The What Works Media Project

The What Works Media Project, a new partnership between Results for America and Story Matters, a social-issue film production company, will  add the power of storytelling to the effort to move policymakers to use evidence and data to get better results. Through short documentary films, the project will profile evidence-based non-profit programs that are improving lives, highlight Mayors who are leading change, and demystify the use of data and evidence in policymaking.

The Results for America and Story Matters partnership was launched in January 2016 at a Sundance Film Festival panel entitled, Telling the Story of What Works: Can a Focus on Solutions Help Bridge Political Divides in America? Moderated by Pat Mitchell, former head of PBS and Board Chair of the Sundance Institute, the panel explored ways that storytelling has shifted thinking and inspired government leaders on both sides of the aisle to move towards a solutions-oriented approach.

Tony Yarber, Mayor of Jackson, MS, one of the first eight cities selected to participate in What Works Cities, shared during the panel discussion, “Data and evidence is missing a companion narrative.” Through the power of story, the What Works Media Project will illustrate that narrative, showcasing how through investing in what works, we are solving some of our nation’s most complicated challenges.

In addition to Mayor Yarber and Pat Mitchell, our panel in Sundance also included: David Bornstein, New York Times Columnist and Co-Founder of Solutions Journalism Network; John Giles, Mayor of Mesa, Arizona; Tiffany Cooper Gueye, CEO of Building Educated Leaders for Life (BELL); Ben McAdams, Mayor of Salt Lake County, Utah;  and Daniel Stid, Director of the Madison Initiative at the Hewlett Foundation.

For more information about Story Matters, click here.