Our Mission & Vision
American INSIGHT's nonpartisan mission is to promote the history and values of Free Speech, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law
Our vision is to cultivate a culture of participation and advocacy, reinforcing the importance of freedom of expression as a cornerstone of Democracy.
American INSIGHT is committed to the guiding principles of the Standards for Excellence, an ethics and accountability code for the nonprofit sector. Also, we pledge to uphold the fundamental values of honesty, integrity, fairness, respect, trust, responsibility, and accountability upon which the Standards are based
We are a nonpartisan educational organization that strives for both quality and equality, and we are committed to protecting individual privacy.
American INSIGHT Board of Directors
MARGARET CHEW BARRINGER (Founder and Chairman)
ROBERT HASKELL (President, Secretary)
JENNIFER H. BEACOM (Vice President, Treasurer)
ALICIA GALITZIN
KAREN CURRY
OLIVER FRANKLIN
PERRIN HAMILTON
PABLO SANTIAGO PEREIRA
DAVID SINGLETON
MARC SONNENFELD
MICHAEL WOOD
The Challenge & Our Solution
The
Challenge: A Global and Generational Crisis
The global decline in the rule of law affects 6.5 billion people (World Justice Project, 2022)
Deterioration of political rights and civil liberties in 60 countries
(Freedom House, 2024)
In the U.S., while 95% of teens are digitally connected, there is a decline in Free Speech, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law, leading to disconnection from civic principles.
Our Solution:
Meeting the Moment with Media
American INSIGHT aims to inspire rather than lecture. We utilize online film and interactive educational content to engage the next generation.
We facilitate personal development and advocacy through active learning and engagement.
Gain Optimal Impact
Our Programs
American INSIGHT serves as the guiding institution for a suite of innovative educational programs. Our core belief is in "leading history by the hand," using storytelling to explore the past, understand the present, and shape a future grounded in the Magna Carta principals of our free society. Our primary initiatives through which we achieve this mission are:
Our 12-year-old Free Speech Film Festival is our premier international program that invites filmmakers from around the world to use their natural right to speak out about issues they care about, both positive and negative, and that invites the audience to gain a global perspective on the views and values of other individuals and communities.
It serves as a global platform for creative expression, fostering a dialogue that transcends borders and cultures, and celebrating the storytellers who bravely champion liberty.
Make History Every Day!
Integrated with the Free Speech Film Festival, this unique online personal development and advocacy course is our commitment to creating more informed, inspired, and engaged citizens. Citizens who have the capacity to speak out and influence the critical choices shaping their lives and the communities in which they live
The course is an accessible, interactive, curriculum for students and lifelong learners. It is focused on affirming and prioritizing their personal views and values in the context of Free Speech, Human Rights, and the Rile of Law in private and secure environment.
American INSIGHT’s 13-year-old Free Speech Film Festival represents a dynamic international community. Since its inception, the festival has showcased a rich variety of films that examine, question, and honor issues that face both global and local societies today.
“I am honored to have been part of the 2024 Free Speech Film Festival. The festival stands out for its dedication to celebrating powerful stories and fostering meaningful conversations about democracy, freedom, and social justice The team at the Free Speech Film Festival, led by passionate and professional organizers, created an engaging and supportive experience for filmmakers The communication was seamless, and their efforts to promote films and directors were outstanding The event itself was inspiring, gathering a diverse and thoughtful audience that contributed to a rich exchange of ideas during the Q&A session. I highly recommend this festival to filmmakers who want their voices to be heard and their stories to resonate on a global scale ” Steve
Make History Every Day!
We are proud to introduce our next major initiative, our Make History Every Day online course. This program provides a private, structured, interactive learning experience focused on helping individuals become more engaged citizens with the capacity to make a difference.
Designed for high school and college students, as well as life long learners, the course provides an environment for personal development through self-reflection in the context of historical and present-day Free Speech heroes, and then integrates them into our Free Speech Film Festival to watch and judge Free Speech films from around the world
more than
40 students have tested the course
Potential Impact:
Scalability: Support thousands of students simultaneously.
Accessibility: Provide high-quality civic education to anyone with Internet access.
Sustainability: Create a new, evergreen educational and earned income asset for American INSIGHT
Support for this program is a direct investment in the civic leaders of tomorrow.
"I’ve taken the Make History Every Day course, and I truly believe that it is the start of something really beautiful. I think that people who take the course will leave the course with more agency and more voice and feel more comfortable learning how to spread their knowledge to the outside world, whether it’s through writing, social media, or getting involved in their community. And I look forward to using the tools that I learned through the course in my everyday life as well."
MakeHistory Every Day!
Internship Program
Over 75 Interns from colleges and universities across the country have received educational opportunities through our Internship program.
43 people (Free Speech Heroes), historic events and documents that have helped shape democracy are featured in the Free Speech Storyline developed by our Interns in the past 15 years.
62 poets and writers, artists, Free Speech film directors, media celebrities and civic leaders are featured in the Free Speech Archives created by the Founder and organized by our Interns.
LEARN MORE!
“I applied to intern for American INSIGHT after recognizing their similar awareness and appreciation for justice and freedom of speech across the world. I have also recognized a similar sense of activism in the heroes and archives that American INSIGHT promotes as a part of their mission. Being a young activist is necessary because the issues facing the country today are the youth’s responsibility to troubleshoot. This position has constantly inspired me again and again to trust my beliefs, to act upon them, and furthermore, to continuously educate myself and remain open-minded. I am more than grateful for this experience."
BUILDING OUR COMMUNITY
Theory of Change
CELEBRATING OUR FREE SPEECH FILMSTM
Sustainability & Business Model
At American INSIGHT, our primary goal is to fulfill our mission of promoting Free Speech, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law. To ensure the longevity and expand the impact of this mission, we have developed a diversified sustainability model. This model combines traditional philanthropic support with mission-driven earned revenue, allowing us to be both resilient and innovative.
Our approach is built on transparency and financial stewardship. We believe that a strong financial foundation enables us to serve our community more effectively, create higher-quality programs, and plan confidently for the future.
Our Revenue Streams:
Donor Support
Individual & Major Donors
Foundation Grants
Corporate Sponsorships
Earned Income
Film Festival Submissions & Fees
Course Sales
(Make History Every Day)
Free Speech Film Distribution
Champion Freedom!
Empower the Next Generation
In a declining climate for Free Speech, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law affecting 6.5 billion people (World Justice Project's 2022 Rule of Law Index), American Insight helps to inform, inspire, and empower individuals to become more civically engaged through the Free Speech Film Festival and the "Make History Every Day" online course. Your involvement is crucial.
These programs use film, storytelling, and self reflection to inspire and educate citizens. Support from your donations and participation in our paid programs are essential to our continued growth.
American INSIGHT
American INSIGHT stands at the nonpartisan intersection of art, education, and advocacy to inspire a new generation of citizens to effectively engage with the challenges of Democracy today
Our multimedia online course integrates students into our annual Free Speech Film Festival, and empowers them to find their meaning and purpose in Democracy through exploring the Magna Carta’s influence on Free Speech, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law
Supporters and Partners
American INSIGHT and the Free Speech Film Festival are currently seeking sponsorship and support for the annual Free Speech Award.
LEARN MORE
Melinda Raebyne, 2023 Free Speech Award Winner
Kean Wong, 2012 Free Speech Award Winner
