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. This training is for you.
What is the eligibility?
• Live in NSW.
• Be aged 14-21.
• Be available to attend 3 x 1.5-hour interactive workshops online (Zoom). All our facilitators have valid WWCC’s
• Agree 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, please contact us at [email protected].
Note: Agent C is a free workshop!
Download the project flyer and further info:
Why Agent C is important for tackling online hate, fake news, and conspiracy theories?
All Together Now believes the Agent C project is necessary as the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a significant rise in online conspiracy theories and fake news, and has 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 confidence and capacity of young people to unpack and critically engage with divisive, hateful, and possibly violent conspiracy theories and fake news, and to have stimulating conversations with their peers which encourage critical thinking which is turn will help increase the agency, self-worth of young people who are increasingly being confronted with online misinformation and divisive content.
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.
Agent C Pilot Case Study – Snapshots
Who 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.
