2017–2018 Annual Report

Common Sense is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the 21st century.

OUR MISSION

3 Letter from Our Founder

4 Our Impact

6 Research

8 Media and Parenting

11 Latino

14 Education

17 Advocacy

20 What’s Next for Common Sense

22 Common Sense in the News

24 2017 Financial Highlights

25 Board of Directors

26 Staff Leadership and Board of Advisors

28 Regional Councils

29 Events

30 Our Distribution and Syndication Partners

31 Our Supporters

CONTENTS

Dear friends,

Today we are living in the midst of a truly remarkable moment— a

moment driven by unprecedented technological change. Technology

and media are now at the very center of all our lives — especially our

children’s. And learning to use them wisely is clearly an essential skill for

life and learning. Yet for parents, teachers, and policymakers, it can often

be a struggle to keep up with this rapidly changing digital world.

For 15 years, Common Sense has been a uniquely valuable resource,

helping hundreds of millions of parents, teachers, and kids navigate the

complex digital landscape. Put simply, our mission has not changed. In

fact, it has never been more relevant or vital.

This technological revolution marks an extraordinary moment in history,

as well as a major inflection point at Common Sense. We have much to

celebrate. Nearly 100 million individuals each year use our ratings and reviews to make informed media

decisions. Well over 500,000 educators rely on Common Sense’s award-winning K–12 curriculum to

help millions of students become more responsible and safe digital citizens. Our advocacy team continues

to lead the fight around the country on issues ranging from early childhood education to protecting our

kids’ privacy.

I’m proud to say our groundbreaking kids’ digital well-being campaign has sparked a much-needed national

conversation about the physical, mental, and societal impact of technology on our kids and families.

Common Sense is uniquely positioned to address this issue: Quite simply, we are the only organization with

the reach, the nonpartisan reputation, and the responsible voice to respond to the escalating concerns

about our “always-on” digital culture. As the globally recognized leader in the kids’ technology and media

space, Common Sense engages families, educators, pediatricians, and policymakers to generate critically

important solutions to these ever-more-pressing issues.

To our supporters and funders, we send you a heartfelt thank-you. We simply wouldn’t be here without you.

Yet there’s still so much to do in this complex world our kids are growing up in. This annual report presents

our vision for continued success and growth. Because as the world of technology and media continues to

evolve, so, too, does Common Sense and the work we do to make kids our No. 1 priority.

All best and many thanks,

James P. Steyer, founder and CEO

LETTER FROM OUR FOUNDER

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2017: Making Our MarkIndustry partners, policymakers, educators, and families are convening around a powerful idea: kids’ digital well-being is Common Sense.

• 82M families and teachers rely on Common Sense every year.

• 30K ratings and reviews on major cable networks and streaming services.

• All 50 states equipped for digital citizenship education and advocacy.

• 150M viewers reached with #DeviceFreeDinner public service announcements.

• Independent research informs ethical technology design and quality, age-appropriate media recommendations.

2015Common Sense Latino offers community-grounded, culturally relevant reviews and advice in Spanish.

Navigating today’s fast-changing media and technology landscape … and building a world that works better for kids.

OUR IMPACT 2012–2014Common Sense Kids Action advocates for laws and policies that support kids and families.

Common Sense Education introduces edtech ratings and reviews of popular classroom learning tools.

2016The Common Sense Privacy Evaluation Initiative equips educators with essential information to protect kids’ privacy online.

2010–2011The first Common Sense research report provides nationally representative data and insights into kids’ digital lives.

2004–2006Distribution partnerships bring Common Sense ratings and reviews nationwide.

2008–2009Common Sense Education supports K–12 schools with curriculum for digital citizenship.

2003Common Sense Media launches to help families make more informed media choices.

Digital learning takes off in schools;

YouTube surpasses 1B video views

per day.

Facebook launches (2004) and soon allows anyone over the age of 13 to join

(2006).

TV and DVDs dominate family

media life.

First iPhone released; Netflix shifts

from DVDs to streaming.

Broadband internet access reaches 50%

of U.S. homes.

Instagram released;

social media gains global popularity.

Latino students become

the fastest-growing portion of the

U.S. school population.

Chromebooks account for more than

half the devices sold for use in U.S. schools.

Internet privacy and technology addiction concerns

are on the rise among families, teachers, and

policymakers.

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Original research reveals families’ concerns and separates media hype from the truth about kids’ lives.

Research is the foundation of everything we do, informing our parent advice and educational programs. It frames the national dialogue about children’s digital well-being, building public awareness and sparking action in homes, schools, industry, and government. Our report News and America’s Kids captured children’s firsthand experiences with news and their views on how media portrays young people. Watching Gender explored the effects of on-screen gender stereotypes on kids’ beliefs and behaviors and highlighted opportunities for more equal gender representation in children’s media. Character Is Common Sense outlined a methodology for identifying movies and TV programs that promote core character strengths and life skills.

The national conversation around kids and technology reached a tipping point in 2017.

We continued our groundbreaking research on tech use among kids age 0 to 8.

New technologies continue to change the way kids interact with media — even in their earliest years. The 2017 Common Sense Census, Media Use by Kids Age Zero to Eight, built on previous studies from 2011 and 2013 to reveal how media use among young children has evolved. The Common Sense Census continues to affirm our reputation as the source for tracking and understanding the rapidly changing media trends in the American family.

New research ventures included our first international study and two bold partnerships.

We partnered with the Annenberg School for Commu-nication and Journalism at the University of Southern California (USC) to develop a study of teens and parents in Japan, The New Normal, which revealed that many families in that hyperconnected country feel digital devices are a source of concern and anxiety. We also launched a partnership with SurveyMonkey on a series of provocative polls, inaugurated with the headline-sparking “Social Media Disconnect,” which revealed that parents are tracking their teens more than teens know.

