This hybrid training aimed at equipping equality bodies to persuade their target audiences of the importance of equality in general, and to address hot and often contested topics through speeches, articles, and other pieces of communication. It took place online and in Brussels on 1-2 December 2021. Read about a participant’s experience at the training in the Equality Blog.
Aims and Objectives
As defenders of the right to non-discrimination, equality bodies strive to raise awareness of rights and promote the core EU value of equality. This means that in their communication efforts, equality bodies must put forward convincing arguments as to why equality and non-discrimination must be promoted and respected in society. While techniques of hope-based communication are powerful tools in spreading the message of equality, when it comes to facing and fighting to neutralize hate speech, a different set of tools might be required. Analyzing and deconstructing opponents arguments to re-frame issues and build a convincing case can help equality bodies make effective changes in society.
This training focused on promoting equality by sharpening the persuasive skills of communication experts from equality bodies to counter hate speech on- as well as offline. The training approached persuasive writing techniques, in particular writing and effectively communicating messages.
When faced with trolling or hate speech, especially on social media, equality bodies often use positive counter narratives. This training aimed to assist members in starting to use different persuasive writing techniques in a more comprehensive and strategic way to deal with online hate speech and trolls.
Meet the trainers
Equinet partnered with The Dandelion Group to deliver this dynamic, interactive training. The Dandelion Group is a social enterprise run by communication specialists building an inclusive Europe by boosting collaboration, campaigns and communication.
Training Resources
Background Resources
- French and Raven’s six bases of power (video – 4 minutes)
- Cialdini’s six principles of persuasion (video – 12 minutes)
- The backfire effect (comic – 4 minutes)