Our toolbox is a seven-step guide to rethink and change how we speak about migration. It is based on the UN Human Rights Seven Key Elements on Building Human Rights Based Narratives on Migration and Migrants and the experiences of our partners.

Use the toolbox to:

Learn

how to shift the way we speak about migration

Find inspiration

from the ideas and examples of partner organisations

Participate

in standing up for migrants’ rights

Tool box

Step 1: Create a vision of the world you want to see

Getinvolved Standup Migrants Take Action - Accordion Step 1 Video

We have a role in helping people believe a different world is possible. A vision of hope is the first step in telling a new story.

Create your vision

This section of the toolbox will help you make the transition from focusing on the negative to redirecting attention to the positive changes you want to see in the world.

This process is based on Five Shifts, from:

  • Fear to Hope
  • Against to For
  • Problem to Solution
  • Threat to Opportunity
  • Victims to Rights Holders

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Examples

Stories of hope amidst COVID-19

Even during a pandemic, we’ve seen it is possible to shift away from narratives of division towards positive stories of 'us.'

Step 2: Promote values-based narratives

Getinvolved Standup Migrants Take Action - Accordion Step 2 Video 1

Every migrant has a story of hope, courage, despair, success and failure. Don’t we all?

Human Rights Values Mapping

We all filter information based on our values system, what we care about most. Many of these values are also reflected in the human rights framework.

This section of the toolbox will help you to:

  • Define your audience – Consider geographic area, age range, gender, attitudes and viewpoints on migration and other key factors of your audience.
  • Understand your own and your audience’s values – Consider which values you and your audience care about most. How are these values reflected in the human rights framework?
  • Identify our shared values – Consider how your values overlap with those of your audience. How can you create messages that are based on these shared values?

The section also provides tools and methods for better defining your audience and their values, such as social listening, surveys and focus groups.

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Examples

Research on perceptions, attitudes and values

Many studies have been carried out on how people feel about migrants and migration. For example:

Afrobarometer

Common Cause Foundation

Frameworks Institute

Hope Not Hate

ILO research ASEAN

Metropolitan Group

More in Common

ODI

Scanlon Foundation

Step 3: Use the power of storytelling

Getinvolved Standup Migrants Take Action - Accordion Step 3 Video

Stories are a compelling way to help people visualise and empathise with migrant experiences.

How to use storytelling

By telling stories that reflect our shared values, we can more easily connect to our audience and humanise migrants.

This section of the toolbox will help you to:

  • Understand what types of stories to tell – Consider how to avoid stereotypes and emphasize individuals. Use storytelling to reflect your vision and shared values. Understand your own and your audience’s values – Consider which values you and your audience care about most. How are these values reflected in the human rights framework?
  • Define who should narrate the story – Who tells a story is just as important as the story itself. Who is the best narrator for your audience and how can you ensure your stories are inclusive of migrant perspectives?
  • Identify what makes a good story – There are so many directions to take in telling a story. What are the basic building blocks of a good story?
  • Find storytelling methods and mediums – Consider diverse and exciting mediums for creative storytelling, including music, theatre, podcasts, radio, street art, animation and humour.

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Examples

Step 4: Think local
Illustration of children playing

Local ‘stories of us’ based on shared values and experiences can create a sense of togetherness and solidarity between migrants and communities.

Build on Local Connections

Think about where you live and what activities or common spaces create opportunities for people to come together.

This section of the toolbox will help you to:

  • Build narratives around what we have in common.
  • Adapt messaging to the local context.
  • Find opportunities in your community to showcase ‘stories of us.’

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Examples

#ImmigrationMatters

The government of Canada runs #ImmigrationMatters, a storytelling initiative, which features stories of migrants enriching communities as a way to promote positive engagement between newcomers and Canadians.

Step 5: Find common ground
Illustration of an older woman handing a bowl of food to a man in a wheelchair

Finding common ground helps us deepen mutual understanding and empathy. It can help build bridges, open spaces for dialogue and invite a balanced debate on migration.

Focus on Common Experiences and Values

We have more in common than we sometimes realise. Explore how to find and build on common ground when communicating on migration.

This section of the toolbox will help you to: 

  • Engage in Active Listening – Active listening provides us with a more nuanced understanding of our audience and the opportunity to recognise shared concerns.
  • Provide Spaces for Migrant Voices – Consider whether migrant voices are being heard, and if not, how you can help make that happen.
  • Adapt Messaging to Fit Common Ground – Consider what you’ve learned through active listening. How can you update your messaging to resonate with your audience’s values and experiences?
  • Find the Best Messenger – The messenger is as relevant as the message. Which messenger will resonate with your audience and help you build bridges?

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Examples

Getinvolved Standup Migrants Take Action - Accordion Step 5 Video 1

All that we share

NoA, the international community of creatives behind TV2 Denmark’s video “All That We Share”, uses simple questions to challenge stereotypes and show how people are complex but united by what we have in common.

Getinvolved Standup Migrants Take Action - Accordion Step 5 Video 2

Chin Refugee Hopes and Dreams

R.Age’s Chin-Up project highlights individuals from the Chin refugee community speaking about their hopes and dreams to bring about policy changes for the Chin in Malaysia.

Getinvolved Standup Migrants Take Action - Accordion Step 5 Video 3

Look Beyond Borders

Amnesty International brought Europeans and migrants together to show the power of looking in each other’s eyes for four minutes.

Difficult conversations

Hope Not Hate, the People’s Action Institute and others have held one-on-one conversations and used active listening to find common ground. This has helped them encourage a more human rights-based understanding of policy issues on migration and LGBTI rights.

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Step 6: Build a big tent
A diverse group of people around a dinner table
Anyone who shares our core values can be an ally. By increasing our allies, we can mutually reinforce and multiply our impact.

Collective action

Build collective action with potential partners who share your values across new sectors.

This section of the toolbox will help you to:

  • Identify local and national organisations – Consider faith-based organisations, the arts sector, sports, trade unions, universities and many more.
  • Unite with advocacy groups – Unite with groups advocating on behalf of the environment, racial equality, disability rights and other causes.
  • Consider business and advertising – The private sector has a stake in building a more human rights-based approach to migration.
  • Connect with the media, influencers and celebrities – Think of how these partners can help extend your reach and build momentum.

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Examples

Step 7: Do no harm
Illustration of two hands holding a heart

Despite our best intentions, we might inadvertently reinforce harmful narratives on migration. Following the principle of ‘Do No Harm’ can help us avoid this.

Know What to Avoid

There is no single solution for all circumstances, places and audiences. However, familiarising yourself with these tips will help you avoid common mistakes.

This section of the toolbox will help you to:

  • Understand common messaging mistakes – Many of the messages we frequently view have been found to be more destructive than constructive. What are they and how can you avoid them?
  • Words to avoid – Being mindful of language will help ensure we speak about migrants in a way that upholds their rights. What terms should you avoid? And what should you say instead?
  • Visuals matter – Images can be as damaging as words. We must also protect the privacy, dignity and identity of those we are portraying. What images should we avoid to promote a more hopeful depiction of migration?
  • Message testing – By testing your message, you can better understand if your audience receives it in the way you think they will. How does message testing work?
     

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Examples

See why changing the narrative on migration is important to UN Human Rights.

Read more