What’s next for Common Sense Research

• Quarterly surveys in partnership with SurveyMonkey Actionable insights on timely topics such as YouTube, device addiction, and smart speakers

• Spring 2018: Virtual Reality 101 Groundbreaking and original research into the emerging use and potential effects of VR on kids

• Summer 2018: Social Media, Social Life A candid look at the way social media influences young people’s relationships and well-being

• Fall 2018: The New Normal A collaboration with USC on device distraction and addiction of U.S. and U.K. parents and teens

• Winter 2018: Common Sense Census: Educators A nationally representative survey of K–12 teachers covering digital citizenship and edtech

RESEARCH

Common Sense Research sheds light on timely issues for American families.

As the go-to resource for journalists covering kids’ use of media and technology, Common Sense Research was referenced in more than 2,000 unique stories last year in print, television, and online news outlets.

Watching Gender: How Stereotypes in Movies and TV Impact Kids’ Development received a New York Times exclusive as well as special coverage in:

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Parents are better prepared to take on new challenges, from fake news to YouTube.

Over the past 12 months, guiding kids toward healthy media habits became more important than ever, and parents have relied on our independent, research-based resources to keep up with fast-changing tech, misinformation, and concerns about digital overload. Common Sense updated our media ratings to highlight positive gender representa-tions and added thousands of new reviews to keep up with everything kids want to watch, play, and read. YouTube channel reviews addressed a major pain point for parents by helping them guide their kids to quality content faster. Also, hundreds of new articles and videos highlighted the impor-tance of talking to kids about what they see and do online.

Over the past year, families faced more complex technology choices than ever before.

Millions more families now have access to unbiased reviews and research-backed advice.

Common Sense Media ratings, reviews, and advice reached two more powerful platforms last year: Verizon and Hulu. And with innovative video techniques such as stop-motion graphics, Common Sense reached more than 5 million families through our video-on-demand partners. Comcast, now a partner for 11 years, saw a 44 percent increase in viewership of Common Sense reviews year over year. We also added Salon, Simplemost, Smart Parenting, Babylist, and Today’s Parent to our growing roster of syndication partners that carry our advice content about raising kids in the digital age.

MEDIA AND PARENTING

Common Sense Media redefines parenting for today’s fast-paced world.

30K+ ratings and reviews (now including YouTube!).

33M households reached through partner subscriptions and syndication.

49M people find Common Sense Media ratings and advice online.

150M viewers reached with #DeviceFreeDinner PSAs.

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Latino parents wanted to be better informed about their kids’ digital lives.

LATINO“My family has relied on the services of your organization for years, and we are so appreciative of what you do. We parents need all the help that we can get in this day and age. Your work informs the public and generally makes our media-driven society a healthier, more developmentally appropriate place to exist.”

— Matt L., parent

Will Ferrell propelled the #DeviceFreeDinner story through a series of national public service announcements (PSAs).

Audiences across America caught a hilarious glimpse of what might happen when devices take over family dinner. Backed by research and inspired by real-life stories of device distraction, the latest #DeviceFreeDinner TV spots sent an important message far and wide: It’s OK to hit pause on digital devices to enjoy family time — in fact, it’s essential! Actor and comedian Will Ferrell’s signature humor brought the subject closer to home for viewers and took our multiyear public awareness campaign around media balance and kids’ digital well-being to the next level.

What’s next for Common Sense Media

As media and technology continue to evolve, Common Sense Media remains an indispensable resource for families and a national leader in the conversation around kids, parenting, and technology. We’re working on new features that customize content by age and developmental milestone and innovative resources to help families take control of their digital well-being. We plan to build upon the #DeviceFree movement, broaden and scale our membership, and expand the scope of our industry-standard ratings to review more content and offer more advice for children age 5 and under.

Common Sense Latino offers research-based, community-grounded tips and tools for families.

4M families rely on Common Sense Latino resources.

37K followers connect and share in a growing Facebook community.

93% of families say they feel more confident after attending a Common Sense Latino parent workshop.

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New research shows that Latino parents are very involved in their kids’ digital lives.

Latino kids are now the largest minority group of children in the nation, and, when surveyed, Latino parents were more concerned than all other parents about their kids’ media use. In response to these findings, Common Sense Latino expanded our Spanish-language advice to cover topics that Latino families care about most. We created dozens of culturally relevant videos and articles on topics such as multiculturalism in media, early childhood education, and how technology can support learning goals.

Spanish-speaking parents now have access to timely, relevant resources online and in person.

Eighty-five percent of Common Sense Latino users are immigrants, and 48 percent are lower-income. In partner-ship with trusted community-based organizations such as Abriendo Puertas, we were able to better understand Latino families’ needs and concerns, and we tailored our resources to be culturally relevant and accessible. In Los Angeles, we deepened our work on the ground with parent workshops, offering a safe and friendly environment for families to learn and ask questions. We also built virtual communities on Facebook and YouTube where families can share advice and find video tips and reviews in Spanish.

LATINO

Strong partnerships have helped us reach Latino families at the point of decision.

Through curated advice content for Xfinity Latino and Comcast Internet Essentials, as well as regular segments on Univision, Telemundo, and other key Spanish-language media players, Common Sense became a household name for Spanish-speaking families at home and in their communities. Latino videos were viewed more than 2.1 million times across platforms in 2017, reinforcing the role Common Sense plays in helping Latino families navigate the digital world with confidence.

What’s next for Common Sense Latino

Through Common Sense Latino, we are laying important groundwork for the future of multilingual and multicultural offerings. Our program is an essential way to serve the changing demographic makeup of U.S. families and collaborate with partner organizations to tune in to the daily challenges this community faces in today’s fast-paced digital world. We will continue to expand our reach into both Latino and lower-income communities and are excited to meet families where they are, in part by piloting a text message campaign to deliver tech tips to Spanish-speaking families across California.

