As the German partner in the INCLUDE ME+ project, Outside Media & Knowledge contributed its expertise in inclusive communication, digital storytelling, media production and intercultural engagement.
We conducted research into the role of digital media in inclusion, participation and peacebuilding within the German context. This included desk research, engagement with relevant stakeholders and Participatory Action Research involving members of the project’s target groups. The findings contributed to the consortium’s European research on digital exclusion, online conflict, misinformation and the potential of media to create safer and more participatory digital spaces.
OMK also supported the development of the project’s open educational resources. We developed content for the Digital Media for Inclusive Peacebuilding programme, including Module 2, “Digital Media Narratives and Facilitating Cross-Border Dialogue”. The module examines cross-border journalism, misinformation in political discourse, media representations of migration and multiculturalism, and the influence of digital media on regional identities and European integration.
Drawing on our experience in working with culturally diverse communities, we integrated inclusive storytelling methods, practical exercises, case studies and ethical communication principles into the learning materials. We also contributed to project communication, dissemination and the production of accessible written and visual content designed to reach educators, media professionals, civil society organisations and students across Europe.
INCLUDE ME+ uses inclusion through mediation to help shape a more responsible, participatory and peace-oriented digital media environment.
The project aims to empower higher education educators, students, digital media professionals and civil society organisations to become active collaborators in developing digital media that supports social inclusion, civic participation and peaceful dialogue.
Specifically, INCLUDE ME+ aims to:
The project treats digital media not only as a source of risk, but also as an important space in which trust, representation, understanding and participation can be strengthened.
INCLUDE ME+ has produced a comprehensive collection of open educational and research resources for building safer, fairer and more inclusive digital environments.
The project’s Mediation in Media research combines European and national desk research with Participatory Action Research undertaken with communities across participating countries. These findings document experiences of digital exclusion, misinformation, polarisation and unequal representation while identifying practical approaches to mediation, inclusive communication and community participation.
The Digital Media for Inclusive Peacebuilding programme translates this evidence into seven modular learning areas. The resources address digital literacy, cross-border dialogue, misinformation, peacebuilding, civic engagement, inclusive storytelling, media ethics and digital governance. Long and short versions of the learning materials have been created to support flexible use in higher education, civil society, media training and community learning environments.
OMK’s Module 2 resources equip learners to assess how digital narratives travel across borders, influence attitudes towards migration and multiculturalism, and affect civic trust and European belonging. The materials combine research, practical activities, multimedia examples, digital tools and case studies that educators and practitioners can adapt to their own contexts.
The project has also created Documented Stories that bring community voices and lived experiences into the learning process. These stories demonstrate how media can listen more effectively, represent people with dignity and support dialogue across social, cultural and national differences.
Together, the research, educational programme and documented stories provide a practical framework for educators, media professionals, students and civil society organisations seeking to strengthen ethical communication, digital participation and peacebuilding.
Project website: https://includememedia.eu/
