Let’s Get to Know Each Other

The project “Let’s Get to Know Each Other – We Are All Brothers Under the Same Sky” aims to counter the exclusion of the Roma minority in Mielec by addressing their lack of visibility and representation in local media. The Roma community has faced stigma, prejudice, and social isolation for decades. By creating an inclusive media platform, this initiative seeks to challenge stereotypes, foster dialogue, and promote mutual understanding.

Key activities include:

• Launching a dedicated Roma section on Korso.pl, publishing at least 50 articles and interviews.
• Organising journalism and educational workshops for members of the Roma community and local youth.
• Running a social media campaign to highlight positive examples of integration.
• Producing a podcast series (minimum of eight episodes) on Roma history, culture, and contemporary life.
• Establishing a professional podcast studio to ensure the sustainability of intercultural content production.

The project combines traditional journalism with innovative formats, offering both educational and participatory opportunities. Roma representatives will be actively involved as co-creators of content, ensuring their voices are not only heard but also valued in shaping the narrative.
Ultimately, this initiative will strengthen pluralism, diversity, and democratic participation in local media, while also serving as a model for other communities facing marginalisation and information deserts.

AWR Korso Sp. z o.o. is a for-profit, independent local media outlet located in Mielec since 2000. With over 150,000 monthly users and 28,000 social media followers, Korso.pl provides daily coverage of local politics, the economy, culture, and community issues.

The organisation’s mission is to deliver reliable, independent journalism rooted in the principles of freedom of speech, pluralism, and social inclusion. For over two decades, Korso has given a voice to underrepresented groups—including women, marginalised individuals, and national minorities—thereby strengthening local democracy and civic engagement.

Goals (Expected) of the Project

The project aims to:

• Counter the social exclusion of the Roma minority by increasing their visibility in local media.
• Build intercultural dialogue between Roma and the majority population.
• Combat misinformation and stereotypes, particularly those concerning ethnic minorities.
• Involve Roma representatives in the creation of media content.
• Educate the local community about Roma history, culture, and everyday life.
• Promote pluralism, diversity, and inclusion as core journalistic values.
• Ensure sustainability through infrastructure (e.g., a podcast studio) and formats that will continue beyond the grant period.

In practice, this will involve launching a platform for Roma-related content, producing a podcast series, running campaigns to encourage positive perceptions, and engaging young people in storytelling and journalism.

The project directly supports media pluralism by giving voice to a community otherwise absent from local narratives. It strengthens democracy by ensuring more equal access to information and by encouraging informed participation in local affairs. It also reflects a human rights-based approach by combating discrimination and empowering a minority group.

With its emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), the project aspires to transform the local media ecosystem into one that better represents the entire community and reduces barriers between groups. The expected outcome is a more open, tolerant, and cohesive society in Mielec—and a replicable model for other regions.