We now offer workshops! You can invite us to your workplace, activist group or into your local community to deliver one of our innovative Words Matter interactive sessions.
Why Words Matter?
At the Migrants’ Rights Network, we are leading the way in calling for language change around refugees, or people seeking safety or a new life through our Words Matter campaign. This active demonisation and dehumanisation is contributing to an increase in hate and division in the UK, particularly towards migratised and racialised communities.
Over the past few years, the Government has fixated on migrants and refugees – portraying them as threats to our public services and ways of life. The use of labels such as ‘illegal immigrants’, and the idea of ‘illegal migration’, has been used to push ahead with laws to criminalise refugees seeking safety in the UK. Opposition to hostile legislation has focused on changing immigration policy but very little energy has been spent on tackling the language and ideas that form the foundation of these policies. We are raising awareness of why these words are problematic and championing alternative words that can create a more inclusive society for all.
As part of this campaign, we now offer and deliver interactive Words Matter sessions. These sessions will encourage you and other participants to reflect on the language they use and discuss the impact language has on the wider public’s views on minoritised groups. We will not only provide information, but also offer participants the opportunity to voice their thoughts or lived experience around certain language. Collaboration is one of our core values, and this format allows us to discuss methods for change collectively.
We have delivered our acclaimed workshops to charities, social justice organisations, schools and grassroots groups including Ben & Jerry’s, the Paul Hamlyn Foundation and the Open Rights Group.
If you are interested in commissioning us to deliver a session, or would like further information, please contact [email protected]
Fees
In terms of cost, this will cover preparation and resources as well as delivery, so please do let us know what your budget is.
If you are from a small or grassroots organisation, we offer a discounted and flexible fee for these sessions. Feel free to get in touch to discuss your requirements.
Testimonials
Migrants’ Rights Network are a collaborative and nimble team to work with. They jump on calls to discuss briefs, they take the time to understand the ask or challenge and come back with proposals that work. We are on a continuous journey at Ben & Jerry’s to ensure that our words drive impact, in the right way, and MRN are crucial in that journey.
Ben & Jerry’s