SHAPING TRANSFORMATIVE NARRATIVES IN ACTION
Open Call for Digital Content Creators and Creative Storytellers
MYA Programme
The Mediterranean Youth in Action (MYA) Programme of the Anna Lindh Foundation (ALF) embodies a dynamic approach toward fostering positive change in the Euro-Mediterranean region. Grounded in gaining experience and learning through action, MYA empowers young pioneers to become catalysts for transformation and advocates for societal progress. With a steadfast commitment to peer sharing and learning, MYA cultivates a vibrant community where young leaders collaborate, exchange ideas, and harness their collective potential.
Embracing a Euro-Med vision, the programme bridges cultural divides and promotes dialogue, understanding, and cooperation across borders. Through initiatives aimed at empowering young people to shape public policy and promote active citizenship, MYA positions youth as the true agents of change, envisioning a future where they play pivotal roles in shaping the societal landscape of the Mediterranean region.
About the call
Social media content creators and storytellers shape opinions, trends, and behaviors everyday through what they post and who they reach. Their platforms can also open space for positive dialogue and raise awareness on issues that matter to Euro-Mediterranean audiences.
Recognising this role, the ALF is launching the second cycle of “Shaping Transformative Narratives,” under the Mediterranean MYA Programme. This call is designed to support young creators to use their platforms to shape inclusive narratives, challenge stereotypes, and strengthen mutual understanding across both shores of the Mediterranean.
Who can apply
Social media content creators and storytellers of age between 18 and 35, who have the nationality of one of the 43 countries of the Euro-Med Partnership could apply independently or through affiliation with a youth-led or youth-oriented organisation in the Euro-Mediterranean region that has a strong social media presence and actively uses storytelling and content creation to drive positive social impact.
How to apply
Submit your online application via the available online form only before 31/01/2026 23.59 Central European Time, CET
Ensure alignment with the criteria, demonstrating your commitment to driving positive change in your local community. In your application, you will need to craft a concise initiative outline, limited to 500 words, focusing on local transformative initiatives that address community needs and promote inclusion.
Only complete applications, meeting the criteria and submitted before the deadline will be considered.
Please note: that it is not possible to save the application as a draft or to make any changes after submitting it. By the set deadline, only the most recently submitted version of the application will be considered. The same applicant cannot submit more than one proposal under this call.
Due to the expected high volume of applications, only pre-screened candidates will be contacted.
There will be an info session scheduled for live questions and answers. In case you miss that or have any further questions or face any technical problems, please write to us at: mya.transformativenarratives@alfsecretariat.org
What should the campaign be like
Your social media campaign idea should present one clear idea with a strong Euro-Mediterranean relevance. It should explain what your campaign is about, why it matters, and how it will create impact.
The campaign should focus on one of the following focus areas:
Peacebuilding, conflict resolution/prevention, coexistence and inclusive dynamics
Disinformation and misinformation in the Euro-Mediterranean region
Living together in the Euro-Mediterranean context
Youth engagement in participatory dialogues and decision-making processes in the Euro-Med
Ethics and governance of Artificial Intelligence technologies in the Euro-Mediterranean region
Social innovation as a catalyst for social inclusion in culturally diverse Euro-Med societies
Empowering women in the Euro-Med region as a way to challenge gender stereotypes
Integrating social dimensions in climate change policies in the Euro-Med region
International cultural relations and cultural diplomacy to bridge both shores of the Mediterranean
Creative industries and art
Submit your online application via the available online form only before 31/01/2026 23.59 Central European Time, CET
Campaigns may also address other relevant priorities introduced under the Pact for the Mediterranean
- Migration and human mobility
- Socio-economic inclusion and inequalities
- Employment, skills, and opportunities for youth
- Digital transformation and resilience in the Euro-Mediterranean region
The applicants will benefit from
1. Skills enhancement (60 pre-selected content creators)
Strengthen your skills in strategic storytelling, content planning, and social media campaign design through a practical online training programme delivered by communication experts. Participants will receive a certificate endorsed by the ALF Secretariat.
2. Face-to-face kick-off meeting (30 selected content creators)
Participate in an in-person kick-off meeting in one of the Euro-Med countries to refine campaign concepts through peer exchange and collective review, build connections, and prepare for the implementation phase.
3. Financial support (30 selected content creators+ 5 selected tandems)
EUR 4,000 to implement a national social media campaign.
Up to EUR 8,000 per tandem to implement a regional social media campaign, developed and delivered jointly with a peer from the other shore of the Mediterranean.
4. Networking opportunities:
Connect with fellow creators, young leaders, researchers, and relevant stakeholders across the Euro-Mediterranean region, opening space for collaboration and future initiatives.
5. Evaluation and learning support:
Receive continuous accompaniment and support. Engage in online intermediate sessions, ensuring timely and collaborative problem-solving. The ALF Secretariat is committed to supporting participants at every stage.
6. Targeted communication outputs:
Content creators will actively contribute to other communication initiatives, creating diverse content to share their insights. These will include direct testimonies about their experiences and knowledge gained during their participation in the MYA programme. the ALF Secretariat might also assign targeted communication tasks tailored to each content creator’s audience and formats. These tasks will allow creators’ content and insights to contribute to broader ALF communication activities, including other programmes and initiatives beyond MYA. An ad-hoc financial support will be provided for these contributions.
