Washington D.C. – This week, United We Dream launched its latest influencer program aimed at defending young gamers against the rising threat of anti-immigrant disinformation permeating online gaming spaces. This campaign builds on the momentum of our sister organization, United We Dream Action’s, recent launch of its second season of the Gamer Intervention Program, which has made significant strides in creating safer, more inclusive virtual spaces for young men of color.
Utilizing the power of influencers in the gaming world, United We Dream aims to empower creators to uplift pro-immigrant conversations and raise awareness about the most pressing issues for our communities. Along with targeted ads that uplift pro-immigrant futures, United We Dream is reaching young people where they are to create more inclusive, safer, and empowering communities.
VĂctor GuillĂ©n Febres, Communications & Counter-disinformation Strategist of United We Dream, said:
“Anti-immigrant rhetoric exists in every corner of the digital world, including within video game communities where young gamers are often targeted by calculated disinformation campaigns aimed at dividing our communities and pitting people against immigrants. In many cases, like in El Paso, Texas, and Buffalo, New York, and most recently in Springfield, Ohio, the rise in vile anti-immigrant disinformation has resulted in deadly and violent attacks against our communities.
As young leaders in our communities, we refuse to sit on the sidelines while our people and our lives are under attack. It is time we fight back against disinformation and reject these lies with powerful, pro-immigrant messengers and storytelling. United We Dream is proud to launch this latest initiative, leveraging the creative influence of popular gamers to combat radicalization and activate young men of color online to take decisive action to protect each other and immigrant communities nationwide. Young people of all backgrounds deserve to be safe, online and offline. Our movement is dedicated to empowering youth of color to step into their leadership in fostering spaces that are inclusive, safe, and do not tolerate anti-immigrant, anti-Black and anti-LGBTQ hate. It starts with reaching our communities where they’re at, including in online gaming spaces.”
Natalie (TheMayhemMermaid), UWDA’s Twitch Partner & Content Creator, said:
“As streamers, we do what we do to build community and lead by example for our audience. In gaming, navigating a new map is about learning the rules and finding allies, much like navigating a new country. Building a pro-immigrant space that’s safe and welcoming means cutting through the noise, shutting down misinformation, and ensuring no one feels left out—no matter where they come from.”
Ashley D (Ashlinaa), UWDA’s Twitch Partner & Content Creator, said:
“Having family members who immigrated to this country to start a better life and hearing their impactful stories, empowers me to raise awareness for others who also made these life-changing decisions. I chose to participate because I want to make sure we continue fighting for the respect, love, dignity, and compassion for immigrants – our fellow humans.”