Media Matters: Crafting Effective Messaging and Navigating Bias for the Council of American Islamic Relations - MA’s Muslim Youth Leadership Program
Arts Equity Group’s curriculum design and facilitation empowered Muslim youth leaders to critically engage with media, recognize and combat Islamophobia and media bias, and develop effective communication strategies to advocate for their communities.
Project Overview
Client
Client Background
The Muslim Youth Leadership Program (MYLP) presented by CAIR-Massachusetts is designed to equip Muslim students with the skills and tools necessary for effective advocacy. Traditionally focused on civic engagement and political advocacy, MYLP brings together Muslim students from across Massachusetts to foster changemakers who can make a difference in their communities. This year the program responded to the needs that emerged in the wake of October 7, including how to address increased Islamophobia and antisemitism, how to identify media bias, and how to organize effective and responsible activism.
Objectives
The Muslim Youth Leadership Program (MYLP) led by CAIR-Massachusetts, is designed to equip Muslim students with the skills and tools necessary for effective advocacy. Traditionally focused on civic engagement and political advocacy, MYLP brings together Muslim students from across Massachusetts to foster changemakers who can make a difference in their communities. This year the program responded to the needs that emerged in the wake of October 7, including how to address increased Islamophobia and antisemitism, how to identify media bias, and how to organize effective and responsible activism.
Challenges
CAIR-MA grappled with complex focus areas surrounding MYLP, specifically within the context of addressing multiple critical topics such as media literacy, Islamophobia and anti-semitism, and advocacy within a limited timeframe. Furthermore, this program required thoughtful and intentional navigation of discussions of Palestine as well as portrayals of Islamophobia, misrepresentation, and misinformation in the media. Another challenge was to ensure that the program was trauma-informed, relevant, and impactful for a diverse group of 30 youth participants, each with varying levels of experience in media and advocacy.
Our Offerings
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AEG provided media literacy tools, including strategies for utilizing different media types, crafting narratives, and identifying media bias. This also entailed youth training on the basics of public speaking and responding to potentially hostile media interviews. AEG facilitated this section of the workshop using light-hearted examples to make it easier for youth to participate and understand basic concepts. Following the activity, we grounded our work in a deeper discussion about how these skills could be applied to heavier subjects the youth might encounter, such as when facing Islamophobia in their everyday lives.
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AEG held regular meetings with CAIR-MA to support the MYLP team in navigating the sensitive and challenging nature of the program content and planning, to ensure that the messaging remained consistent with the goals of advocacy and education. AEG also facilitated regular communication regarding access needs and specific youth experiences documented on their intake forms and applications to the program to ensure the curriculum was trauma-informed and specific to the participants. Consultants Danielle Amodeo and Dr. Bulaong Ramiz adapted the curriculum as needed in the lead up to the program and during the session to ensure that the final delivery was impactful and resonant with the participants.
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AEG helped design a focused workshop titled “Media Matters: Crafting Effective Messaging and Navigating Bias” that streamlined complex topics into a cohesive learning experience. Within this process, AEG developed a comprehensive agenda, custom slides, and interactive worksheets to guide discussions and hands-on activities. During the program, AEG facilitated group discussions, practical exercises, and media interaction simulations to reinforce the learning outcomes.
Contributors
Danielle Amodeo, Bulaong Ramiz
Impact and Outcomes
AEG successfully enhanced MYLP by instilling media literacy, advocacy, and strategic communications skills. Youth participants gained a richer understanding of media bias, particularly Islamophobia, and honed their skills by working with one another to critically analyze and respond to biased media coverage. Through hands-on activities, participants practiced crafting messages, and conducting media interviews, boosting their confidence and ability to support their communities in real-world advocacy efforts. Our offering was well-received, with participants actively engaging in discussions and exercises, demonstrating a high level of understanding and application of the concepts taught.
We asked participants for their takeaways. Here’s what they had to say:
Conclusion
Arts Equity Group’s strategic interventions for CAIR-MA and MYLP not only met the program’s objectives but also provided participants with essential tools to navigate and influence media landscapes. By focusing on media literacy and advocacy within the context of Islamophobia and antisemitism, AEG empowered the next generation of Muslim leaders to effectively communicate their messages and advocate for change from an intersectional lens. This collaboration highlights AEG’s ability to deliver tailored, impactful programs that address the specific needs and challenges of diverse communities, fostering sustainable, systemic change.