“To be honest, this is one of the few free resources in Spanish that helps parents to make better decisions, to understand the risks of our children using computers and media, and to manage those situations.”

— Mary A., parent

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Half a million educators now teach our Digital Citizenship Curriculum in schools.

Common Sense Education supports K–12 schools with free resources for teaching in the digital age. We believe that digital citizenship is an essential skill that all kids need for learning and life, and in 2017, the elements of that citizen-ship — healthy media balance, online privacy, and news literacy — were critical concerns for teachers and families alike. In response, Common Sense Education expanded curricula and advice to guide teachers eager to keep up with new challenges. We also added our News & Media Literacy and Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) toolkits full of research-based tips and tools.

Last year, educators had more reason than ever to focus on privacy and digital citizenship.

Educators nationwide are better equipped to protect student privacy.

In response to requests from large school districts across the U.S., in 2017 Common Sense added much-needed privacy information about popular edtech tools to the Common Sense Education ratings and reviews platform. We also created a first-of-its-kind system to evaluate the privacy policies and terms of service that accompany such tools. These resources give teachers the information they need to consider the whole picture of instructional effectiveness when selecting edtech products for their students, while giving vendors the tools to be better stewards of student privacy. Above all, privacy evaluations equip teachers with the information to keep kids safe online, even as students’ media habits continue to evolve.

EDUCATION

Common Sense Education takes the guesswork out of teaching in the digital age.

560K+ educators in all 50 states teach digital citizenship.

2,800+ ratings and reviews make teaching with tech easier.

10.8M Digital Passport TM and Digital CompassTM games completed.

54,000 U.S. schools use Common Sense Education in classrooms.

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ADVOCACY

Our professional learning networks elevate teacher voices.

Thousands of Common Sense Educators have completed training for digital teaching and citizenship and have been recognized for their hard work and leadership in schools across the country and worldwide. This growing community shares best practices and empowers millions of students each year to become digital learners, leaders, and citizens.

What’s next for Common Sense Education

As edtech tools and digital media continue to expand in schools, Common Sense Education supports educators with a comprehensive approach to learning and leadership. In 2018, we are launching essential updates to our Digital Citizenship Curriculum to meet urgent needs for educators and address emerging challenges in schools. We plan to expand our pioneering privacy evaluations and grow our community of trained educators to share proactive solutions and act as community ambassadors for digital citizenship.

“The impact on my school’s culture has been very positive. We have changed our message from the negative dangers of the internet to the wonderful resources at our fingertips when we are responsible digital citizens. The most amazing fact of all is that with our change in message, the rate at which students conduct inappropriate searches has gone down to almost zero.”

— Stephanie K., educator

Common Sense Kids Action champions privacy and digital equity reforms that make kids our top priority.

59 new digital and grassroots campaigns launched to support 37 “For Kids” laws.

25 “For Kids” bills signed into law.

Nearly 3,000 visits to legislators made by parent organizers in California.

Thousands of citizens took action on behalf of kids in all 50 states!

In an increasingly digital world, laws and policies have not adequately supported kids.

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We work to support laws and policies that help kids and families thrive.

Common Sense Kids Action launched a new ratings tool in 2017 to make it easier for all of us to advocate for key legislation that is “For Kids” and fight against legislation that is “Against Kids.” And in California, we used those ratings to create a scorecard to hold legislators accountable for the ways they support, or hinder, California’s kids and families. We are proud to have helped defeat Congress’s attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act, which would have taken health insurance away from millions of lower-income kids, and successfully fought to renew funding for CHIP, the Children’s Health Insurance Program.

We are four states closer to bringing our Digital Citizenship Curriculum to every school in the U.S.

Thanks to the actions of parents and other concerned citizens, Connecticut, New Mexico, Rhode Island, and Washington state adopted landmark legislation to include digital citizenship education in their schools. Seven additional states introduced legislation that would expand educator and administrator resources to teach digital citizenship and media literacy.

ADVOCACY

Lawmakers now have more information about how their decisions affect kids.

Last year we launched the Kids’ Privacy Zone report, a guide with easy-to-understand tips for what parents and policymakers can do to protect kids’ digital privacy. With support from senators on the Commerce Committee, we also urged the Federal Communications Commission to maintain funding for broadband internet connections for schools and libraries to keep millions of students connected, creating, and learning online.

What’s next for Common Sense Kids Action

Common Sense Kids Action is committed to making kids a national priority, now and for generations to come. In 2018, we’re already giving people more ways to advocate for “For Kids” laws and policies through expanded legis-lative ratings and action campaigns. To take our impact to the next level, we are launching an organization-wide effort to work with technology leaders and policymakers to support kids’ digital well-being. With these efforts, we can convene legislators, parents, and other concerned citizens to advance equity and opportunity for all kids.

“Positive change happens when consumers know what’s going on. That has always been one of the most important things Common Sense does: educate consumers. There’s nothing more powerful than an educated group of citizens who can get behind something, because in those moments, democracy works best.”

— Rep. John Delaney (D-Md.)

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For Common Sense, 2017 was a landmark year: Our core issues are now at the center of a national dialogue about the impact of media and technology on the health and well-being of America’s kids, on the fabric of everyday life, and on the future of our democracy.

The coming years will be even more important as we double down on our foundational programs and offerings, scale our impact, broaden our reach, and continue to lead the way as the most important, effective voice for kids and families in the digital age.

As we approach our 15th anniversary in 2018, we are celebrating the parents, teachers, and partners like you who make our work possible and who believe that standing up for kids is common sense. Your continued support means the world to us! Here’s to another 15 years of building brighter futures for all of our kids.

