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Moderate Voices (MOVO) - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is the Moderate Voices (MOVO) opportunity?

MOVO is a USAID West Africa-funded, five-year regional initiative designed to reduce vulnerability to violent extremism by improving the information environment and elevating credible, non-extremist perspectives. It focuses on coordinated messaging and communications that promote democracy, human rights, and good governance while countering narratives that can contribute to recruitment, polarization, or support for violent groups.

2) What is MOVO trying to achieve?

The initiative aims to (a) strengthen and amplify "moderate voices" and credible messengers, (b) improve the overall information environment in ways that reduce susceptibility to extremist narratives, and (c) counter messaging that increases recruitment, polarization, or support for violent extremist groups.

3) What is the core approach of MOVO?

MOVO is framed as a long-term effort rather than a series of one-off media campaigns. The approach is to build durable partnerships with community-level actors as well as national and regional networks and institutions so that non-extremist perspectives can be amplified in ways that last beyond individual media pushes.

4) What kind of activities does MOVO emphasize?

The program emphasizes strategic information campaigns that operate on two tracks at the same time: long-term narrative work (sustained themes, trusted messengers, consistent programming) and rapid-response communications (timely content reacting to current events, emerging incidents, and "hot topics").

5) How does MOVO address the drivers of violent extremism risk?

MOVO messaging is intended to address deep-rooted issues that often correlate with risk, including long-standing grievances and governance challenges. By tackling these underlying issues through credible communications, the initiative seeks to reduce openings for extremist narratives.

6) Does MOVO include rapid-response communications, or only long-term campaigns?

It includes both. The implementing partner is expected to pair long-term narrative work with an agile capability to respond quickly to current events and shifts in public sentiment, including situations where misinformation or extremist messaging may surge.

7) What does "improving the information environment" mean in this opportunity?

Based on the description provided, improving the information environment means increasing access to and visibility of credible, non-extremist perspectives across multiple platforms, coordinating messaging so it reinforces democratic values and good governance, and reducing the influence of polarizing or recruitment-oriented narratives.

8) Is this program limited to a single platform, like social media?

No. MOVO is explicitly multi-platform. It includes radio, targeted video, mobile outreach (including feature-phone-friendly platforms), and social media as a growth area, with expectations that content will be cross-promoted and repurposed across channels whenever feasible.

9) Why is radio emphasized so strongly?

Radio is treated as the backbone because it remains the most accessible medium for many rural communities and at-risk areas. The opportunity notes plans to strengthen and expand existing PDev II radio networks and programming.

10) What is the role of video production in MOVO?

MOVO includes targeted video production in selected countries, focusing on content that is easy to share and tailored to the interests and media habits of priority demographics.

11) What kind of mobile outreach does MOVO contemplate?

The opportunity highlights mobile outreach through feature-phone-friendly platforms, reflecting that basic phones can be more effective than internet-based tools for reaching rural populations at scale.

12) How does MOVO view social media as a communications channel?

Social media is included, but the approach is cautious and evidence-driven. The solicitation notes internet penetration may be low in key target locations and among priority demographics, so MOVO plans to expand social media efforts iteratively using tactics that are proven, cost-efficient, and adaptable.

13) What is meant by "cross-promotion" in MOVO?

Cross-promotion means repurposing and distributing content across radio, video, mobile, and social platforms so audiences can encounter reinforcing messages in multiple places and the program can build larger and more diverse followings over time.

14) How is MOVO expected to coordinate with other U.S. government efforts?

The awardee is expected to coordinate and integrate with other U.S.-funded efforts in the region, including State Department and USAID programs, U.S. embassy Public Affairs Sections, and Military Information Support Teams (MIST). The stated intent is to improve coherence across initiatives, reduce duplication, and ensure messaging channels and themes complement one another.

15) What does it mean that this opportunity is a Cooperative Agreement?

This opportunity is offered as a Cooperative Agreement, which indicates substantial USAID involvement in guiding or collaborating on implementation, rather than a more hands-off relationship.

16) Who funds MOVO and what region does it focus on?

MOVO is funded by USAID West Africa and is described as a regional initiative in West Africa.

17) How long is the MOVO initiative?

MOVO is described as a five-year regional initiative.

18) What is the funding opportunity number and CFDA listing?

The funding opportunity number is RFA 624 16 000001, and the CFDA is 98.001.

19) What is the award ceiling for MOVO?

The award ceiling is $24,981,235.

20) How many awards does USAID expect to make?

The opportunity indicates an expectation of a single award.

21) When was the opportunity posted and when did it close?

The opportunity was posted on April 20, 2016, with a closing date of May 31, 2016.

22) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants are listed broadly as "Others," with additional clarification referenced in the eligibility text of the full announcement.

23) What types of partners or stakeholders are central to MOVO's model?

MOVO is designed to build durable partnerships with community-level actors as well as national and regional networks and institutions, so credible non-extremist perspectives can be amplified consistently and sustainably.

24) What kinds of narratives is MOVO intended to counter?

The initiative is intended to counter narratives that contribute to recruitment, polarization, or support for violent groups, while elevating credible, non-extremist viewpoints.

25) Is MOVO designed to be sustained beyond individual campaigns?

Yes. The opportunity explicitly contrasts MOVO with one-off campaigns and emphasizes durable partnerships and amplification mechanisms that can persist beyond individual media pushes.