The HATE-LESS project officially launched with a two-day meeting from 16th to 17th of December 2024 in Berlin, Germany, bringing together a dedicated consortium of partners to tackle hate speech and disinformation through media literacy and technology. This Erasmus+ initiative, funded by the European Union, aims to equip young people with the tools to critically analyze media, combat harmful narratives, and foster inclusivity in digital spaces.
Day 1 – Setting the Foundations:
The first day of the Kick-Off meeting was all about alignment and vision. Representatives from Youth4Media (Germany) as the coordinator, WAVES Foundation for Global Education (Cyprus), Eesti People To People (Estonia), MITRA France (France), Formation et Sensibilisation de Luxembourg (Luxembourg), EA Archetypes Consulting SL (Spain) gathered to map out project goals, key objectives, and work packages.
Key Discussion Points: Throughout the first day, our partners engaged in insightful discussions on the following key topics:
- WP2 – Local Advisory Groups (LAGs): We began with a warm welcome from Youth4Media, followed by the presentation of Work Package 2 (WP2), focusing on the establishment of Local Advisory Groups (LAGs). This session, led by Eesti People To People explored the timeline, potential challenges, and action items for setting up these vital community-based networks.
- Structured Templates for Focus Group Findings: Next, we worked on the development of structured templates for reporting focus group findings. The brainstorming session allowed partners to determine what data should be collected, ensuring an evidence-based approach to addressing hate speech and misinformation.
- Dissemination Strategies & Project Branding: A crucial part of the discussions revolved around dissemination strategies. Formation et Sensibilisation de Luxembourg presented the project’s outreach plan (WP4), while EA Archetypes Consulting SL introduced the first version of the website and social media platforms. The day concluded with a comprehensive overview of the Quality Assurance and Impact Assessment Plan, presented by WAVES, ensuring the project’s effectiveness and long-term impact.
Day 2 – Strategy & Planning
On the second day, we shifted gears to administrative and strategic planning. All partners discussed financial reporting, shared communication tools, and partnership agreements, ensuring a transparent and organized collaboration framework.
Youth4Media facilitated a session on scheduling and structuring upcoming online meetings, emphasizing the importance of regular check-ins and efficient coordination. The meeting concluded with a general assembly, summarizing the key takeaways and next steps.
Looking forward with Excitement!
The HATE-LESS team left Berlin feeling energized and ready to move forward. The next steps involve implementing pilot programs, developing methodological guidelines, and ensuring that the project’s impact reaches youth workers and young people across Europe.
This kick-off meeting marks a significant milestone, setting the stage for a transformative journey towards a more inclusive digital world. Stay connected with us as we take on this challenge – together, we can build a hate-less future!
About the HATE-LESS Project:
The HATE-LESS 30-month project is a dynamic initiative designed to address the growing challenges of hate speech, disinformation, and entrenched racial narratives in today’s digital age. With modern technologies and social media deeply integrated into daily life, the spread of harmful content, including hate speech and fake news, has become a pressing issue.
Key Objectives:
- Amplifying diverse counter-narratives: The project aims to give voice to those affected by issues such as hate speech and disinformation, especially migrants and marginalized groups.
- Deconstructing damaging narratives: By focusing on media literacy, it encourages youth to challenge harmful narratives and promotes inclusive, multicultural communities.
Methods & Activities:
The project encourages young people to create videos and share storytelling experiences to challenge harmful stereotypes and spread positive, diverse narratives.
Empowering Youth Workers:
HATE-LESS also addresses the crucial need for youth workers to have access to resources and training in media literacy, enabling them to support young learners in developing the critical thinking skills necessary to navigate and resist online hate.
Long-term Vision:
By incorporating innovative educational methods and promoting the responsible use of technology, the project aims to empower young individuals to become active citizens contributing to more inclusive and democratic societies.
Through these efforts, HATE-LESS is taking significant strides toward combating hate, disinformation, and racism, and building a better future for young people across Europe.
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