State of the Re:Union (SOTRU) is an award-winning, nationally aired public radio show that celebrates the cohesiveness and diversity of American communities. Host, Al Letson, takes listeners on an incredible journey through the country one place at a time, capturing stories that share the essence and identity of each episode’s unique location. By examining the challenges and triumphs residents face on a local level, SOTRU reveals similarities and themes that resonate with us all.
SOTRU creates fresh and compelling multi-platform media that explores the challenges and cultural components that create living, breathing communities across the country. Through a unique mix of storytelling, cultural excavation, music and multimedia, SOTRU engrosses listeners in true stories of people building communities through relationships, sacrifice, contribution and spirit.
SOTRU uses a variety of media formats to tell true stories that engage, enlighten and inspire. Looking at issues that affect us all through the lens of a specific community, SOTRU aims to show that despite all the things that separate us, we’re really more alike than we are different, and on a local level, people are coming together to tackle problems and create the country they want to live in.
Using input from teachers, curriculum coordinators and administrators, SOTRU will plan and create integrated curriculum modules based on specific stories and themes from the show. Modules will align with Sunshine State and Common Core standards and include a variety of original media to engage middle school, high school and college students of all backgrounds and interests. Once modules are created, SOTRU will work with teachers and schools to implement the curriculum in classrooms throughout Duval County.
This Chartrand Foundation Grant provides SOTRU with the resources to convert the show’s award-winning media into free educational modules for teachers to engage their students in relevant social science topics that pupils can relate to. In addition to compelling teaching subjects, these modules provide an opportunity to improve digital literacy and multimedia skills and influence students for years to come by encouraging them to look at their communities as learning opportunities and better understand the differences they can make as productive citizens.
With The Chartrand Foundation’s support we will roll these modules into schools, track their use and effectiveness as we continue their evolution. As feedback is received we will continue to make necessary improvements on future and existing modules.
SOTRU radio episodes are aired on more than 200 stations across the country.
The PBS & CPB Diversity and Innovation Fund recently selected SOTRU to film a one-hour television pilot for a potential prime time series.
SOTRU's commitment to diversity is reflected in all aspects of the show, from an eclectic mix of story subjects and voices, to a staff of various ethnicities, backgrounds, ages, lifestyles and thought.
There is both artistry and compassion in Al Letson's editorial choices in his State of the Re:Union series. It is the poet within him that brings out information in the stories that a traditionally trained journalist might not uncover.”
- Karen Alice Munson, Manager of Content Operations at WAMU (Washington, D.C.)
