Violent extremist recruitment efforts are increasingly localised. They draw on local grievances and exploit local events to radicalise vulnerable individuals. It therefore often falls to social workers, youth workers, teachers and others on the frontline in communities, to tackle this challenge. However, the importance of civil society groups and their representatives, cannot be understated. They often have the credibility and reach among the communities they represent to engage vulnerable individuals within them and intervene.
In this Spotlight, RAN practitioners and experts from outside of the network, share their insights on the important role of civil society in preventing and countering violent extremism (P/CVE).
This Spotlight provides an overview of the challenges in communities in Europe today, the different communities which civil society groups represent and the challenges that they face. It includes content on working with faith-based groups, working with community figures inside and outside of schools, and creating safe spaces for young people.
Some of these topics have been addressed by RAN Practitioners through various Working Group meetings, papers and other activities in 2022. This Spotlight publication therefore captures the highlights from some of these activities and points practitioners to where they can go to find out more. It also provides an overview of the EU-funded Civil Society Empowerment Programme (CSEP).
As always, we want to hear from you. If you would like to contribute to future editions of Spotlight, or if you have ideas for an article, interview or feature, please get in touch with the RAN Practitioners communications team.