Draft:Getting Better Foundation

Media and Information Literacy Organization From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia


The [1][a] is an American private foundation founded by [2]. Based in Livingston, Montana, USA, it was launched in 2015 with a mission to "build trust through the truth about positive human progress". The primary stated goals of the foundation are to enhance people's resilience by supporting media & information literacies. Key individuals of the foundation include founder & chief executive officer, Joe Phelps (1), and managing director, [3] (2). "GBF" has curated and maintains an advisory board of psychologist [4] (3), author [5] (4), NeuroScientist [6] (5), Media Literacy educators [7] (6), and [8] (7), Trauma Therapist [9] (8), Author [10] (9), Journalist [11] (10), Author & Editor [12] (11), Educators [13] (12), and Renee Hobbs (13), Artificial Intelligence creator Doowan Lee (14), Professor [14] (15), author [15] (16), and the late [16] (17). Global scale of the Foundation was attained with the production of [17], directed by Oscar (r) nominated [18] of [19] (18) and non-partisan media literacy educational K-12 Curriculum, Collegiate and Parental Discussion Guides authored by [20] (19) with support from the [21] (20). The documentary is a basis for film & speaker events hosted by embassies, universities, schools, and libraries. The film has been the top educational film via distributor [22], a consortium of filmmakers for causes, since its release in 2020. "Trust Me" is also available for educational distribution globally via [23], and in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom via [24]. Individuals and home streaming is available on the film's website: www.trustmedocumentary.com "GBF" has subsequently launched the media literacy "Getting Better Bot" (2025) which provides educators, students, and families with vetted, trustworthy information to help make important life decisions via Artificial Intelligence (AI), and "Getting Better News" newsletter with a circulation of over 30,000 (2025). More details about using "AI with AI" - Artificial Intelligence with Academic Integrity can be found on the resources page at www.gettingbetterfoundation.org.

  • Comment: In accordance with Wikipedia's Conflict of interest guideline, I disclose that I have a conflict of interest regarding the subject of this article. Rosemary E Smith (talk) 00:19, 3 March 2026 (UTC)

Educator and Professional testimonials for "Trust Me" Film & Media Literacy Program: 

[25], journalist: ”The documentary puts the right focus on the struggle of honest media, and also local media, to fight disinformation and misinformation. It is a necessary discussion we all need to have more often, especially with the young people.”
[26], Manager, U.S. State Department - Professional Exchange and Global Networks World Learning:  Combating disinformation is one of the most useful and impactful educational exercises, a practice that needs to become second nature for all of us, educators and students alike. The “Trust Me” documentary is an effective and compelling cinematic narrative, as an educational tool, being thought-provoking, taking a complex phenomena and exploring its impact on people’s lives. In a country like Romania, where trust and truth are being constantly challenged, “Trust Me” can become a powerful generator of quality debate and teaching, considering its thematic and cross-generational appeal. In addition to that, since I had the privilege to observe an interaction Rosemary had with young professionals and students, in relation to the film, I can confirm that she’s the type of communicator that puts people at ease and allows them to creatively focus on what’s important. Her collaboration with Digital Communication Network Global – an unique alliance of digital communicators with a strong presence in Romania - is wise investment in what matters the most in combating disinformation: improved education for all.  
[27], School Program Coordinator, Texas State Library and Archives Commission: "It reminds us that we can really make a difference through teaching the importance of being information literate. Prepare to be blown away!”
[28], President - [29]: “We have partnered with the Getting Better Foundation to bring their award-winning documentary, “Trust Me,” to the largest professional development conference for Montana educators and support the Foundation’s work to conduct a top to bottom violence prevention with media literacy program across the state. Should policy and funding be granted, MFPE will continue to broaden our partnership with the Getting Better Foundation by connecting them with our members to bring this needed resource to our schools.”
[30], English/Journalism Educator – Cedar Falls Community Schools, Iowa: “The movie worked perfectly for both classes today. Such a powerful resource. Thanks again. ;)” “…I am so sold on its utility for teachers. I sure hope NLP is able to secure it for more students in the years to come. ;)”
[31]: “A must watch… “Trust Me,” a documentary by director Roko Belic & the Getting Better Foundation, highlights Durango’s Mountain Middle School, which instituted a cellphone ban & media literacy curriculum when Shane Voss, the head of the school, arrived.”

