HATE-LESS Train the Trainer (4/4): Creating Counter-Narrative Videos - From Reaction to Responsible Digital Action

This online training is part of the Erasmus+ project HATE-LESS: Harnessing Awareness to End Hate Speech and Disinformation (https://hate-less.eu/).

It is the final session of a 4-part Train-the-Trainer series; participants will explore how young people can move from recognising harmful online narratives to creating short, constructive video responses.

Format & Logistics Workshop 4/4:

• Online (Zoom): https://bit.ly/4cRhx88
• Date: Thursday, 18 June 2026
• Time: 
  • 17:00-18:30 CET (Spain, Germany, France)
  • 18:00-19:30 EEST (Cyprus, Estonia)
• Duration: 1.5 hours

Focus of this Session (Workshop 4) of HATE-LESS Train the Trainer (4/4): Creating Counter-Narrative Videos - From Reaction to Responsible Digital Action

In this session, participants will explore how young people can respond to hate speech, disinformation, and harmful online narratives by creating short, constructive counter-narrative videos.

Using participatory approaches inspired by the HATE-LESS methodology, participants will:

• Learn how to guide youth in recognising harmful narratives online
• Explore how counter-narratives can challenge hate speech and disinformation in a constructive way
• Create a short participatory video concept using empathy, inclusion, and responsible digital storytelling

This approach reflects the HATE-LESS focus on moving from awareness to action by helping young people respond to harmful narratives with creativity, critical thinking, empathy, and social responsibility.

Learning Objectives: Participants will:

• Understand how counter-narratives can be used in youth work to respond to hate speech and disinformation
• Learn how to facilitate participatory video activities that support responsible digital action
• Develop skills in transforming harmful messages into constructive, inclusive responses
• Gain tools to help youth create responsible, values-based video messages that challenge hate speech and harmful online content

Methodology: The training is based on:

• Non-formal education methods (interactive, experiential learning)
• Participatory Action Research (PAR) approaches
• Hands-on video creation exercises
• Reflection and peer exchange

This aligns with the HATE-LESS Toolkit approach, which emphasises participatory storytelling, media literacy, and youth empowerment through creative expression.

About the Full Training Series

This session is part of a bi-weekly 4-part training series, each focusing on a different participatory video approach:

• Workshop 1: Storytelling Through Space
• Workshop 2: Voices from the Margins - Interview-based storytelling 
• Workshop 3: Emotional Narratives & Media Influence
• Workshop 4 (this session): Creating Counter-Narrative Videos 

Time & Duration for all 4 Workshops:

• Time: 
  • 17:00-18:30 CET (Spain, Germany, France)
  • 18:00-19:30 EEST (Cyprus, Estonia)
• Duration: 1.5 hours (each)

All four sessions form a complete training pathway for trainers and can be attended independently or together. This final session brings the series together by supporting participants in guiding young people from awareness and reflection towards creative, responsible, and constructive digital action.