International Fact-Checking Network Global Fact-Checking Mentorship Program

The International Fact-Checking Network at the Poynter Institute in partnership with Meta is pleased to announce the launch of a global mentorship program that will leverage the expertise of member organizations in the peer-to-peer exchange of information. These programs will later be scaled to be offered to the wider IFCN community; deliverables for scaled training can include webinars, online courses, case studies, etc. Up to $450,000 will be awarded, with both mentors and mentees receiving compensation.

Application deadline: December 3, 2021

Benefits of the IFCN Global Fact-Checking Mentorship Program

The International Fact-Checking Network at the Poynter Institute will partner with Meta to distribute $450,000 in grant support to support IFCN signatories to participate in a mentorship program.

It will match signatories to the IFCN with demonstrated expertise in specific topics with other IFCN signatory organizations with an interest in enhancing skill sets in those areas.  Applicants must define their area of expertise and intended audience for impact. Mentorship topics may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Detecting misinformation on social media. How to use monitoring tools and sourcing tips to identify potential misinformation.
• Communicating fact checks with innovative formats. How to use videos, podcasts, memes and other unique formats to communicate fact-checks to a wider audience.
• Industry collaboration. How to effectively partner with other fact-checking organizations and publishers, particularly during breaking news events, to better address misinformation.
• Media literacy. How to start media literacy campaigns and other initiatives to help local communities spot misinformation.
• Training and operations. How to build effective training programs and operational tactics to help fact-checking organizations better address misinformation.
• Health and science misinformation. How to approach scientific claims and create a system to increase an organization’s capacity to debunk health misinformation.

Eligibility Criteria IFCN Candidates

Mentors:

• The program is open to IFCN signatories, fact-checking organizations as well as ecosystem partners that have demonstrated success or expertise in a given area.
• Mentors will be required to provide educational materials to support other fact-checkers & journalists
• Applications that include a partnership between an IFCN signatory and another organization will also be considered but would require an additional MOU which will be provided in the application

Demonstrated expertise is defined as documented success in developing or implementing training and development on a core topic area. Examples might include:

• Previous completed project in the subject area with success metrics
• Previously conducted training/teaching
• Existing training materials or curricula on the subject matter
• Public recognition or awards around the organizations establish success in a given area

Mentees:

All mentees must be signatories to the IFCN Code of Principles in good standings. They must also commit to completing all required training and assignments. More details on requirements for mentees will be provided when that application process kicks off in early 2022.

How to Apply for the Program

Evaluation and final selection of applicant organizations will be conducted by an independent panel of judges with experience not just in fact-checking, journalism, and media literacy, but also in education and training.

Selected mentors will receive $50,000, distributed in payments outlined in the Terms and Conditions. Selected mentees will receive $5,000 upon completion of the training.

If you have any questions regarding the application process please feel free to reach out to [email protected].

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