Mental Health reviews:

[32], Psychologist and Professor, University of Grinnell (short):  "As a child psychologist I see how online manipulation and a lack of media literacy led to rising rates of adolescent mental health disorders.  So, I’m recommending an emphasis on media literacy.  The award-winning "Trust Me" Documentary, produced by the non-partisan, Getting Better Foundation, is making a significant change for the betterment of our world.  The film is ideal for bringing awareness to the need for media literacy and enabling teachers and parents to share resources for positive change. "

Media Reviews:

[33]: "Trust Me”…must be acknowledged as one of the most important documentaries of the decade … a must-see wake-up call about the relentless and unsettling dissemination of fake news.” 
[34]: “…none have delved so deeply and incisively as “TRUST ME” into the pervasive manipulation of information by discrete forces that aim to create social disruption and unduly influence human behavior.” 
[35]: “Trust Me is an informative, well-paced documentary that has been designed to create awareness, urging people to pay more attention to the information they get on the internet.

Educator Reviews:

[36] Dean of History and Political Sciences Faculty: “We are always open to organising events like this one, with an interesting documentary and a constructive discussion afterwards. “Trust Me” should be shown on every university campus.”
[37], High School Teacher: "Trust me"was an eye-opener for me and my students on the importance of where we take our information from, for teenagers in particular, to be able to distinguish between what is accurate and what is not, to become aware of their surroundings and the power of the media.”
[38], High School Teacher: “The documentary was thought-provoking, posing questions on serious issues such as the role of the media between information and manipulation, and our responsibility to find the correct position on the news spectrum.”
[39] High School Teacher: “The documentary was extremely useful in understanding political, military and social phenomena, contributing to critical thinking we use in classes. We continue what ”Trust Me” started with ”Agents of chaos” and ”The Social Dilemma”, which also cover disinformation on social media.”
[40], Executive Director, Media Education Lab & Associate Professor of Communication, Columbia College Chicago:

"Only after my students watched 'Trust Me', they were able to understand why media literacy is important and how issues of misrepresentation and disinformation impact people's lives. My students can see how the class content has real world implications thanks to the powerful stories and testimonies in the movie. I show the film at the semester start, then am able to delve further into media literacy lessons."

 Janja Šestak – Croatia University journalism student “The screening of “Trust Me” at Thessaloniki’s THISAM academy left a significant impact on me.  Our fellow journalism students and I agree we didn’t understand how people can be misled by news and how crises arise from it.  We are all now cognizant of the fact that our career choices are important and will make a difference in the world.” 
[41], Headwaters Academy Middle School:  "This documentary was one of the best I've ever seen.  I loved both versions of it.  Thank you so much!  I can think of so many educators and parents who should watch this.  Well done to everyone on your team!"
[42], ISCTE - University of Lisbon Communication Sciences, Council of Europe:  ““Trust Me" is an excellent way to understand the challenges posed by misinformation, analyzing its consequences but also its causes. While it is important for the general public, it is particularly interesting for students, teachers and future teachers, journalists and other professionals.”
[43], Consul General of Portugal:  ““Trust Me” documentary is a very insightful perspective for the challenging times we are facing.” 
Dan Zastrow, Executive Director, Smith Rafael Theatre & California Film Institute: “Truly a pleasure for us to be able to host this title at the Smith Rafael Film Center!”

Organizational testimony:

[44], Commissioner - Association of American Colleges & Universities (AACU): “At a time of increasing partisanship and polarization, the business of misinformation and disinformation is thriving. This compelling documentary serves as an important tool for faculty who are committed to fulfilling American higher education’s historic mission of educating for democracy.”

v[45], Executive Director, National Council for Teachers of English (NCTE): “Viewers have the opportunity to understand how misinformation proliferates and how to be informed digital citizens who critically analyze and view information,” v[46], President, National Council for Teachers of English (NCTE): “Every teacher in America should view this documentary.”

References

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