Campaigns

The fellows were introduced to the methodology of community organizing, a methodology that sustainably empower communities to influence key decision-makers on issues that matter to them. A two days training was organized by the Studio Praxis Team with sessions on the notion of “self interest”, on “power analysis”, on “problem versus issue”. Then fellows had to team up and pick an issue they are interested in. They applied the concepts they learned and came up with a strategy to change a policy, to mobilize around an issue, change the public discourse or to promote a legal reform depending on the solution they thought was the more effective to reach their goal. This exercise was really valuable: they could realize the various factors they need to take into account as well as the work that needs to be done prior to engaging in a campaign. 

Collectif MémoireS

During their fellowship, Humanity in Action fellows Faheem Fazili, Kelsey Jost-Creegan, Bérénice Lasfargues, Eeva Nordstrom and Inès Seddiki became intrigued with the way that the history of the Algerian War is taught in French Lycée curriculum. Disappointed with the one-sided narrative that was presented, the fellows decided to plan the creation of "Collectif MémoireS," a coalition that would aim to present a multiplicity of historical narratives to French students. See their presentation here.

Promoting Intercultural Dialogue in French Media

Humanity in Action fellows Barbara Joannon, Matthieu Barbarin, Le Tran and Susannah Shattuck identified during their fellowship that French mainstream media--particularly mainstream radio--lacked diverse programming. In order to combat this lack of diversity and the accompanying perpetuation of stereotypes, these fellows created a plan for a new radio program that would facilitate intercultural dialogue. See their presentation here.

Raising awareness on islamophobia in France

Humanity In Actions fellows Caroline James, Siham Amzile, Marine Burdel and Guénaelle Bauta identified during their fellowship that only a small number of acts of islamophobia are being reported. By raising awareness amongst potential victims, informing them about their rights and by developing videos, they hope to increase the number of incidents reported each year. See the video created by Siham Amzile after her participation to the program. The video received more than 5,500 views. 

I deserve an education !

Humanity In Action Fellows Tiphaine Beliot, Samuel Kippen, Etienne Mashuli and Tiken Savang identified during their fellowship that access to education for foreign children of Roma origins was particularly difficult. They created a media campaign to raise awareness on this issue called the "I deserve an education campaign". To see their presentation click here. 

Barbara Joannon is now volunteering with Regards de femmes tziganes, one of the roma organization met during the fellowship and collecting interviews from Roma parents on the issue of education.