This model is the gold standard for volunteer engagement, based on the experience of the Migrants as Messengers project.
In this model, volunteers are recruited, trained and empowered to produce audiovisual content and organize their own events, ultimately leading to the creation of independent volunteer-led organizations, the sharing of knowledge within the community and the expansion of the association through the training of new members (training of trainers).
Regular meetings and training sessions were organized for volunteers to learn more about the project, the role of volunteers and peer support, as well as how to be community mobilizers, content producers, storytellers, digital ambassadors and outreach workers in their communities. These trainings were essential to equip volunteers with the knowledge and skills to lead campaign activities - and to ensure that MaM was led by trained returning migrants themselves.
Community engagement activities included community discussions, town hall meetings, student outreach, collaborations with artists, a film festival, and partnerships with non-governmental organizations, community radio stations, and civil society organizations.
There was also a strong focus on content creation. Specific activities included one-on-one interviews, training and equipping volunteers, and creating various digital content.
The duration and scope of our projects do not always allow for this full spectrum of activities, but the goal of working with volunteers should always be ownership, empowerment and sustainability.
IOM project implementers can apply a range of methods and techniques to ensure that these principles are upheld, even in the smallest interaction or activity.
Key aspects of the MaM model:
- Horizontal model
- Creates trust
- Empowerment and capacity building are the core
- One on one approach (storytelling)
- Peer groups