What’s Next for Common Sense

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Research

A New Rating for TV and Movies Tries to Combat Gender Stereotypes

Teens Don’t Realize How Much Their Parents Track Them Online

More Than Half of American Kids Say They Can’t Spot Fake News

Survey: Parents Binge on Media, Say They’re Good Role Models

Young Children Are Spending Much More Time in Front of Small Screens

Media and Parenting

It’s 10 P.M. Do You Know What Apps Your Children Are Using?

Apps for Kids That Parents Need to Know About: Yellow, Spotafriend, More

5 No-Phone Zones for Parents and Kids Alike

Device-Free Dinners: Bringing Families Closer Together, One Meal at a Time

10 Best Movies for Siblings to Watch Together

Diversity (and SVODs) Rise in Latest Common Sense Seal Honorees

Latino

Padres y madres estadounidenses pasan más de nueve horas diarias frente a las pantallas de aparatos electrónicos

¡Todos a ‘cenar sin celular’!

Education

This Startup Adds “Digital Citizenship” to School Curriculums

Encryption Sorely Lacking in EdTech Products, Survey Finds

We Need to Teach Kids How to Be Skeptical of the Internet

Fake News Isn’t Just an Internet Problem, It’s a Classroom Crisis. A New Push for Media Literacy

Advocacy

California Bill Declares All Children Have a Basic Right to Quality Education, Health Care, and Social Services

California Bill Proposes New Regulations on Toys That Record Children

Current Events

New Facebook App for Children Ignites Debate Among Families

What It Feels Like When All Your Parental Nightmares Are Rolled into One TV Series

YouTube Cracks Down on Disturbing Videos of Children

Disney Channel Breaks Ground with First Gay Storyline

In 2017, Common Sense received extensive media coverage for our organization-wide efforts to help kids thrive. Our

research made headlines by tapping into industry trends and the emerging interests and concerns of American

families. Major media partners amplified our reach with coverage that spanned current events, advocacy efforts,

media reviews and advice, and our Digital Citizenship Curriculum.

COMMON SENSE IN THE NEWS

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2017 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Sources of Funds — $22.7M 2017 Expense Distinction

82%42%

41%

6.5% 18%6.7%

3.6% 0.2%

Program

Development & administration

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Harvey Anderson Deputy General Counsel, Hewlett-Packard

Lynne Benioff Community Volunteer

Reveta Bowers (Chair) Retired Head of School, Center for Early Education

Chris Brahm Partner, Bain & Company

Julián Castro Former Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Ann Pao Chen Independent Consultant

Geoffrey Cowan University Professor and Annenberg Family Chair, University of Southern California

Amy Errett Founder and CEO, Madison Reed

John H.N. Fisher Partner, Draper Fisher Jurvetson

Margaret Hearst Community Volunteer

Andrew Hoine Partner and Director of Research, Paulson & Co. Inc.

David Ludwig Managing Director, Goldman Sachs & Co.

Julie Lythcott-Haims Author and Educator

April McClain-Delaney Washington Director, Common Sense

Michael D. McCurry Director and Professor, Wesley Theological Seminary

William E. McGlashan, Jr. Managing Partner, TPG Growth

Robert L. Miller President and CEO, Miller Publishing Group

Diana L. Nelson Board Chair, Carlson

William S. Price, III Proprietor, Price Family Vineyards and Estates

Susan F. Sachs Community Volunteer

Gene Sykes CEO, LA2028

Nicole Taylor Deputy Vice President and Dean of Students, Arizona State University

Lawrence Wilkinson (Vice Chair) Chairman, Heminge & Condell

James P. Steyer Founder and CEO

Building for the Future

To continue making kids our nation’s top priority, Common Sense has several efforts underway that will continue in 2018:

• Maintain and build diversified revenue streams, particularly through new initiatives and programs

• Build a more sustainable infrastructure to keep administrative costs down

• Fund an operating reserve to ensure stability in down times

Fees for services

Grants

Contributions

Special event revenue

In-kind contributions

Other income

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James Steyer Founder and Chief Executive Officer

Linda Burch Chief Strategy and Development Officer

Omar Khan Chief Product and Technology Officer

Ellen Pack Chief Program Officer

David Kuizenga Chief Financial and Administrative Officer

Maria Alvarez Vice President, Common Sense Latino

Rhianwen Benner Vice President, Business Development

Dana Blum Senior Director, Bay Area Region

Sarah Bowman Director, Los Angeles Region

Amy Brotman Vice President, Product Development

Elizabeth Gettelman Galicia Vice President, Common Sense Kids Action

Samira Sine Director, New York Region

Corbie Kiernan Vice President, Communications

Liz Kline Vice President, Education Programs

Jill Murphy Vice President and Editor-in-Chief

Rebecca Randall Vice President, Philanthropic Partnerships and Regional Growth

Michael Robb Senior Director, Research

Colby Zintl Vice President, External Affairs

STAFF LEADERSHIP

BOARD OF ADVISORS

Aileen Adams Former Deputy Mayor, City of Los Angeles

Larry Baer President and CEO, San Francisco Giants

Rich Barton Co-Founder and Executive Chair, Zillow.com

Richard I. Beattie Chairman, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP

Angela Glover Blackwell Founder and CEO, PolicyLink

Geoffrey Canada Founder and President, Harlem Children’s Zone

Marcy Carsey Founding Partner, Carsey-Werner Productions

Chelsea Clinton Vice Chair, Clinton Foundation

Ramon Cortines Former Superintendent, Los Angeles Unified School District

James Coulter Founding Partner, TPG Capital LP

Yogen Dalal Partner Emeritus, Mayfield Fund

Steven A. Denning Founding Partner, General Atlantic Partners

Susan Ford Dorsey President, Sand Hill Foundation

Millard Drexler Chairman and CEO, J.Crew

Ezekiel Emanuel, M.D., Ph.D. Chair, Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy, University of Pennsylvania

Robert J. Fisher Director, Gap Inc.

