The Center for Media & Social Impact (CMSI) is based at American University’s School of Communication. Focusing on independent, documentary and public media, the Center bridges boundaries between scholars, producers and communication practitioners across media production, media impact, public policy, and audience engagement. The Center produces resources for the field and academic research; convenes conferences and events; and works collaboratively to understand and design media that matter. CMSI is directed by Caty Borum Chattoo and was founded (as the Center for Social Media) by Patricia Aufderheide in 2001. Our work spans four major categories: 1) Civic Media Storytelling & Social Justice 2) Documentary, Independent Storytelling & Democracy 3) Entertainment Storytelling & Social Change 4) Copyright, Fair Use & Creative Commons