Building Positive Narratives

Courses

Expert: Beata Zwierzynska

40-60 minutes

Free of charge

I am an engaged academic (PhD) supporting NGOs and teachers. I have been a teacher for 16 years. I am active in the Conference of INGOs of the Council of Europe and Steering Committee for Education (CDEDU) of the Council of Europe. I am a founder of informal group Edukacja w Dzialaniu (Education in Action) supporting teachers and schools in education for democracy and human rights.

Beata Zwierzynska

Have you been recently shocked by an emotional story, which felt serious but irrational? No matter what the theme was: vaccinations, 5G, microchips, recent political issues - have similar stories come to your mind seconds later? When a narrative is created from a collection of stories, it can be used to spread conspiracy theories, campaign against migrants, LGBT+ communities, environmental activists or, on the contrary, counter harmful messaging and build trust towards a group or an organization.

In this course you will learn how stories and narratives make disinformation popular and believable. You will learn how to counter dangerous beliefs and attitudes and understand social media features in favor of your narratives. You will have a chance to understand important terms and definitions regarding disinformation - both intentional and unintentional, manipulated content or harmful revenge. Through persuasion, a mapping technique, and essential story elements, you will learn how to reach specific audience and build a powerful story.

Are you ready to start a successful campaign? Make most of our self-paced course to stop unwanted propaganda and disinformation or inspire new attitudes and positive alternative narratives.

Beata Zwierzynska

For who?

- General public interested in gaining basic knowledge about disinformation and countering it through building positive narratives.
- Activists and NGOs’ communication staff who seek to know more about how stories and narratives are used to counter disinformation and build trust in the society towards their organization.
- Educators interested in professional self-development and sharing their knowledge about positive narratives and countering disinformation with their students or other educators.

Key features

- distinguishing types and categories of disinformation;
- understanding how to reach an audience (Target Audience Map);
- understanding the persuasion components;
- recognizing elements of a powerful story;
- understanding how narratives are created;
- differentiating between types of narratives;
- identifying the best strategy for a campaign;
- understanding the environment which amplifies the power of narratives (e.g. propaganda, echo chambers);
- investigating SMART Goals, activities and elements of a successful campaign.