What we do

Grassroots Community Engagement

Goal: Build a network of empowered local leaders and volunteers who can engage directly with their communities.
Approach:
- Community Ambassadors: Identify and train individuals in local communities to serve as ambassadors of truth. These ambassadors will receive tailored resources to engage with their neighbors, host discussions, and combat misinformation at the ground level.
  - Select community members with strong local connections to serve as trusted sources of information.
  - Provide ambassadors with training on effective communication, conflict resolution, and how to debunk common disinformation narratives.
  - Equip ambassadors with toolkits containing conversation guides, infographics, and talking points tailored to local issues.
- Community Hubs: Establish virtual and physical hubs where participants can share experiences, organize events, and access resources such as fact sheets, toolkits, and training videos.
  - Establish regional hubs where community members can access materials, attend events, and network with other activists.
  - Create an online platform where participants can share experiences, brainstorm solutions, and coordinate efforts.

Goal: Leverage the reach of modern technologies to counter disinformation and amplify accurate information.
Approach:
- Targeted Campaigns: Develop social media campaigns that counter specific disinformation narratives in real time, tailored to the platforms and audiences most impacted.
  - Develop content tailored to specific demographics and regions, addressing local concerns and prevalent misinformation.
  - Use data analytics to track disinformation trends and deploy counter-narratives in real-time.
  - Partner with social media influencers to amplify accurate messages and ensure they reach key audiences.
- Digital Toolkits: Create apps and web tools that allow users to report disinformation, access verified resources, and share content within their own networks.
  - Develop a mobile app for users to report disinformation they encounter online, with alerts for real-time fact-checking.
  - Create an interactive website offering downloadable resources, videos, and a searchable database of verified information.
- Algorithm Optimization: Partner with tech experts to identify and combat algorithmic biases that allow disinformation to spread unchecked.
  - Work with tech experts to understand and counteract how disinformation spreads through algorithms, ensuring factual content has a competitive edge.

Goal: Build a reliable, accessible infrastructure for sharing factual information.
Approach:
- Local Truth Networks: Connect grassroots participants into regional truth networks, allowing vetted information to be disseminated rapidly.
  - Form groups of fact-checkers within communities who validate and disseminate accurate information through trusted local channels, such as newsletters, podcasts, and in-person meetings.
- Content Creation: Develop shareable, engaging multimedia content (videos, podcasts, infographics) that simplifies complex issues and highlights local stories.
  - Produce engaging videos, podcasts, and graphics to simplify complex issues and appeal to a broad audience.
  - Highlight personal stories from local communities to build emotional resonance and relatability.
- Partnerships: Collaborate with independent media organizations, journalists, and academics to source and validate content.
  - Partner with independent journalists, media organizations, and academic institutions to ensure content is well-sourced, timely, and impactful.

Goal: Equip participants with the knowledge and tools to recognize and combat disinformation effectively.
Approach:

Workshops and Seminars:
- Host events on topics like “How to Spot Misinformation,” “The Psychology of Disinformation,” and “Effective Online Engagement.”
- Offer these programs online and in-person to reach a wide audience.
Community Leadership Training:
- Train educators, faith leaders, and small business owners to recognize and address disinformation within their communities.
- Provide training materials, including scripts for addressing common misconceptions and resources for further learning.
Youth Engagement Programs:
- Develop programs aimed at high school and college students to foster critical thinking and digital literacy from a young age.
- Launch competitions or hackathons for students to create tools or campaigns to combat disinformation.

Goal: Ensure that communities remain engaged in democratic processes and equipped to advocate for themselves beyond the project’s immediate goals.
Approach:
- Civic Action Kits:

Provide step-by-step guides for organizing local voter registration drives, hosting town halls, and contacting elected officials.

Organize events such as town halls, debates, and cultural festivals to bring diverse groups together in dialogue.
Facilitate open discussions on local issues, creating opportunities for residents to collaborate on solutions.

Set up mechanisms for participants to share feedback on what’s working and what isn’t, ensuring the project evolves to meet community needs.

Establish mechanisms to measure the effectiveness of these initiatives and adapt them as needed to ensure continued impact.

Data Dashboard: A secure, web-based dashboard to track disinformation trends and measure the project’s impact.
Interactive Map: A live map showing active community hubs, events, and the reach of grassroots efforts.
Social Media Toolkit: Templates, hashtags, and tips for participants to share accurate information effectively online.

Anticipated Outcomes

By implementing these strategies, The America Project will:

Disrupt Disinformation: Significantly reduce the spread of false narratives through targeted interventions and education.
Build Trust: Strengthen local networks of engaged citizens who trust and support one another.
Foster Civic Participation: Increase community involvement in democratic processes and local decision-making.
Ensure Sustainability: Create long-lasting systems and networks that persist beyond the initial funding cycle.