Howard Gardner, Ph.D. Professor, School of Education, Harvard University

Jim Herbert, II President and CEO, First Republic Bank

David Hornik Partner, August Capital

Matthew Johnson Managing Partner, Ziffren Brittenham LLP

Ron Johnson Trustee, Stanford University

Mitchell Kapor Partner, Kapor Capital

Lucinda Lee Katz Head of School, Marin Country Day School

Gary E. Knell CEO, National Geographic Partners

David Lawrence Jr. President, Early Childhood Initiative Foundation

Eddie Lazarus General Counsel, Tribune Company

Ronnie Lott NFL Hall of Famer

Manny Maceda Worldwide Managing Director, Bain & Company

Susan McCaw U.S. Ambassador to Austria (Retired)

Nion McEvoy Chairman and CEO, Chronicle Books

George Miller Education Advisor to Cengage Learning and Retired Member of Congress

Nell Minow Founder, Corporate Library and Movie Mom

Newton Minow Counsel, Sidley, Austin and Brown and Former Chairman, Federal Communications Commission

James Montoya Senior Vice President, College Board

Becky Morgan President, Morgan Family Foundation

David Plouffe President, Policy and Advocacy, Chan Zuckerberg Initiative

Carrie Schwab Pomerantz President, Charles Schwab Foundation

Michael Riordan Founder, Gilead Sciences

George Roberts Founding Partner, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co.

Jesse Rogers Founder, Altamont Capital

Jim Ryan Dean, Harvard Graduate School of Education

Alan Schwartz Executive Chairman, Guggenheim Partners

Darrell Steinberg Chair, California Government Law and Policy Practice, Greenberg Traurig LLP

Thomas Steyer Founder and President, NextGen Climate

Deborah Stipek Faculty Director, Haas Center for Public Service, Stanford University

Mike Tollin President, Mandalay Sports Media

Robert S. Townsend Partner, Morrison & Foerster LLP

Michael Tubbs Mayor, City of Stockton

Laura Walker President, WNYC Radio

Eugene Washington, M.D. Chancellor, Medical School, Duke University

Alice Waters Founder, Chez Panisse and Chez Panisse Foundation

Robert Wehling Founder, Family Friendly Programming Forum

Tim Zagat Co-Founder and Co-Chair, Zagat Survey

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REGIONAL COUNCILS EVENTS

Patricia Blee

Jennifer Chung (Chair)

Whitney Davis

Abby Durban

Lorri Hamilton Durbin

Lorri Elder Dyner

Jessica Eisler

Scott Erickson

Suzanne Felson

Wanda Holland Greene (Honorary Co-Chair)

Jordan Hoffner

Tai Hsia

Lucy Hume

Eli Khouri

Agatha Luczo

Rochelle Ludwig

Meredith Meeks

Emily Millman

Jessica Moment

Priti Morey

Anna Morfit

Krutika Patel

Kirsten Polsky

Shira Ronen

Catarina Schwab

Ali Singer

Hilary Caplan Somorjai

Nina Zinterhofer Stanford (Chair)

Cecily Stock

Kelli Tomlinson

Kristin Vogelsong

Tracy Wang

Liz Weingart

Jessica Wynne

Bay Area/Silicon Valley Advisory Councils

Washington, D.C. Advisory Council

Los Angeles Advisory Council

New York Advisory Council

Aileen Adams

Lorraine Berchtold

Reveta Bowers

Sarah Brown

Gabe Cowan

Susanne Daniels (Co-Chair)

Georgia Eisner

Laura Fox

Ann Gianopulos

Irwin Gold

Ellen Bronfman Hauptman

Joan Hill

Sarah Hughes

Stefanie Huie (Co-Chair)

Michael Kong

Nathalie Kunin

Brandon Liebman

Lin Oliver

Janice Polizzotto

Brian Robinson

Priscilla Sands

Eli Selden

Karen Kehela Sherwood

Tara Sorensen

Tracy Sykes

Baudelia Chavez Taylor

Michael Tollin

Wendy Wachtell

Laura Wasserman

Jim Wiatt

Bradley Zacuto

Anne Black

Genevieve Boron

Michael Colacino

Rachel Dalton

Jill Davis

George Davison

Bill Dessoffy

Pamela Dickson

Stephanie Dua

Tony Goncalves

Jon Henes

Andrew Hoine

Sharon Kessler

Mara Landis

Carol Sutton Lewis

Tony Malkin

Alex Navab

Gregory O’Melia

Alison Cupp Relyea

Karen Handler Ryan

Lauren Shortt

Liana Slater

Marva Smalls

Lloyd Sprung

Chris Thorpe

David Topper

Remy Trafelet

Catherine Workman

Nancy Balboa (Co-Chair)

Catherine Bohigian

Katherine Bradley

Angela Campbell

Susie Canton

Jean Case

Soraya Chemaly

Teresa Clare

Lucinda Crabtree

Julie Donatelli

Karen Donatelli

Risa Elias

Steven Fabrizio

Jean-Marie Fernandez

Susan Fox

Frank Gallagher

Mary Haft

Katherine Hoffman

Gwen Holliday

Sonya Douglass Horsford

Catherine Ronan Karrels

Lauren Birchfield Kennedy

Dale Lipnick

Laurie Lipper

Betsy Mandel

Capricia Penavic Marshall

Anita McBride

April McClain-Delaney (Co-Chair)

Manar Morales

Bill O’Neill

Anna Parisi-Trone

Marianne Powell

Susanna Quinn

Nancy Sidamon-Eristoff

Shawn Smeallie

Lalie Tongour

Christie Weiss

Mary Zients The 2017 Los Angeles Dinner featured a fireside chat with New York Times columnist and Pulitzer Prize- winning author Thomas L. Friedman and Jim Steyer.

