What is Agent C?
Agent C is a new project led by All Together Now focusing on online conspiracy theories and fake news. The aim of Agent C is to develop specialised training with and for young people in order to challenge divisive and hateful conspiracy theories and fake news. This includes but is not limited to far-right extremist conspiracy theories and fake news narratives. We want to enhance the confidence and capacity of young people aged 14-21 to unpack and critically engage with hateful conspiracy theories and fake news and to have stimulating conversations with their peers encouraging critical thinking.
What will you learn?
- Knowledge around fake news and conspiracy theories, in particular how to spot them and what you can do about it
- Communication skills – learn to address complex and controversial topics in this area with the people around you
- Networks and relationships – build connections with other like-minded young people who are passionate about this area.
- An understanding of social identity, power, and privilege and how they impact our relationship with fake news and conspiracy theories.
- Leadership skills – this will be an exciting opportunity to take part in workshops tackling some of the most current and important issues.
Who is it for?
Young People (14-21), Schools and Youth Services.
If you are a young person, school, or youth service interested in challenging and tackling the rise of online fake news, conspiracy theories, and racism, then this training is for you!
What is the eligibility?
• Participants should be living in NSW
• Participants should be aged 14-21
• Participants should be available to attend 3 x 1.5-hour interactive workshops online (Zoom). All our facilitators have valid WWCC’s
• Participants should be willing to complete an anonymous evaluation survey after the workshops
How to apply?
- If you are a young person aged 14-21 who lives in NSW, please express your interest here or contact us via [email protected]
- If you are a school or youth service based in NSW and would like to participate in the program with your school, class, or service, send us an email at [email protected]
Note: Agent C is a free workshop!
Download the flyer for further info.
Why is Agent C important?
All Together Now believes the Agent C project is necessary as the COVID-19 pandemic and extended lockdowns caused a significant rise in online conspiracy theories and fake news, and also created the ideal circumstances for racism and right-wing extremism to flourish. Children and young people are particularly vulnerable to engaging with fake news and conspiracy theories online, including divisive and hateful forms. The Agent C program aims to enhance the skills and confidence of young people to unpack and critically engage with hateful conspiracy theories and fake news, thereby increasing their agency and self-worth.
Learn More – Agent C Pilot Case Study
In February 2023, we published a report detailing the result of the Agent C Project Pilot, as independently evaluated by Urbis.
According to Urbis the Agent C Pilot was “a highly impactful project” as it had “successfully achieved all four of its intended outcomes, through delivering highly topical and applied content to young people in an engaging way.”
With the majority of participants, survey results consistently in the high 80% to 90% range, All Together Now was very pleased with the results of the Agent C Project Pilot evaluation. As a result, we are very confident that the Agent C program can create a real social impact and enhance community resilience against hateful misinformation, fake news, and conspiracy theories.
Based on our Pilot Project evaluation, All Together Now also published an article in SCAN, a peer-refereed online journal offering articles about quality learning, teaching ideas, research, and emerging trends published by the NSW Department of Education. The article was published in February 2023 and focuses on the results and impact of the Agent C program in schools across NSW to date.
Agent C Pilot Case Study – Snapshots
Who do we collaborate with?
Our project partners are Headspace Camperdown (for the recruitment of training participants) and Urbis (for project evaluation). We are also working with a number of informal partners for advice and guidance, including academics and co-design experts. Funding for the project has been provided by the NSW Government through Multicultural NSW.
Additional resources for teachers, parents and frontline workers
All Together now is currently also building on its “Agent C” work and creating brand-new resources for teachers, educators, parents, and frontline workers in Australia aimed at building their skills to recognise and respond to people who are engaging with hateful misinformation, fake news, and conspiracy theories. These resources will be made available throughout 2023.
