FY 2023 American Spaces Digital Literacy and Training Program

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The Office of American Spaces of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), U.S. Department of State, announces an open competition to administer a new award in the field of digital and media literacy and countering disinformation, the FY 2023 American Spaces Digital Literacy and Training Program. The American Spaces Digital Literacy and Training Program is designed to support the work of American Spaces in the field through training of overseas Spaces target audiences and staff/coordinators; the curation, compilation and (as needed) creation of training materials and content; the organization and implementation of training activities and exchanges, locally, regionally and to the United States; and outreach and other activities. The program will provide training for overseas staff of American Spaces and for American Spaces audiences of media professionals, information specialists, librarians, educators, and other relevant professionals and citizens, aimed at increasing digital, information and media literacy, building trust, and strengthening understanding abroad of the role of a free and independent media as a pillar of democracy. The FY 2023 program will consist primarily of regionally focused efforts, to include curriculum development, training, and content delivery to promote U.S. values and digital and media literacy skills to counter Russian and other foreign disinformation efforts in selected regions of Europe and in Central Asia, for and at up to approximately 150 American Spaces in designated priority countries. The curriculum plan must include at least one asynchronous, self-guided and self-paced digital/online learning tool for public audiences in all priority countries. The program also includes support for global activities to bolster American Spaces programming and outreach, to include at least one training, mentoring, and cultural visit to the United States for select American Spaces staff affiliated with partner organizations, as well as social media message map development and implementation and deployment strategies. American Spaces are the U.S. government’s primary public cultural and information centers abroad. They serve as key public diplomacy platforms for U.S. missions to connect with local audiences.  They provide free and open access to information and learning resources for communities worldwide, serving as harbors of freedom of expression and innovation, including within societies characterized by political oppression and censorship.  American Spaces programming promotes U.S. foreign policy objectives and American values, including democratic institutions, the rule of law, open and free markets, and human rights, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors and program participants (virtual and in person) each year.  Approximately 150 American Spaces are active in 33 priority countries in Europe and Central Asia (listed under Program Specific Guidelines below, that may be adjusted by ECA to reflect evolving priorities) where the region-specific program elements  must be focused. Please see the full announcement for additional information.

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