More than 400 industry and education leaders, policymakers, and notable philanthropists gathered for the 2017 Common Sense Awards at Newseum in Washington, D.C.

Hon. Debbie Dingell, Hon. Joe Kennedy, Hon. John Delaney, Jim Steyer, April McClain-Delaney, House Leader Nancy Pelosi, and Paul Pelosi gathered at the 2017 Common Sense Awards in Washington, D.C., to celebrate the thought leaders and innovators who are building brighter futures for kids everywhere.

Rocío López of Common Sense Latino spoke at a Spanish-language town hall in Los Angeles, hosted by Common Sense Kids Action and Clínica Romero. The town hall presented the findings of the Right Start Commission Report, a blueprint for a child-centered system that nurtures every child from birth.

Common Sense board chair and former Head of School at the Center for Early Education Reveta Bowers joined CNBC senior media and entertainment correspondent Julia Boorstin at the 2017 Los Angeles Dinner.

The 2017 Bay Area Luncheon featured speakers Jeremy Bailenson, founding director of Stanford University’s Virtual Human Interaction Lab; Dr. James Canton, CEO and chairman of the Institute for Global Futures; Kara Swisher, executive editor and co-founder of Recode; and Common Sense founder and CEO Jim Steyer.

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OUR DISTRIBUTION PARTNERS OUR SUPPORTERS

OUR SYNDICATION PARTNERS

Common Sense is proud to partner with leading media, retail, and technology companies that share our commitment to improving the lives of kids and families and helping them thrive in the world of media and technology. Through integrating our ratings, reviews, advice, and videos at the point of decision, we and our partners empower families with resources they need to navigate the digital world and make smart and informed media choices.

Over the past 15 years, Common Sense has been fortunate to receive the generous philanthropic support of individual donors and foundations that have made, and continue to make, a significant contribution to the success, sustainability, and impact of Common Sense’s work. The list below represents the cumulative giving of our most generous supporters as of December 31, 2017.*

Common Sense Media works with dozens of news and lifestyle outlets to distribute our parent advice and media recommendations. By sharing and syndicating our content, some of today’s leading publications help us reach millions of families every year.

$5,000,000 and aboveAnonymous (3)

Lynne and Marc Benioff

Omidyar Network

Susan Crown Exchange (SCE)

Sherwood Foundation

Kat Taylor and Tom Steyer

$2,500,000—$4,999,999Bezos Family Foundation

Marcy Carsey

Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation

Jennifer Caldwell and John H.N. Fisher

John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation

$1,000,000—$2,499,999The Bernard Osher Jewish Philanthropies Foundation

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

The California Endowment

Carnegie Corporation of New York

Penny and Jim Coulter

Ford Foundation

Heising-Simons Foundation

Martha and Bruce Karsh

Michael & Susan Dell Foundation

Morgan Family Foundation

Poses Family Foundation

Stuart Family Foundation

William and Flora Hewlett Foundation

*Includes cumulative grants or contributions of $25,000 and above.

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$500,000–$999,999Anschutz Foundation

Atlantic Philanthropies

Diana Nelson and John Atwater

Best Buy Foundation

April McClain-Delaney and John Delaney

Steven and Roberta Denning

Grable Foundation

Marguerite Casey Foundation

Niagara Cares

Overdeck Family Foundation

Mindy and Jesse Rogers

Sand Hill Foundation

Tracy and Gene Sykes

Symantec

$250,000—$499,999Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation

Daniels Fund

Hearst Foundations

John Templeton Foundation

Joseph Drown Foundation

McCormick Foundation

Marie and Bill McGlashan

New Venture Fund

Salesforce.org

Elizabeth and Andrew Spokes

Denise O’Leary and Kent Thiry

TPG Foundation

Verizon Foundation

$100,000—$249,999Annie E. Casey Foundation

Anonymous

Nancy and Tim Armstrong

Arthur Vining Davis Foundations

Sarah and Rich Barton

Bloomberg Philanthropies

Katherine and David Bradley

California Health Care Foundation

Lycia Carmody

Jill Davis and Edward Conard

Disney Worldwide Services Inc.

The Eisner Foundation

Dana and Bob Emery

Clare Albanese and Amy Errett

Randi and Bob Fisher

Laura and John Fisher

Google Inc.

Margaret and William Hearst

Jennifer and Andrew Hoine

John S. and James L. Knight Foundation

Jackie and Michael Klein

Katie Hall and Tom Knutsen

LifeLock Inc.

Susan and Craig McCaw

George and Linnea Roberts

Miyoung Lee and Neil Simpkins

Ali and Brad Singer

Margaret and Allan Steyer

Liz and Jim Steyer

Mike Tollin

David and Susan Tunnell

Wasserman Foundation

Weingart Foundation

W.M. Keck Foundation

$50,000–$99,999Elizabeth and Lee Ainslie

Anonymous

Helen and Peter Bing

Nancy and Frank Bynum

Belle and Wences Casares

Ann and Paul Chen

Clinton Family Foundation

Linda Burch and Rajen Dalal

David and Lucile Packard Foundation

Karen Edwards

Emika Fund

Mrs. Donald G. Fisher

George Kaiser Family Foundation

Sandra and Tom Holland

Lisa and John Pritzker Family Fund

Rochelle and David Ludwig

McAfee Inc. Endowment Fund

Alan Meltzer

Bob Miller

Morrison and Foerster Foundation

M.S. Grumbacher Foundation

Pinkerton Foundation

Carrie Schwab Pomerantz and Gary Pomerantz

Richard King Mellon Foundation

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

Rose Hills Foundation

Susan Sachs

S.H. Cowell Foundation

Silicon Valley Community Foundation

Sketch Foundation

Stuart Foundation

Thrive Foundation for Youth

Marie and Gene Washington

$25,000—$49,999Nancy and Doug Abbey

Harvey Anderson

Anonymous (6)

