How We Can Change Global Narratives of Democracy
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People are losing faith in democracy around the world, and turning to autocratic strongmen as an alternative. How do we change this story, to renew people’s belief in and commitment to democracy?
Earlier this year, the Democracy Narratives Alliance (DNA) released comprehensive new global research on how to talk about democracy, to build support for democracy. To put this research into practice, the DNA also aligned around an agenda of 11 priority actions, listed below.
Changing how people think about and act on democracy requires coordinated action. Working together, the 40+ international organizations and funders in the DNA developed, prioritized, and have begun to implement concrete research, strategic communications, technical support, and learning activities. Please contact us if you are interested in collaborating on or supporting any activities.
Action Agenda for Democracy Narratives
Narrative Research for Practice
Build on existing research by DNA members and partners to address key research gaps, including for questions on the impacts of democracy narratives across different contexts, the relationship between mental models and actions, effective methods for coordinated narrative action, and the infrastructure needed for narrative change.
Applied Research Support
Provide support and guidance to DNA members and other partners for testing narratives and narrative strategies in specific local contexts.
Democracy Stories Lab
Invite creatives worldwide to submit stories and creative content that apply the DNA research and reimagine the future of democracy, bringing pro-democracy messaging beyond traditional advocacy circles.
Democracy Narratives Playbook
Adapt global democracy narrative research and existing playbooks into consolidated practical guidance in a living shared resource.
Learning Events
Organize quarterly virtual learning events for DNA members and two public webinars each year, to synthesize and share key learning from the DNA members and initiatives, and then publicize it through communications channels.
High-Level Advocacy
Equip advocates with the tools to persuade skeptical peers, influence institutional and donor priorities, and open structured dialogue between high-level officials, civil society, and citizens.
Research & Testing Synthesis Tool
Create an AI-powered tool that synthesizes the knowledge and guidance produced by DNA members, providing users with quick access to the guidance they need. The tool will help activists, organizations and policymakers strategically communicate about democracy.
Collaboration with Influencers
Build meaningful, reciprocal relationships between democracy organizations and influencers to expand the reach of democracy narratives. Learn from influencers’ audience-building strategies while supporting an emerging ecosystem of creators through shared insights and access to research and funding opportunities.
Technical Assistance for Narrative Work
Support civil society organizations with targeted, pro-democratic strategic communications to strengthen civic participation during critical social and political processes, helping them reach the right audiences with the right messages at the right moment.
Democracy Narratives Support for Youth
Provide mentorship and training to a global cohort of young leaders, equipping them to turn local challenges into opportunities for democratic action through narrative-driven messaging. Help participants gain practical tools to develop and test pro-democracy narratives, and to exchange insights and learning through a peer network.
Pro-Democracy Narratives Fund
Design a flexible, trust-based fund that supports organizations working on democracy narratives.
Interested in partnering or supporting one of these initiatives? Contact us to talk!