Leaders Lead On-Demand program empowers Balkan digital creators to counter disinformation
By Eric House
In February, the Leaders Lead On-Demand (LLOD) program brought a diverse group of digital creators interested in social impact from the Balkan countries to the United States for a professional exchange.
The Balkan region has been facing social media disuse due to disinformation, flaws in internet governance, digital literacy challenges, and cybersecurity concerns. Leaders Lead On-Demand, a World Learning-implemented program, administered the Balkan Digital Creators Program aimed at addressing the challenges and opportunities of digital expansion by empowering online voices to become more socially engaged and contribute to the positive reshaping of the information space.
“I’m deeply amazed by the organization of the program and the chance to have such great lectures. I’m glad that I have the chance to explore the U.S. with young people my age from my region because we are actually quite similar.”
On February 7, 11 participants, consisting of digital media creators, social media influencers, and digital media activists from the Balkan region gathered in Washington, DC.
They participated in a session led by the Global Situation Room, a DC-based public relations firm, that focused on U.S. media trends, how to identify propaganda, and how to counter disinformation. In another session led by Web3DC, an organization focused on educating the public on cryptocurrency, they discussed how to empower themselves as digital creators in a decentralized media environment.
The participants, who had recently visited the U.S. Department of State and the Center for Strategic and International Studies, were eager to delve into issues of importance to them, such as media literacy, youth empowerment, and countering disinformation.
“It’s already been a really valuable experience for me because you see this exchange of different perspectives and you see how others work,” said Nina Skočak, a content creator from Croatia. “And you begin to understand why different laws take so much time to be implemented. It’s really been a huge ride, and it’s only the third day.”
“I’m deeply amazed by the organization of the program and the chance to have such great lectures,” said Stefan Popvov, a YouTube influencer from Bulgaria. “I’m glad that I have the chance to explore the U.S. with young people my age from my region because we are actually quite similar.”
The participants then traveled to Tampa, Florida, where they spent time with the Poynter Institute for Media Studies. Over the course of three days, they engaged in sessions about artificial intelligence, fact-checking, and how to be a media-literate influencer.
“The whole exchange was eye-opening. Learning and seeing the American culture for someone who hadn’t been in the States before was inspiring and a teaching experience.”
They ended their trip in Atlanta, Georgia, where they met with editorial leaders at CNN, as well as with the Nebo Agency, a media company focused on human-centered approaches to creative campaigns.
At the end of their exchange, many participants were enthusiastic about the experience.
“It helped me a lot to understand the Balkans and the U.S. better,” said one participant. “I learned a great deal about communication, podcasts, and campaigns.”
“Everyone we met were extraordinary people that change the world day by day,” said another participant. “The whole exchange was eye-opening. Learning and seeing the American culture for someone who hadn’t been in the States before was inspiring and a teaching experience.”
The Leaders Lead On-Demand program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and administered by World Learning.