Ambassador Frank and Kathy Baxter

Stasia Obremskey and Dan Carroll

Angela and Chris Cohan

Peggy and Yogen Dalal

Dan and Stacey Case Family Foundation

Kathy and John Danhakl

Susanne and Greg Daniels

Peggy and Mickey Drexler

Abigail and Egon Durban

Greater Kansas City Community Foundation

Pam and Jon Henes

Wende and Tom Hutton

Stephen Kaplan

Gina and Rich Kelley

Carli and Eli Khouri

Kim Larson and Gary Knell

Mara and Dean Landis

Cathy and Marc Lasry

Gabrielle and Thomas Layton

Bremond and Michael MacDougall

Lyra Rufino-Maceda and Manny Maceda

Linda and John Marren

Leslie Berriman and Nion McEvoy

New York Community Trust

Pannonia Foundation

Michael Riordan

Rockefeller Brothers Fund

Schauble Family Foundation

Diana and Steve Strandberg

Ashley and Minott Wessinger

Lawrence Wilkinson

Mary and Jeff Zients

*Includes cumulative grants or contributions of $25,000 and above.

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Alison and Ed Abbo

Linda and Magid Abraham

Debbe and Peter Adamson

Lee and Elizabeth Ainslie

Mia Riverton Alpert and David Alpert

A-Mark Foundation

Katie Anderson

Andrew F. and Ann B. Mathieson Fund

Patrice and Jim Angle

Anonymous (7)

Nell Minow and David Apatoff

Diana Nelson and John Atwater

Amy and Bret Baier

Charmaine and Sean Bailey

Nancy and George Balboa

Megan and Harris Barton

Sarah and Rich Barton

Cori and Tony Bates

Ambassador Frank and Kathy Baxter

Lynne and Marc Benioff

Lorraine and Joe Berchtold

Meg Bertero

Helen and Peter Bing

Xochi and Michael Birch

Anne Black

Patricia and Bob Blee

Dana and Robert Blum

Karina Lynch and David Bohley

Sheila and Mark Bolour

Rosie Bone

Genevieve and Jeff Boron

Reveta and Bob Bowers

Katherine and David Bradley

Susie and Steve Canton

Marcy Carsey

Ann and Scott Carter

Pamela and John Casaudoumecq

Julie Chaiken

Huifen Chan

Jamie Chen

Ann and Paul Chen

Meryl and Michael Chertoff

Amy and James Childress

Kathy and John Choi

Gwenith Hinze and Ernest Chow

Jennifer and Young Chung

Teresa and Peter Clare

Marcy and Neil Cohen

Ana and Paul Collins

Tracy Kirkham and Josef Cooper

Penny and Jim Coulter

Aileen Adams and Geoff Cowan

Lucinda Crabtree

Suzanne and J. Taylor Crandall

Sharon and Paul Crane

Tammy and Bill Crown

Marjolein Cuellar

Wendy and Larry Culp

Linda Burch and Rajen Dalal

Peggy and Yogen Dalal

Dan and Stacey Case Family Foundation

Susanne and Greg Daniels

Kay Kendall and Jack Davies

Whitney and Lanse Davis

Cathy and Sandy Dean

Nina and Casper de Clercq

Daun and Dan Dees

April McClain-Delaney and John Delaney

Steven and Roberta Denning

Michele and Doug Dillard

Nancy and Marc Duber

Malik Ducard

Marijke Jurgens-Dupree and David Dupree

Abigail and Egon Durban

Sally and Mark Ein

Georgia and Breck Eisner

Dana and Bob Emery

Emika Fund

Carson and Helmy Eltoukhy

Clare Albanese and Amy Errett

Melinda Ellis Evers and Will Evers

*Includes donors of $1,000 and above. Regretfully, due to space limitations, we are unable to list every donor in the print publication. However, all gifts we receive are deeply valued and support our work for kids and schools.

We would like to thank our foundation partners who supported our work in 2017.

Ahmanson Foundation

Annie E. Casey Foundation

Anschutz Foundation

The Bernard Osher Jewish Philanthropies Foundation

Best Buy Foundation

Bezos Family Foundation

bgC3

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Bloomberg Philanthropies

Carnegie Corporation of New York

Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation

David and Lucile Packard Foundation

Disney Worldwide Services Inc.

Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation

Grable Foundation

Hearst Foundations

Heising-Simons Foundation

John Templeton Foundation

Joseph Drown Foundation

Michael & Susan Dell Foundation

Morgan Family Foundation

M.S. Grumbacher Foundation

Niagara Cares

Overdeck Family Foundation

Poses Family Foundation

R.K. Mellon Foundation

Rose Hills Foundation

Sand Hill Foundation

Sherwood Foundation

Susan Crown Exchange (SCE)

Symantec

TPG Foundation

Weingart Foundation

William and Flora Hewlett Foundation

W.M. Keck Foundation

Foundation PartnersWe would also like to thank the following philanthropic partners who made generous contributions in 2017.*

