"Tutaj" Fund ("Here")
Project: Different Cultures, One Shared Idea, a Path to Integration
Accessibility research under the “Tutaj” Fund, Experiments track.
Our vision
With the support of the “Tutaj” Fund – Experiments, run by the Ashoka Foundation, we created a project aimed at building more accessible, open, and inclusive spaces within our Facebook community groups. We wanted everyone – regardless of background, language proficiency, or life experience – to feel welcome and fully engaged in the life of our community.
Why did this matter?
Our groups, which attract people from different cultures, backgrounds, and experiences every day, are a place of genuine diversity. However, such diversity brings its own challenges – language barriers, procedural obstacles, and difficulties arising from cultural differences. We identified these issues and set out to address them, so that every person could feel like an integral part of this community.
What we have achieved?
Research and workshops
During the project, we conducted UX research and surveys to better understand the challenges faced by new members of our groups, especially people with a migration background. We also organized three key workshops:
- Inclusive language – This workshop helped our group administrators understand how conscious communication can shape a group’s atmosphere and support integration.
- Working in a multicultural environment – It showed how cultural differences can enrich a community, while also teaching how to navigate the challenges that come with that diversity.
- Empathy – This workshop took place during an administrators’ meetup and offered a unique opportunity to work on understanding other people’s perspectives. Exercises such as “walking in someone else’s shoes” let participants experience situations that people with a migration background face on a daily basis.
As one participant said:
“This exercise really made me reflect on how, in many ways, people with a migration background are systematically excluded, marginalized, and limited. It left me with the feeling that I still have work to do to become more attentive, careful, and empathetic toward others.”
New solutions and materials
We developed simplified group rules that are now easier to understand and available in several languages. We also created an intuitive group-joining procedure and a translation guide that supports communication across languages.
The best report of the Fund
A major success was producing a final report that was recognized as one of the best among more than 80 projects supported by the “Tutaj” Fund – Experiments. Working with the Ashoka Foundation was a special experience, as we were able to speak openly about the challenges and mistakes we encountered, which was appreciated as a sign of our commitment and authenticity.
What's next
Through this project and the support of the Ashoka Foundation, we gained not only new experience but also strengthened our position as a partner others can rely on. This is only the beginning of our journey – we want to keep growing our community and creating a space where diversity is not a challenge, but a strength.
Thank you to the Ashoka Foundation for your support and belief in our work!