Media Diversity Institute Campaign Academy 2026: Online Programme for Activists to Build High-Impact Campaigns Across Europe

The Media Diversity Institute Campaign Academy 2026 is a transformative online programme designed for young changemakers who are ready to move beyond theory and actively shape real-world campaigns. Hosted by the Media Diversity Institute, this four-day learning and co-creation experience brings together participants from across Europe to collaboratively build campaigns that resonate, travel, and create measurable impact.

This initiative is part of the broader PARATA – Protecting At-Risk Activists from Threats and Attacks project, which focuses on strengthening the resilience of civil society organisations and human rights defenders while safeguarding fundamental freedoms.

What Makes the Media Diversity Institute Campaign Academy Unique?

Unlike traditional training programmes, the Campaign Academy is designed for individuals who are not just interested in learning communication skills, but who are ready to actively contribute to shaping and amplifying a campaign.

Participants will not be passive learners. Instead, they will:

• Contribute ideas and insights to a shared campaign
• Collaborate with peers across six European countries
• Help design campaign outputs that can be used in real-world contexts
• Continue amplifying the campaign even after the programme ends

This hands-on approach ensures that participants leave with both practical skills and real campaign experience.

Programme Overview

The Campaign Academy is conducted entirely online over four interactive sessions. Each session is structured to build a specific aspect of campaign development and execution.

Session Schedule (All sessions run from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM CET):

1. Turning Complex Issues into Clear, Accessible Messages
   Date: 29 May 2026
   Learn how to simplify complex topics into messages that are easy to understand and impactful.
2. Identifying Audiences, Allies, and Multipliers
   Date: 2 June 2026
   Discover how to find and engage the right people who can help move your campaign forward.
3. Co-Creating Engaging Content for Online and Offline Use
   Date: 5 June 2026
   Work with other participants to create content designed for real engagement and sharing.
4. Expanding Campaign Reach Through Networks and Media
   Date: 9 June 2026
   Learn how to integrate the campaign into your own networks, partnerships, and media spaces.

What You Will Learn and Achieve

By participating in the Media Diversity Institute Campaign Academy, you will:

• Develop the ability to turn complex issues into clear, compelling narratives
• Understand how to identify and engage key audiences and allies
• Gain hands-on experience in co-creating impactful campaign content
• Learn strategies for amplifying campaigns through communities and media
• Collaborate across borders to build a campaign that resonates widely

Who Should Apply?

This programme is ideal for individuals who are already active—or ready to become active—in:

• Student groups and university organisations
• Civic initiatives and community-based projects
• Youth work and youth-led spaces
• Advocacy and community organising
• Human rights and social justice work

The Media Diversity Institute is particularly looking for applicants who:

• Want to go beyond learning and actively shape a campaign
• Are willing to contribute ideas and collaborate with others
• Are committed to continuing campaign efforts after the programme

Participant Expectations

Participants are expected to fully engage in the programme and contribute meaningfully throughout the process.

Requirements include:

• Attending at least three out of the four sessions
• Actively participating in discussions and co-creation activities
• Helping shape campaign messages and outputs

Importantly, the Campaign Academy is the starting point of a longer journey. After the sessions, participants will be expected to continue supporting the campaign by:

• Sharing and promoting campaign content
• Engaging their local communities and networks
• Integrating the campaign into their organisations or initiatives
• Leveraging partnerships and media opportunities

Participants who complete the academy and actively contribute to follow-up activities will receive a Campaign Academy certificate.

Application Process

Interested candidates must submit their application through the official application form HERE.

To learn more about this opportunity, click HERE.

Application Deadline: 15 May 2026 at 23:59 CET

Successful applicants will be contacted after the deadline.

Contact for Inquiries

For questions about the programme or application process, you can reach out to:

Ivana Jovanovic
Email: jovanovic@media-diversity.org

About the Media Diversity Institute and PARATA Project

The Media Diversity Institute is an organisation dedicated to promoting inclusive and responsible media practices. Through initiatives like the Campaign Academy, it empowers activists and organisations to communicate effectively and protect democratic values.

The Campaign Academy is implemented under the PARATA project, which aims to strengthen the resilience of civil society actors and human rights defenders across Europe. The project supports efforts to counter threats and politically motivated attacks that restrict freedoms of expression, association, and assembly, using the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights as a guiding framework.

Discover more conference opportunities on OFY HERE.