Individual Donors

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Holly and Jim Farrell

Suzanne and Elliott Felson

Jean-Marie and Raul Fernandez

Camilla and Matt Field

Amy Nathan and Howard Fineman

Courtney Benoist and Jason M. Fish

Randi and Bob Fisher

Mrs. Donald G. Fisher

Laura and John Fisher

Jennifer Caldwell and John H.N. Fisher

Lauren and Lee Fixel

Byron Flagg

JoJo and Eric Fleiss

Tomoko and Don Fortune

Emily and Clinton Foy

Spencer Frasher

Elizabeth and Michael Galvin

Mary and George Garvey

George Lucas Family Foundation

Ann and Jim Gianopulos

Patricia and Richard Gibbs

JoAnne and Ben Ginsberg

Nancy Floyd and William Glasgow

Torie Clarke and Brian Graham

Mae and Ande Grennan

Mignon and Jim Groch

Carol and Jeff Groh

Mary and Robert Haft

Holly Hagens

Christine Hahn

Kathryn and Michael Hanley

Julia and Kevin Hartz

Ellen and Andrew Hauptman

Margaret and William Hearst

Conner and Brad Herman

Joan and David Hill

Jordan and Alex Hoffner

Jennifer and Andrew Hoine

Sandra and Tom Holland

Simon Holden

Carole Holman

Daphne Yeoh and Tai Hsia

Sarah and Jeff Hughes

Jim Johnson

Yasmine and Matthew Johnson

Cindy and Evan Jones

Michelle and David Joubran

Hadley Mullin and Dan Kalafatas

Ellie Kanner

Lucinda Lee Katz

Puja and Samir Kaul

Wendy Holcombe Kawaja and Carl Kawaja

Gina and Rich Kelley

Kamini Ramani and Omar Khan

Eli and Carli Khouri

Cynthia and Anthony Kim

Laurie Lipper and Lawrence Kirk

Carrie and Scott Kirkpatrick

Kim Larson and Gary Knell

Katie Hall and Tom Knutsen

Jane and Esko Korhonen

Lucy Hume and Nicholas Koukopoulos

Nathalie and Doug Kunin

Elizabeth and Thomas Laffont

Caroline and Christopher Landau

Laura and Gary Lauder

Shelbi LaValley

Stefanie Huie and David Lee

Stephanie and Daniel Lennon

Jessica and Sam Lessin

Brandon Liebman

Teegen Trucksess and John Lima

Susan and Scott Lord

Mitch Lowe

Rochelle and David Ludwig

Kristin Vogelsong and Zander Lurie

Muffin and John Lynham

Peter Lyon

Lyra Rufino-Maceda and Manny Maceda

Tracy and John Mallory

Lucinda and Greg Mariscal

Carrie and David Marriott

Linda Martinson and Chris Mayer

Anita and Tim McBride

Debra and Mike McCurry

Camille and Bobby McDuffie

Elizabeth and John McGuire

Carla McLoughlin

Meredith and Jonathan Meeks

Alan Meltzer

Bob Miller

Elizabeth Olson and Daniel Mitz

Hema Mohan

Jessica and Jason Moment

Sharon Marcil and Tom Monahan

Priti and Sanjay Morey

Anna and Mason Morfit

Tina Morgan

David Morgenstein

Maura and Dan Mudd

Jeannie and Robert Musslewhite

Cara and Paul Natterson

Carolyn and Edward Nordberg

Michelle and Michael O’Brien

Brigid O’Connor

Pam Shriver Fund

Pannonia Foundation

Julie and Will Parish

Krutika and Rajiv Patel

Anne and Robert Pedrero

JaMel and Thomas Perkins

Stacy and Matthew Perry

Marianne and Keith Powell

Eva and Bill Price

Marika Partridge and Larry Ravitz

Alison Cupp Relyea

Jimmy Reyes

Robin and Jake Reynolds

Alison and Kai Reynolds

Elizabeth and Dave Roberts

Brett Rochkind

Toni and Arthur Rembe Rock

Eve and Seth Rodsky

Shira and Michael Ronen

Kathleen and Chip Rosenbloom

Patricia and Dick Roth

Georgina T. and Thomas A. Russo

Karen Handler Ryan and Patrick Ryan

Paul Rydberg

Michele and Antonio Sacconaghi

Susan Sachs

Julia Boorstin and Couper Samuelson

Katie Albright and Jake Schatz

Nancy Peretsman and Bob Scully

Schauble Family Foundation

Susan and Stephen Scherr

Catarina and Andy Schwab

Emily Scott

Amy and Ed Shenkan

Karen and Ben Sherwood

Carter Shoop

Moira Mayer and Rajath Shourie

Nancy and Simon Sidamon-Eristoff

Miyoung Lee and Neil Simpkins

Susan Sleeper

Smith-Swisher Family Fund

Jennifer and Tony Smorgon

Mitzi Krocover and Jacque Sokolov

David Solomon

Hilary and John Somorjai

Tara and Scott Sorensen

Laura and Greg Spivy

Elizabeth and Andrew Spokes

Jane and Lloyd Sprung

Nina and Scott Stanford

Margaret and Allan Steyer

Liz and Jim Steyer

Diana and Steve Strandberg

Swartz Foundation

Robert Sweeney

Tracy and Gene Sykes

Baudelia and Brett Taylor

Angie Ruiz Terbeek and Mark Terbeek

Mike Tollin

Kelli and Steffan Tomlinson

Lalie and Mike Tongour

Dyann Tresenfeld

Luba Troyanovsky

David and Susan Tunnell

Laura Fox and Ben Van de Bunt

Tracy and Fred Wang

Charlotte and Alan Waxman

Henry Waxman

Lynda and William Webster

Leigha and Eli Weinberg

Liz and Jack Weingart

Ariel Lang and Thomas Welk

Jennifer and David Whipp

Jill and Burton White

Lawrence Wilkinson

William H. Draper III & Phyllis C. Draper Fund

Cindy and Jake Winebaum

Jessica and Stephen Wynne

Mary and Jeff Zients

Leslie and Michael Zinberg

*Includes donors of $1,000 and above. Regretfully, due to space limitations, we are unable to list every donor in the print publication. However, all gifts we receive are deeply valued and support our work for kids and schools.

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