Keynote Speaker and Contract Trainer
Professional Expertise
Before joining the Search Institute team, Erin worked for six years with the National Institute on Media and the Family and was a principle architect of the MediaWise movement. MediaWise is a national campaign to provide professionals, families and youth with information about the impact of digital technologies on children and young people. Erin is thrilled that Search is the new home of the National Institute on Media and the Family. Combining the latest research with warmth, humor and practical advice, Erin presents on the powerful role of digital technologies in our lives and explains how to use this information to understand, communicate, and stay connected with 21st century children and youth. She has special expertise in social media, body image, video game violence, and adolescent brain development.
Most requested topics:
- Digital citizenship
- Say Yes to No: A Parenting Program to Raise Healthy, Self-Reliant Kids
- Raising MediaWise Kids
- Why Do They Act That Way? A Survival Guide to the Adolescent Brain for You and Your Teen
Major Trainings and Presentations
- Alabama Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy Annual Conference, Birmingham, AL
- Alcalanes Union High School District, Annual Parenting Conference, Alameda, CA
- Cargill Corporation Family Fridays, Wayzata, MN
- Concordia University Western Alliance Staff Development, Orange County, CA
- Early Childhood State-wide Leadership Conference, Fargo, ND
- Redwing Go Girls! National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, Redwing, MN
- MN Libraries Association Academic and Research Libraries Day, Chanhassen, MN
- MN PTA State Convention, St. Paul, MN
- Oklahoma University Seed Sower Series, Tulsa, OK
- Saskatoon Teacher’s Association Annual Convention, Saskatoon, SK
- Texas District Regional Educator’s Conference, Houston, TX
Contributions to Search Institute
Erin brings her expertise to Search Institute at a time when the topics on which she presents are significant “hot button” issues in our culture. She has helped integrate this content into the institute’s existing workshops, keynote presentations and product lines. As a speaker and trainer, Erin blends the work of the former National Institute for Media and the Family with the traditional areas of concentration at Search. Her passionate commitment to young people, unique background, and breadth of presentation experience make her a highly regarded presenter.
Publications/Programs
- Authored over 20 MediaWise® Parent Guides on topics ranging from body image and the media to youth and advertising.
- Walsh, D., Gentile, D., Walsh, E., Bennett, N. (2007) 2007 MediaWise® Video and Computer Game Report Card. National Institute on Media and the Family.
- Walsh, D. Gentile, D. Walsh, E., Bennett, N. (2006) 2006 MediaWise® Video and Computer Game Report Card. National Institute on Media and the Family.
- Contributing writer, No. Why Kids – of All Ages – Need to Hear It and Ways Parents Can Say It. Free Press, 2007.
- Contributing writer, Parenting with the Brain in Mind, forthcoming.
Professional History
In addition to speaking for Search Institute, Erin teaches undergraduate students at the University of Minnesota and the Higher Education Consortium for Urban Affairs, an off-campus study organization dedicated to education for social justice. She is passionate about integrating digital technologies into pedagogy and curriculum in ways that help young people build bridges between the virtual and real worlds. Erin is also working with students and several non-profit organizations on digital storytelling projects, believing that capturing and sharing our stories can lead to learning, action, and positive change. Erin also taps into her experience counseling and leading young people in outdoor and wilderness experiences. She has consulted with schools, school districts, parent groups and other youth serving organizations throughout the country on issues related to digital media and youth.
Erin continues to work with her father, Dr. David Walsh, on a new initiative called Dr Dave: Mind Positive Parenting. They will be translating the latest brain science into tools and resource for parents and communities seeking to raise children and youth who can thrive meeting the challenges of the 21st century, including digital literacies, school success, creating a sustainable world, and social competence and caring.
Education
- M.A., University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
- B.A., University of Wisconsin, Madison
- Audubon Expedition Institute
Community Activities
Erin serves on the YMCA Camp Widjiwagan board and is committed to making wilderness experiences more accessible for all young people. She is also the president of a small fundraising non-profit “Friends of Q’ewar,” a partner organization to a community-based organization in Andahuaylillas, Peru called The Q’ewar Project.
Request Erin Walsh for the following trainings by calling Search Institute Training at 800-294-4322 (outside the United States, dial 207-642-6270).
