Define American

09/02/2026

Not everyone has a fixed stance on immigration.

In fact, our research with Harmony Labs found that 33% of Americans are open to transforming their political views.

Stories about family, food, work, faith, humor, and community highlight the everyday moments that remind us how much we have in common. When immigration isn't treated as the whole story we are able to see the full spectrum of what being human means.

Donate today to help us turn research into stories that can move real people.

defineamerican.com/donate

08/19/2026

If we want to change the way people think about immigration, we have to change the stories that shape the narrative.

Define American 's original research shows that when audiences form meaningful connections with immigrant characters on screen, those connections can influence how they think and feel about immigrants in real life.

That’s why our work with writers, filmmakers, showrunners, and studios helps create more humanized immigrant stories that build connection, challenge assumptions, and change minds.

Your support helps us shape culture and what we believe is possible.

Make a pledge today : defineamerican.com/donate

08/14/2026

Stories have the power to change how we see one another. At a time when immigrant rights are facing unprecedented challenges, we need more stories that build empathy, deepen understanding, and remind us of our shared humanity.

That’s what StoryLab by Define American is helping make possible at scale.

In the “Across Platforms” session led by Jose Antonio Vargas, a Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist and Emmy-nominated filmmaker, you’ll explore how storytelling can reshape people's understanding of belonging.

Watch the full session now on StoryLab: https://storylab.defineamerican.com/session/cross-platform-storytelling

08/12/2026

🗣️ 📢 Calling all creators ready to turn their platform into power.

Our partner, Florida Immigrant Coalition, is hosting a Social Impact Creator Conference. A day for creators across platforms to deepen their understanding of key social justice issues, learn responsible storytelling practices, and build community with organizers and movement leaders ahead of the midterms.

Whether you're just starting to explore social impact content or you've been using your voice for years, this is your space to:

✨ Learn from experts on the frontlines of today's most urgent social justice issues
✨ Sharpen your storytelling to be compelling, responsible, and impactful
✨ Connect with fellow creators, organizers, and movement leaders

With the midterms ahead, your voice matters more than ever.

📅 Saturday, August 22, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

📍 Dr. André Fladell Civic Center, 16700 S Jog Rd, Delray Beach, FL 33446

Spots are limited. Register now and join a growing movement of creators shaping the future of social impact storytelling.

RSVP: https://secure.ngpvan.com/kAdyTzXOUkW4pLkM_ulNyw2?sourceid=1024358

08/11/2026

The next chapter of Define American is being shaped by leaders who know this work inside and out.

We’re proud to have Dr. Sarah E. Lowe and Shauna Siggelkow stepping in as interim Co-Executive Directors.

Dr. Sarah E. Lowe founded and has led Define American’s Research department, producing groundbreaking research and reports that have shaped how we measure and advance narrative change.

Shauna Siggelkow has been part of Define American for more than a decade, leading production teams, digital strategy, and community organizing, and serving as Vice President of Programs for nearly three years.

Their leadership reflects the depth of knowledge, relationships, and care that already exist within this organization, and the belief that our strongest future is one we build together.

The mission continues. 💛

08/10/2026

Thank you for your leadership, Jose Antonio Vargas!

Fifteen years ago, your courage in telling your story laid the foundation for Define American We’re so glad this isn’t goodbye as you continue to serve on our Board. And we can’t wait to see what you create next.

But the mission continues! We’re excited about this next phase, with Shauna Siggelkow and Sarah E. Lowe stepping in as interim Co-Executive Directors.

08/04/2026

For 15 years, Define American has worked at the intersection of media and advocacy because we believe the stories America tells about immigrants shape the policies, perceptions, and possibilities available to them.

From collaborating inside Hollywood writers' rooms to publishing original research and executing strategic partnerships across industries, Define American's work is built around one core belief: stories shape how people see immigrants, and how people see immigrants shapes what they'll accept in policy, in their communities, in their own neighborhoods.

Over the past decade and a half, that's meant partnering with industries to build more authentic narratives from the inside out, publishing research that informs the field, and equipping storytellers everywhere with the resources to get it right.

Fifteen years in, we're still here, still building, and still fighting for a country where all belong

Want to help power what's next? Shop our store: every purchase supports the work.

🔗 shop.defineamerican.com

07/23/2026

StoryLab by Define American is here.

In the digital masterclass session led by content creator Ami McClure, you can learn how creators influence trends, how authenticity nurtures connection online, and why your personal story can have a tangible impact on the culture.

Check out the full session, available now ⬇️
https://storylab.defineamerican.com/session/digital

07/20/2026

July is

Did you know nearly 50% of people with disabilities, regardless of immigration status, feel that they are underrepresented on television?

Our fourth impact study, in partnership with USC Annenberg Norman Lear Center on the state of immigrant representation on TV, makes the data clear: the gaps are real, but Hollywood has the power to close them.

Read the full report: bit.ly/changethenarrative2026

07/16/2026

Xenophobic films keep topping streaming charts — even ones denied ratings for inciting violence. Our founder Jose Antonio Vargas and Sue Obeidi of the Muslim Public Affairs Council on why Hollywood won't change until audiences demand better in today's op-ed in the L.A. Times.

Two new films, 'Citizen Vigilante' and 'Run, Fight, Hide: Infidels,' use streaming platforms and social media to cash in on xenophobia.