Description
The project concerns incorporating innovative social animation methods into anti-discrimination education, as well as preventing hate speech, in local communities. The main activities include: 1) Academy of Anti-Discrimination Animation for the local community leaders, based on case studies – local anti-discrimination activities and activities integrating Romani and non-Romani communities in Żywiec, with special emphasis on supporting the practical use of the skills acquired by participants’ in their local communities, 2) Supporting the establishing of the environment of local anti-discrimination animators using varied methods, enriched by the experiences shared by Icelandic organisations; 3) Unconventional social-educational campaign against hate speech on the Internet, engaging various target groups in different parts of Poland. The project will also develop potential of the Foundation in implementing wide-ranging anti-discrimination actions.
Summary of project results
Hate speech is a problem at the rise, both in public spaces, as well as on the Internet. It is a challenge for the law enforcement, public institutions and civil society organizations to combat this phenomenon. Low conviction rate and social acceptance in the form of absence of strong opposition and reaction are factors contributing to this situation. The project aimed at increasing efforts of local leaders targeted at counteracting hate speech. Project deliverables included a nation-wide campaign against hate speech covering 29 local events. Within the frames of the project the Academy of Antidiscrimination Animation (AAA) has been organized and 30 animators from various towns from all across Poland participated in this undertaking. The AAA covered a number of workshops and the participants were able to use the acquired knowledge in practice during 3 antidiscrimination events organized in Zywiec. Afterwards, 20 people who have participated in the AAA, received expert tutoring support as a result of which 15 local events, directed at counteracting hate speech, were organized. 2,700 people participated in the local activities. Additionally, 11 events in public spaces were rolled out consisting of painting antidiscrimination graffiti. People from groups vulnerable to hate speech/discrimination (LGBT people, the deaf, the elderly, Roma, migrants) got successfully included in the activities. All campaign events and activities were covered in a multimedia presentation promoted online. Project activities were also promoted in the bulletin “Colours of Żywiec", published by Klamra Foundation (four issues were published during the roll out of the project). The beneficiaries of the project included 30 local leaders and 2,895 people, who participated in 29 local antidiscrimination events. Partner organization from Island had the task to share knowledge about nonconventional methods of workshop delivery, which was later used within the frames of the AAA. The representative of the partner organization served also as an expert tutor. On the other hand the town of Żywiec cooperated in the organization of the AAA and local events, which highlighted their prominence.
Summary of bilateral results
The project was implemented in partnership with the icelandic commercial entity, Áskorun ehf. The cooperation was smooth and efficient. The role of the partner was to facilitate a workshop for project team in Poland. The Project Promoter learned from a foreign experience related to effective forms of non-formal antidiscrimination education. Due to the good communication and friendly cooperation the decision on cooperation in another EEA financed project was commonly established.