Hate-Free Generation: Training for Change Agents

Aims & objectives

Aim of this training course is to empower individuals working in youth organizations with the knowledge, skills and tools necessary to effectively counter hate speech based on human rights values and approaches.

Objectives:
- Provide participants with a deep understanding of what constitutes hate speech, its various forms, and its impact on individuals and societies.
- Equip participants with the analytical tools and critical thinking skills needed to deconstruct and analyze hate speech messages.
- Introduce participants to a human-rights based approach to addressing hate speech and enable them to design effective counter and alternative narratives.
- Build participants’ media literacy skills to help them recognize and respond to hate speech represented in various forms.
- Support participants in developing action plans and strategies for implementing what they have learned in their respective organizations.
- Foster international collaborations among participants and create a network of professionals committed to countering hate speech on local and international levels.

Target group & international/intercultural composition of the group & team

This training course was designed for individuals working in youth organizations as trainers, youth workers, activists, campaigners, and are multipliers of knowledge.

Countries involved: Albania, Georgia, Hungary, Slovakia, Spain, Turkey.

Training methods used & main activities

The training course was designed based on non-formal education and was interactive, learner-centered, and tailored to the specific needs of the participants. Through group activities, discussions, case studies and practical exercises, participants gained the tools needed to counter hate speech.

Outcomes of the activity

Learning Outcomes:

Knowledge:
- Participants acquired in-depth knowledge of the definition, anatomy and various forms of hate speech, as well as potential causes and consequences.
- Participants learned the importance of human rights based approach and human dignity at its core.
- Participants dove deep into the principles of freedom of expression, allowing them to discuss the balance between countering hate speech and protecting fundamental rights.
- Participants learned the step-by-step approach to analyzing hate speech and designing human rights-based counter and alternative narratives.

Skills:
- Through interactive and practical exercises, participants developed the skills to analyze, deconstruct and respond to hate speech.
- They built media literacy skills, as well as critical thinking.
- Participantspracticed teamwork, communication, strategic planning and public speaking.

Attitudes:
- Participants gained a strong commitment to promoting human rights values and countering hate speech within their spheres of influence.
- They developed empathy and solidarity with the common target groups of hate speech.
- By the end of the training course, participants were empowered and motivated to take a proactive role in countering hate speech and fostering inclusivity in their organizations and communities.

Your tasks and responsibilities within the team

I developed and implemented the program of this training course.

I worked on this training for 7 days as a full time trainer.