President Discussion Guide

This guide is an invitation to dialogue. It is based on a belief in the power of human connection and designed for people who want to use President to engage family friends, classmates, colleagues, and communities. Conversations that center on politics and democracy can be difficult to begin and facilitate, but this guide is meant to support you in sustaining conversations around democracy, activism, politics, colonialism, and the importance of community organizers. In contrast to initiatives that foster debates in which participants try to convince others that they are right, this document envisions conversations undertaken in a spirit of openness in which people listen actively and share divergent viewpoints with care and respect. We hope this discussion guide will inspire people with varying degrees of knowledge about these topics to enter the conversation and hopefully stay in the conversation in order to impact change and awareness.

The discussion prompts are intentionally crafted to help a wide range of audiences think more deeply about the topics in the film. Rather than attempting to address them all, choose one or two that best meet your needs and interests. And be sure to leave time to consider taking action. Planning next steps can help people leave the room feeling energized and optimistic, even in instances when conversations have been difficult and/or uncomfortable.

Discussion Guide Author, Maureen Nicol

Maureen Nicol is a graduate of Teachers College, Columbia University, where she studied early childhood education, a freelance content creator, and talented at bringing people together. Her background is in teaching and education. Nicol is committed to working with young children and educators to ensure every child and teacher knows their value, worth, and power. Nicol’s research and work interests have always always situated children of color and specifically young Black girls and their creative brilliance. In her free time, Nicol enjoys exploring with her daughter, baking, and maxing out her library card with good reads.

Discussion Guide Producer, POV

Courtney Cook, PhD || Education Manager

Thanks to those who reviewed and contributed to this resource:

Asad Muhammad, VP of Impact & Engagement Strategy, POV

Natalie Danford, Copyeditor

Signe Byrge, Producer | President