Network Building

Especially within the workers’ rights movement, there is strength in unity. Through partnership, collaboration and joint messaging, organizations are better positioned to power social movements and support narrative change. This network building has been a critical aspect of the Future of Workers intervention.

Initiatives Supporting Network Development

The following initiatives have played a central role in cultivating connection, shared purpose, and momentum across the network.

Culture Hack Labs

Culture Hack Labs (CHL) is a not-for-profit consultancy that supports organizations, social movements and activists to design cultural interventions for systems change. CHL uses insights from cognitive linguistics, behavioral economics, evolutionary biology, memetics and big-data analysis to map and transform cultural narratives. Their research helps movements understand how dominant stories shape public perception and how strategic storytelling can shift those narratives in favor of justice.
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Gig Workers United Summit

The Gig Workers United Summit (GWUS) took place in Geneva alongside the 113th International Labor Conference in June 2025, creating a historic gathering of grassroots platform workers from 28 countries across six continents. The summit centered the voices of women, migrants and workers from the Global South, highlighting the diverse experiences of riders, warehouse workers, drivers, care workers and data labelers. Participants came together to ensure that international labor standards for platform work reflect the realities of those most affected by digital capitalism and algorithmic management.
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Confluence

Confluence is a gathering of narrative practitioners, storytellers and funders committed to building narrative power for global justice movements. In 2023 the event took place in Bogotá, Colombia and was hosted by IRIS, Puentes and the Global Narrative Hive. 
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Hope‑Based Communications

Hope‑based communications is a pragmatic approach to advocacy that centers the world we want to create rather than reacting to our opponents’ frames.
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IRIS Logo
IRIS connects creative storytellers, activists, and civic innovators to design narrative-driven projects that amplify marginalized voices, challenge inequalities, and mobilize communities, aiming to transform stories into real impact.

IRIS SOCIAL MEDIA:

IRIS SOCIAL MEDIA: