NPR : This I Believe

Reaching Out to America

One of the goals of This I Believe is to facilitate a higher standard of active public discourse by inspiring people to reflect, encouraging them to share and engaging them in a conversation about personal values and beliefs that can shape a life, a community and a society. By inviting Americans of diverse backgrounds to participate in the series, we hope to create a picture of the American spirit in all its rich complexity.

And writing a This I Believe essay is just the first step.

We hope people will come together to discuss their essays in a respectful manner in the classroom, in public spaces and in places of worship. To help you do this in your community, we offer the following tools:

Educational Curricula
This manual is designed to help teachers guide students to produce a This I Believe essay appropriate both for inclusion in school writing portfolios and for possible broadcast on NPR. Composed of six lessons, the curriculum helps students understand the concept of belief, explore their own values and craft them into a well-written essay. The guide includes sample This I Believe essays written by students and related exercises.

Download the Curriculum (PDF)
(Requires Adobe Acrobat)

Discussion Guides
This guide will teach you how to engage a group of people in a moderated conversation about belief and values. It is appropriate for use in classrooms, civic clubs, libraries, senior centers, coffee shops and other public venues suitable for respectful discussion. There is also a guide tailored specifically for use at houses of worship. Both guides include ground rules for structuring a dialogue, questions to launch the conversation, and tips for writing and sharing essays.

Download the General Discussion Guide (PDF)
Download the Discussion Guide for Houses of Worship (PDF)
(Both Guides Require Adobe Acrobat)

Poster and Brochure
Help spread the word about This I Believe on NPR. Download a free poster or brochure to promote the series and related activities happening in your community. The poster measures 11 by 17 inches, and the double-sided brochure measures 8 1/2 by 11 inches. You may print them at your local print shop.

Download the Poster
(Requires Adobe Acrobat)
Download the Brochure
(Requires Adobe Acrobat)

Contact Us
Our staff is available to assist you with specific questions about bringing This I Believe to your community. Plus, we want to hear how you are using these materials.

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In collaboration with Atlantic Public Media and This I Believe, Inc. All material is copyright; no reproduction or excerpting is permitted without written consent.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Helpful links and information about This I Believe.

The This I Believe Newsletter keeps you up to date on current and future essayists and gives you access to essay excerpts that won't be able to read anywhere else.