COME AND BE A PART OF THIS UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY
A certificate course for young people (aged 16-30) who are committed to developing their skills and knowledge so that they can participate in peaceful social activism to combat xenophobia. The course is delivered to an undergraduate level, but no prior qualifications or experience is necessary.
Following completion of the course (delivered over four days), alumni will continue to be supported as they develop their own initiatives, projects or activities to combat xenophobia; and we will continue to provide mentorship and advice on an ongoing basis. Further details are below the poster. We hope that you can be part of this unique opportunity and if you are interested, please get in touch with Sarah on sarahb@faith-matters.co.uk.
Certificate Course in e-Activism and Combatting Xenophobia
Course and Certificate provided free of charge to those aged 16-30
Are you an experienced and engaged social activist looking to develop your skills?
Or an aspiring social activist who would like to learn how to become engaged in activism both online and offline to combat racism and xenophobia?
Faith Matters is offering a unique, twelve-week, Certificate Course for people aged 16-30, who are committed to engaging in peaceful social activism.
Learning Outcomes
Over the course of four sessions, you will:
– gain an understanding of the relevance of the online world, and the growth of far-right and xenophobic movements on it
– learn about UK and European civil and criminal law relating to xenophobia, threats, and harassment online, and how the police can help you deal with it
– have the chance to critically examine what we mean by racism, and hate crimes; how we came to our understanding of them, and their strengths and weaknesses
– learn how to engage with and secure compliance from internet service providers, social media companies and relevant institutions and authorities
– learn useful tactics to deal with racist and extremist movements online
– explore ways to change minds, create effective movements online, and shape public political discourse against racist and xenophobic movements
– learn how to establish and organise local groups of citizens committed to countering Islamophobia, antisemitism, and other racist and xenophobic movements
– receive practical advice and support in developing your own campaigns, and learn how to build an effective online presence.
Course Structure
The course will be delivered over four Saturdays during October and November. Modules are delivered through a combination of specialist presentations, lectures, group discussions, and hands-on practical activities.
Following completion of the course, students will have the option to attend a series of networking events to engage with academic and civil society professionals in the field of civil anti-discrimination, anti-fascism, social activism and community leadership.
Course Assessment and Certification
Assessment will be on the basis of submission of learning journals and small-group presentations. Successful completion of the course will result in the awarding of a certificate.
Entry Requirements
There are no specific academic qualifications required for this course, which will be delivered to a undergraduate standard. Familiarity with social media will be helpful, but is by no means necessary; this course will provide you with everything you need to know.
The course is specifically designed for individuals aged 16-30 with a keen interest in countering the proliferation of xenophobic, racist, and religiously motivated hate incidents and hate crimes online, and in developing their skills and competencies to engage more effectively in social activism. While the course will focus on racial and religious hate crimes and incidents, much of its content will also be relevant for people interested in other forms of hate crime and bigotry in the online world.
The course will be delivered in Westminster, and therefore applicants are expected to reside within the Greater London area.
Application Process
To apply, or for more information please contact Sarah on sarahb@faith-matters.co.uk to request an application form.
Background Information
This unique course has been developed by Faith Matters and leading academics in the field of anti-fascism and counter-xenophobia, and is being provided free of charge for committed and aspirational social activists aged 16-30 living within the Greater London area through Faith Matters’ “Building Resilience and Creating Change” project.
The “Building Resilience and Creating Change” Project has been developed by Faith Matters to address the proliferation of anti-Muslim, xenophobic and racist hate incidents and hate crimes on social media sites online, and to increase individual awareness and capacity to peacefully engage in social activism to prevent, challenge and counter hate incidents.
The project aims to connect course participants to one another to form a committed network of young social activists, and give them access to a wide range of supportive academics, journalists, policy makers, civil society organisations, civil service officers and politicians who can provide mentorship, support, advice and/or contacts.