Additional benefits: participation in Euro-Mediterranean dialogues and MYA Forum
As a selected young content creator, your journey with ALF offers an exclusive opportunity to actively engage in participatory and policy dialogues and within the Euro-Mediterranean region. This includes participation in events such as:
ALF Youth Dialogues: The top performing content creators will have the opportunity to actively participate in dynamic events and dialogues organised at the Euro-Mediterranean scale, amplifying youth voices and perspectives, fostering dialogue and connecting with stakeholders and peers across the region. Participating in these events not only enhances your visibility and network but also provides a unique platform to contribute to meaningful dialogues shaping the Euro-Mediterranean narrative.
The applicants will benefit from
1. Skills enhancement (50 pre-selected content creators)
Strengthen your skills in strategic storytelling, content planning, and social media campaign design through a practical online training programme delivered by communication experts. Participants will receive a certificate endorsed by the ALF Secretariat.
2. Face-to-face kick-off meeting (25 selected content creators)
Participate in an in-person kick-off meeting in one of the Euro-Med countries to refine campaign concepts through peer exchange and collective review, build connections, and prepare for the implementation phase.
3. Financial support (25 selected content creators+ 5 selected tandems)
EUR 4,000 to implement a national social media campaign.
Up to EUR 8,000 per tandem to implement a regional social media campaign, developed and delivered jointly with a peer from the other shore of the Mediterranean.
4. Networking opportunities:
Connect with fellow creators, young leaders, researchers, and relevant stakeholders across the Euro-Mediterranean region, opening space for collaboration and future initiatives.
5. Evaluation and learning support:
Receive continuous accompaniment and support. Engage in online intermediate sessions, ensuring timely and collaborative problem-solving. The ALF Secretariat is committed to supporting participants at every stage.
6. Targeted communication outputs:
Content creators will actively contribute to other communication initiatives, creating diverse content to share their insights. These will include direct testimonies about their experiences and knowledge gained during their participation in the MYA programme. the ALF Secretariat might also assign targeted communication tasks tailored to each content creator’s audience and formats. These tasks will allow creators’ content and insights to contribute to broader ALF communication activities, including other programmes and initiatives beyond MYA. An ad-hoc financial support will be provided for these contributions.
Selection and Eligibility Criteria
Selection criteria will be based on the quality of applications received in terms of impact.
The selection process is designed to ensure fairness, equal treatment, diversity, and relevance. Below are the selection criteria:
1. Campaign concept, objectives, and messaging (35%)
Clear and consistent campaign concept aligned with the selected thematic focus. This includes the strength of the narrative and messaging and how effectively they communicate the campaign’s purpose and intended impact.
2. Creativity & Innovation (25%)
Innovative elements of the campaign and its added value.
3. Relevance at the Euro-Med scale (15%)
How the campaign resonates with the broader Euro-Med context, taking into account the unique socio-cultural, economic, and political factors of the locality and those of the region.
4. Social Media Presence (25%)
A proven and active presence on social media platforms and the ability to engage audiences around meaningful topics.
ALF is dedicated to promoting an inclusive and non-discriminatory atmosphere within the Transformative Narratives. Applicants are encouraged to showcase their campaigns contribute to diversity, inclusivity, and equal representation in their respective communities.
A gender and geographical balance between countries and regions will be observed. This commitment underscores our goal to create a diverse and equitable community, fostering sustainable and inclusive development in the Euro-Med region.
Important note: Due to the large number of applications expected, the limited resources available, and the aim of diversifying the beneficiaries, priority will be given to applications that did not receive funding from any ALF programmes over the past two years.
Programme phasing
Embark on a vibrant journey with the ALF by acquainting yourself with the process. Here is a detailed breakdown to guide you seamlessly through each step:
Indicative timeline
24/12/25 Launch of the call
14/01/26 Information Session
31/01/26 Deadline to receive the submission of the campaign idea
15/02/26 Publication of the pre-screening results (around 60 campaign outlines)
March 2026 Online training
Start April 2026 Deadline to receive the submission of the extended national campaign outline
End April 2026 Face-to-face kick-off engagement meeting
June-August 2026 Implementation of national social media campaigns
September 2026 Evaluation and selection regional campaigns
October-December 2026 Implementation of regional social media
Please note: The above timeline is indicative and may be subject to slight adjustments depending on the number of applications received and the overall evaluation process. The ALF Secretariat will make every effort to follow the proposed schedule while ensuring a fair and comprehensive selection process.
Background
The ALF, was created in 2005 as a Euro-Mediterranean intergovernmental organisation based in Alexandria. The ALF, inspired by Anna Lindh’s legacy, is committed to fostering intercultural dialogue within its mission of nurturing inclusive societies where diversity is celebrated and everyone’s voice is valued. By promoting peace, justice, and strong partnerships, the ALF strives to create a world where people from diverse backgrounds live in harmony through open and meaningful intercultural exchanges.
ALF brings together organisations, institutions, policy makers, and other change makers from all Euro-Med countries to open a dialogue and cooperate. People meet, learn, and collaborate, through the Foundation’s different Programmes and initiatives in different fields to empower them to create a chain of positive change that touches more lives and communities. Its action is grounded on the two main ALF bodies: Its National Civil Society Networks, with more than 4.500 members, and the 43 States of its Board of Governors.
Framework and financial allocation
This Programme is developed in the framework of the Action Grant “Mediterranean Youth in Action-MYA” ref. NDICI-GEO-NEAR/2023/448-134. The indicative overall amount allocated to this call is 240,000 euro. The ALF Secretariat reserves the right not to disburse all available funds.