Description
The project responds to the need to address in an innovative way the problem of hate speech at local level. Under the project, comprehensive trainings for local leaders from all over Poland are planned in order to enhance their knowledge and abilities needed to prepare conceptions of operation for “start-ups" of ideas. Authors of the most innovative conceptions for social activities leading to effective counteracting the hate speech in 16 voivodeships will implement them, and at the end of the project they will share their good practices during 2 regional conferences, to inspire youth in combating this problem. Information and promotion activities connected with the project will highlight the issue of counteracting the hate speech in general public discourse, both on the national and regional levels, and will inspire a “fashion" to be against the phenomenon. A nationwide support network of local leaders will be created. The partnership with the Polish focal point of the No Hate Speech Campaign scales up the impact of the project.
Summary of project results
"Research shows that Poles remain in the statistical lead of nationalities prejudiced against other groups (Zick, Kuepper, Hoevermann, 2011). Studies prove that the hate speech phenomenon is on the rise - a high 2.7% of Polish web posts contain hate speech (“Web Culture of Offence"", 2012). Research findings recently published by the Batory Foundation show that the public are most tolerant towards hate speech against LGBTQ persons, Jews, Muslims, and the Roma (“Hate Speech - Study Report"", 2014). It has further been shown that more than one-half of respondents were exposed to hate speech. The project purpose was to commit young activists to take innovative action to prevent hate speech. Concepts and idea start-up were drafted and delivered in all voivodships: a total of 17 innovative activities to prevent hate speech and discrimination. A nationwide activist network was formed. The project kicked off with an all-Polish campaign to recruit local leaders invited to attend two-day workshops (48 persons) on non-standard tools (flash mobs, memes, graphics) used in human rights-fostering activities. Attendants expanded their competencies during 3 e-learning courses on hate speech and its prevention. Local leaders presented start-up activity concepts. Of the 48 social micro-campaigns tabled, 17 were selected for implementation. They focused on a variety of areas: discrimination against girls, inter-generation relations, and Muslim women living in Warsaw. Regular mentor support was offered to local leaders and their work. Two regional conferences (for a total of 100 participants) were held to promote start-up effects and exchange experience. The co-ordinator of the NO HATE SPEECH Council of Europe campaign in Poland (partner organisation) was responsible for topical and promotional aid for the project. Beneficiaries included 48 local activists (workshop participants) and 100 regional conference attendants. Estimated reach of social micro-campaigns: several thousand recipients."
Summary of bilateral results