and the teenage brain. I have made some in-roads but need to work on the presentation. Dr. Walsh,your work has been a tremendous help to me so thank you again. The adults who are in these extreme sports industries need to be educated but they all want to stand under the umbrella of liberty with out responsibility. Thank you again, and again for your work and I will continue to reference your book! best regards, Emily’s Mom
Matthew 25:23 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
1 Peter 4:19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
Thank you for your work!
God Bless all that comes from it
Sheila
Amen to almost all that has been said. You, your research, and your way of teaching have been gifts to all of us. Thank you. Thank you. May you be blessed to continue. The Lord needs willing hearts, minds and hands to influence His children for good, to help them get and keep on the right track. First, one must reach the parents and educators. That you have done. With gratitude from a parent who heard you speak/teach soon after you started this mission.
Dear Dr. Walsh,
I’m so saddened to hear of this news. I agree with many others when they state it is at this time that we need to continue to give families hope. I’m confident that you will continue getting your important message out there. I enjoyed working with you and your organization prior to your coming to our community this past spring. Your work is so very important. Thank you for what you’ve done and will be continuing to do. Teresa
To Emily’s Mom,
My prayers go out to you in this enormous ongoing cause to make meaning of the loss of your daughter, and to educate and thereby offer protection to the sons and daughters of thousands of others. How very sad that those whose adult brains are theoretically so well developed, so thoroughly refuse to use them to protect the ones over whom they have charge…for the sake of the bottom line. It has always been so it seems…until it is one of their own. You will be heard…keep speaking.
Dr. Walsh,
I am very sad to hear this news. I do wish you success beyond the institue and look forward to the release of your next book. I do have a question:
I train parents and childcare providers and have been using your resources and materials to the great benefit of my community and I will continue to. However, where do I send those who are passionate about the cause and want to learn more? Will the website be maintained by another organization?
Thank You for all your work.
Your important organizational voice and wisdom will be missed! I’m so sad to hear of the closing, but am glad David Walsh will continue to speak on these important topics.
Will be be setting up a Halo 3 match in honor of you guys closing i am so happy
SAY YES TO YES TO Gaming
Will the NIMF be posting its last video game report card?
rubbish! im glad you have to go. finally an end to all this video game violence nonsense.
the money that was spent on this shouldve gone to other things that couldve actually made a difference. this was more just excuse for bad parenting.
Thank god, its not your job to decide what is right for other parents children
TO Fau, Hesh and Curtis, I hope you keep reading. I challenge each of you to spend one hour less a week with a screen in front of you. See what wonderful things may happen. Dr. Walsh, you are brilliant, appreciated, and I for one love to get ideas for better parenting. I, too, will follow your work wherever you go!
Jeanne Doyle, School Counselor