Gathering Our Voices
Young people are growing up in a digital environment shaped by algorithms, artificial intelligence, social media platforms and an overwhelming flow of information. This environment offers powerful opportunities for connection, creativity and participation, but it also fuels misinformation, polarisation and mistrust.
Gathering Our Voices is a campaign created with and for young people to understand these challenges, strengthen media literacy, and build practical tools to navigate them. Beyond critical thinking online, this campaign promotes active citizenship, democratic participation and peaceful dialogue, both online and offline.
Why this campaign matters
Every day, young people:
- Scroll through misinformation and fake news designed to grab attention.
- Encounter AI-generated images, videos and texts that look real but aren’t.
- Feel the effects of algorithms that push extreme or polarising content.
- Experience online spaces where listening is replaced by judgment.
- Feel discouraged from civic participation due to confusion, mistrust or digital fatigue.
Media literacy today goes beyond checking facts. It means understanding how digital systems shape what we see, how emotions are influenced online, and how power operates in digital spaces. It also means recognising our role as active citizens who can shape healthier, more democratic communities.
A digital map of youth voices
At the heart of the campaign is an interactive digital map where young people share their experiences in their own words. These contributions include:
- Personal stories of encountering fake news or online polarisation.
- Reflections on how AI and social media influence beliefs, emotions and civic attitudes.
- Experiences of engaging in dialogue across differences.
- Tips and strategies for staying critical, curious, respectful and grounded online.
- Ideas for strengthening democratic participation and peaceful interaction.
Innovative Thinking Labs (Romania & France)
The campaign builds on insights and resources developed during Innovative Thinking Labs held in Romania and France. These collaborative events brought together young people to:
- Explore how representatives of apolitical youth movements can promote democracy, human rights, and peace without engaging in party politics.
- Reflect on the responsibility of youth organisations in strengthening democratic culture.
- Develop tools to analyse misinformation and AI-generated content.
- Practise dialogue, critical thinking and non-violent communication.
- Co-create methods and resources that reflect young people’s realities and experiences.
The outcomes of these labs (methods, reflections and practical resources) are shared openly to support educators, youth workers, funders and young people across Europe.
Join Gathering Our Voices
Whether you are a young person, supporter, educator or organisation, you can:
- Submit your voice to the digital map.
- Explore and use resources from the Innovative Thinking Labs.
- Follow and share the social media campaign on Scouting in Europe and ESN International.
- Support and amplify youth-led media literacy initiatives.
- Promote dialogue, democratic participation and active citizenship in your community.
- Create opportunities for young people to engage meaningfully in decision-making processes.