The GMD team is thrilled to announce that the feasibility study for the EU-funded Erasmus+ project ORRAJT “On the Road: New Routes, Alternative Journeys and fair Tracks. Challenging perspectives on migration, walking different narratives” has been completed now the focus of the GMD team in Malta has shifted on planning the training sessions for the migrant guides.
Moreover, the call for the selection of at least 10 good or promising practices that promote alternative narratives about migration, diversity and inclusion at the local, national, and European level has been launched in March and it will close at the end of April.
In the context of the European public debate, the topic of migration and asylum remain extremely polarizing. The way in which these topics are portrayed in the media significantly influence overall political discourse, individual perception, voting behavior and public policy decisions. This is why the popular negative narrative associated with these topics by mainstream media is problematic, as it does not allow space for nuance, hindering any possibility of a change of perspective. We should be careful about how these narratives impact us at an unconscious level, shaping the way we think about and see others.
The project aims at implementing a narrative change through a “reframing” approach that emphasizes the role of frames to shape individual and collective “common sense” mainly around the migration debate.
Key pillars of the narrative change approach:
- it targets the “movable middle”: that part of the population who are not that involved or informed on the issue of migration, but do have concerns around growing inequality and are susceptible to populist thinking and rhetoric;
- it acknowledges ‘legitimate concerns’ to engage the audience in an emotionally smart manner;
- it appeals to unifying values and community goals;
- it proposes new frames (not negative nor evocative) for the public debate on migration;
- it recognizes plural perspectives, including those of strong opponents;
- It relies on strategic communications to create “surround sound, volume, and velocity” of the main message;
- it focuses on human interactions, not only on places to visit;
- it creates a connection between visitors and locals, enriching both and the whole community at the same time.
GMD is looking for 10 good or promising initiatives such as immersive practices, experiential learning experiences, communication campaigns, and innovative policies that refer to the Narrative Change approach.
If you think you would be a good fit and wish to apply, please fill out this form. Applications must be received before 30th April 2024. If selected, you will be contacted for an interview. To have more information about the project, send an e-mail to: francescacarrara@acra.it, viviana@gmdmalta.com