Events & Trainings
We will be holding a series of briefings and trainings for media professionals and communities to protect democracy.
Stay tuned for future events and check out our resources. Most past events are available to watch below.
Past Events & Trainings
Nurture the Soul: Don’t Be Scared, Be Prepared! What to Expect in the 2024 Election
With November 5th approaching fast, it can be difficult keeping the election anxiety at bay. The past few years have demonstrated how the time between the presidential election and the presidential inauguration can be uncertain, chaotic, and even scary. But one of the best ways to keep the election scaries away is to have a plan in place, as a church, for the many scenarios that could play out on and after election day.
Join us for a conversation about how we can best prepare for November 5th and the following days. We will discuss topics such as 1) election security and ballot counting, 2) how to combat misinformation/disinformation on and after Election Day, and 3) how churches can discern their role as community leaders in keeping our elections safe and accessible.
We’ll hear from experts including Abigail Cipparone (UCC Office of Public Policy & Advocacy), Chris Crawford (Protect Democracy), Cheryl A. Leanza (UCC Media Justice), Rev. Michael Neuroth (UCC Office of Public Policy & Advocacy), and Raelyn Roberson (Common Cause).
Red, White & Coup: Mapping Threats of Violence Around the 2024 Election
Threats of violence online, election-denying groups questioning the integrity of the vote and demonizing immigrants, Project 2025 plans to target basic rights, election-law changes just weeks before Election Day … these are all concerning aspects of our political environment today. And we’re days away from Election Day.
As communities get ready to participate in the democratic process, there are multiple credible threats to be aware of. There are also attempts to incite fear and division through conspiracies and lies about possible violence that don’t help civic engagement and could frighten voters. It’s important for communities to understand what credible threats of violence look like and when those threats may occur in the lead-up to Election Day on Nov. 5, and in the days following the election.
We will discuss recycled and new lies for communities to be aware of, how to anticipate and prepare for violence this fall, and how communities may step up in the face of manipulation and uncertainty to participate fully in our democracy. We will be joined by experts from the Center for Election Innovation and Research, the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism, the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law … and you!
VIRTUAL NEWSROOM TRAINING
Anticipating Election Lies Before & After Election Day
Join Free Press to learn about how newsrooms and journalists must anticipate threats to the rule of law surrounding the 2024 election, including false narratives and the potential for violence. Participants will learn how to build trust with their audiences, respond to communities’ information needs and create news products that combat election disinformation.
100 Days: Dismantling Disinfo, Defending Democracy Panel Series
Midnight on Sunday, July 28 marked 100 days until November 5, 2024: Election Day. In the face of well-funded projects and plans to curtail our rights, to define our identities, and foreclose our future, Disinfo Defense League is here to help us all dismantle disinformation and defend democracy.
Over the next three months, DDL will host 100 Days: Dismantling Disinfo, Defending Democracy, which includes this public panel series featuring expert speakers from across the field of mis- and disinformation studies. We’re bringing together organizers, advocates, researchers and academics to address some of the most pertinent topics and questions this election cycle. Free Press' own Nora Benavidez will participate in a series discussion on the stakes for this election, held September 23.
As the election approaches, disinformation and online manipulation are increasing. Immigrant, Black and Latino communities are facing racist narratives as well as targeted efforts to suppress our democratic participation. Our media system has propagated lies and targeted hate, which not only could have a chilling effect on political participation, but also is making our communities less safe.
With our partners at the Latino Media Collaborative, we’re bringing you together with experts who are studying this issue and have practical steps we can take to push back against hateful conspiracies.
Election SOS:
Engaging Communities of Color with Your Election Coverage
Top takeaways
Engage communities of color by focusing on people-centered reporting that highlights the human impact of policies and legislation.
Amplify and support community-based news media, especially those serving marginalized groups within diverse communities.
Conduct community information needs assessments to understand barriers to civic participation and provide accessible, multilingual resources.
Build long-term relationships and trust by consistently showing up — especially in-person — listening, and demonstrating a commitment to the community, such as through volunteering and service journalism.
When covering sensitive topics, do thorough research, present factual information, and include diverse perspectives to avoid further harming communities.
Develop scalable engagement plans with clear short-term and long-term goals, and track measurable impact to demonstrate the value to organizational leadership.
In an era of misinformation and manipulation, the role of media and tech matter more than ever. That’s why we launched our Democracy Is … initiative. This coalition effort is calling on media and tech companies to prioritize truth over sensationalism, accountability over profits and democracy over division.
Hear from our partners on the frontlines of democracy defense as we discuss the stakes facing communities this election cycle.