How can fact-checking networks better serve marginalized communities?

1 Understand the context

The first step to serving marginalized communities is to understand their context, needs, and preferences. This means conducting research and listening to their voices, concerns, and experiences. It also means acknowledging the historical and structural factors that may affect their access to information, such as discrimination, oppression, censorship, or digital divide. By understanding the context, fact-checking networks can tailor their content, language, format, and channels to suit the specific characteristics and expectations of each community.

2 Build trust and credibility

The second step to serving marginalized communities is to build trust and credibility with them. This means being transparent about the sources, methods, and goals of fact-checking, as well as the limitations and challenges that may arise. It also means being respectful, inclusive, and responsive to the feedback and criticism that may come from the community. By building trust and credibility, fact-checking networks can establish a rapport and a reputation with the community, and encourage them to participate and collaborate in the fact-checking process.

3 Collaborate and partner

The third step to serving marginalized communities is to collaborate and partner with them. This means involving them in the design, implementation, and evaluation of fact-checking projects, and recognizing their expertise, knowledge, and contributions. It also means working with other organizations, media outlets, or influencers that have a connection or a representation within the community, and leveraging their networks, resources, and platforms. By collaborating and partnering, fact-checking networks can create a sense of ownership and empowerment among the community, and amplify their impact and reach.

5 Adapt and innovate

The fifth step to serving marginalized communities is to adapt and innovate. This means constantly monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness and relevance of fact-checking initiatives, and seeking feedback and input from the community. It also means experimenting with new formats, technologies, or approaches that may enhance the accessibility, usability, or appeal of fact-checking content, such as visualizations, podcasts, games, or chatbots. By adapting and innovating, fact-checking networks can keep up with the changing information landscape and the evolving needs and preferences of the community.

6 Celebrate and acknowledge

The sixth and final step to serving marginalized communities is to celebrate and acknowledge them. This means highlighting and showcasing the achievements, stories, and perspectives of the community, and the positive outcomes and impacts of fact-checking initiatives. It also means expressing gratitude and appreciation for the collaboration and partnership with the community, and rewarding and recognizing their efforts and contributions. By celebrating and acknowledging, fact-checking networks can strengthen their relationship and rapport with the community, and inspire and motivate them to continue their involvement and support.