Digital Ukraine: Influence Redefined
DCN Global's Hub Launch for Ukrainian Refugees
From August 20 to 22, 2024, DCN Global will inaugurate its new hub for Ukrainian refugees, marking a significant milestone in our mission to foster social innovation and support communities facing crises. Building on the success of the Influencers Hub Ukraine, this initiative extends our commitment to inclusivity and empowerment within the digital revolution.
Our hub creation model has evolved, emphasizing initial retreats in conducive environments like the green surroundings near the medieval city of Sibiu, Romania. The upcoming workshop will serve as an open and safe space for discussions and idea generation, incorporating core elements typical of all DCN retreats: personal growth, wellness, and creative stimulation.
The primary objective of this gathering, which includes young Ukrainians in the diaspora, is to enhance their skills in utilizing digital tools, campaigns, and outreach strategies. These efforts aim to raise awareness about the Ukrainian situation within host communities and foster a deeper understanding of social movements in Europe and the U.S., exploring avenues for their supportive engagement with Ukraine.
Moreover, the retreat will facilitate the identification and incubation of collaborative projects through DCN. Participants will have dedicated sessions to actively explore how DCN can support their efforts, both in relation to Ukraine and within the host communities where refugees reside. These sessions will provide a platform for brainstorming innovative solutions and developing actionable plans that leverage digital creativity and community engagement.
This event underscores our commitment to providing a platform where complex and sensitive issues can be addressed thoughtfully and diplomatically, ensuring constructive dialogue and impactful outcomes. We look forward to fostering collaboration and innovation that will empower Ukrainian refugees and their supporters to make meaningful contributions in their communities and beyond
Hubs
DCN Global Hubs function as vibrant incubators, offering physical and virtual spaces where creators, professionals, and affiliates converge to explore social ideas. These hubs act as catalysts, nurturing fresh, independent voices that embrace both technological advancements and social awareness. Moreover, they create a supportive ecosystem, providing members with access to information, collaborative opportunities, and professional guidance necessary for ideation and project execution.
The launch of the Ukrainian refugees’ hub symbolizes DCN Global's unwavering commitment to leveraging digital technologies for societal progress. This hub aspires to empower Ukrainian refugees, providing a platform to convert ideas into tangible solutions that positively impact society.
The forum is organized by World Learning and Digital Communication Network Global with funding from the State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
SCHEDULE
AUGUST 19
Ice Breaker Activity
Introduction to the program
Discussing the rationale behind a program for young creators, emphasising social movements and digital influence, in relation to the Ukrainian cause
Facilitators: Nikos Panagiotou, DCN Global President and Vlad Spencer, Senior Manager, Global Networks, World Learning
Redefining Influence workshop. Campaigns and Outreach Strategies
Facilitator: Roza Ismailai, Strategic Communication Specialist, European Cultural Foundation, Amsterdam, Netherlands
An interactive workshop on using social media to promote social campaigns, including tools and tricks for increasing online engagement. Learn how to convey messages effectively on different platforms and maintain focus on challenging topics.
Lunch
Leadership and Communities workshop
Facilitator: Tessza Udvarhelyi, Educator, Activist, Social Innovator, Hungary
In the broader context of impactful social action, Tessza will discuss and lead brainstorming on current trends in social movements, how they organise and influence each other, how to develop communities and promote a cause in the medium and long term.
Reflection and Discussion
Program dinner
Morning Insight on Mindful Living
Facilitator: Marietta Sarigiannidou, Founder, MYND Retreats, Greece
Media and Social Movements. Case study workshop highlighting how social movements use media to maximise outreach
Facilitator: Ryan Powell, Head of Innovation and Media Business, International Press Institute, Austria
Ryan will discuss and interact on ways in which communities and activists can collaborate with journalists to promote their causes, how journalism can support initiatives, and the best methods to reach out to the media for maximum impact.
Lunch
The Futures Triangle Workshop. How to integrate new platforms and technologies for the best outreach of your cause
Facilitator: Dimitris Dimitriadis, Futurist, Advisor to the Special Secretary for Strategic Foresight, Presidency of Government Hellenic Republic, Greece
Dimitris will lead an interactive session on developing innovative solutions and actionable plans that leverage digital creativity and community engagement. Participants will work in subgroups to address specific challenges. A compilation of these challenges and solutions, related to Ukraine, will be created and shared as a deliverable of the program. These will also serve as the starting point for the newly created DCN Global Hub for Ukrainians in the diaspora.
Reflection and Discussion
Program Dinner
Morning Insight on Mindful Living
Facilitator: Marietta Sarigiannidou, Founder, MYND Retreats, Greece
City Tour
A component of the exchange program that will contribute to further networking and provide an opportunity to learn more about the host city and country.
Lunch
Organic Growth of Videos, a skill-building workshop
Facilitator: Nastia Dębowska, Ex-YouTube, YouTube organic growth consultant, U.K.
You will discuss algorithms and digital content, strategies to reach more people, and how to create content tailored to each platform, focusing on video content for YouTube.
Tips and Tricks for Growth on Instagram. Building Credible New Media for Youth
Facilitators: Gen, știri & Genzette team, Romania
Workshop on creating content for young people, especially for Instagram, led by the creative team of the most successful Gen Z media outlet in Romania. The workshop will also cover tools to transform social causes into long-term campaigns on social media, supporting participants' final projects.
The Futures Triangle Presentation Workshop
Facilitator: Dimitris Dimitriadis, Futurist, Advisor to the Special Secretary for Strategic Foresight, Presidency of Government Hellenic Republic, Greece
The subgroups will present their work, followed by a discussion on how it will be integrated and developed through the newly created DCN hub and amplified through DCN’s global networks.
Speakers
