2021 VOL. 1
TOOLKIT FOR YOUTH FIGHTING AGAINST EXTREMISM & RADICALIZATION
Dear Fellow Young Europeans, THE CURRENT ISSUE IS CREATED AS OUTCOME OF PROJECT ''YOUTH AGAINST EXTREMISM AND RADICALIZATION'' COFUNDED BY ERASMUS + PROGRAM.
This toolkit has been created as a result of an amazing week bunch of young people from the UK, Bulgaria, Italy and Spain spent together in Bulgaria discovering more about socially important topics such as extremisms, fake news, youth radicalization as well as exploring the amazing opportunities of Erasmus plus program. Youth against extremism and radicalization was a youth exchange program created from young people for young people with the main idea to engage young people in discovering about the phenomena of youth radicalization and most of all to encourage us all to act upon preventing this and spreading awareness on the topic among other youth. As a result of the amazing, fruitful and full of learning week we all spent in Bulgaria we have decided to create this Toolkit with some useful information on what Youth radicalization is and how we young people can be active part in
WHAT IS RADICALIZATION Radicalisation happens when a person’s thinking and behaviour become significantly different from how most of the members of their society and community view social issues and participate politically. Only small numbers of people radicalise and they can be from a diverse range of ethnic, national, political and religious groups. As a person radicalises they may begin to seek to change significantly the nature of society and government. However, if someone decides that using fear, terror or violence is justified to achieve ideological, political or social change –this is violent extremism. Exactly what influences individuals to go down a path of using or supporting violence to seek change can be difficult to determine, but there can be a number of factors. The radicalisation process is unique to each person who undergoes it, and in most cases will not cause serious harm. In exceptional circumstances, however, the decisions made by a person radicalising can result in a serious and lethal act of violent extremism. Those who radicalise and display threatening behaviour, incite hatred or promote the use of violence for their cause require some form of intervention. This may come from family, religious or community leaders or law enforcement.
Youth radicalisation and the associated use of violence have become a growing issue of concern in Europe and its neighbouring regions. There has been a notable increase in hate speech, incidence of hate crimes and attacks on migrants and refugees, propaganda and violent xenophobia, as well as a rise in religious and political extremism and in terrorist attacks in Europe and its neighbouring regions. There has been a notable increase in hate speech, incidence of hate crimes and attacks on migrants and refugees, propaganda and violent xenophobia, as well as a rise in religious and political extremism and in terrorist attacks in Europe and its neighbouring regions. All of these emerging concerns have highlighted the need to work with young people in order to identify and address the root causes of extremism and prevent their radicalisation, as well as strengthen young people’s resilience, prevent marginalisation, promote equality, emphasise alternatives and reinforce the cohesion of communities in which they live.
As a process, radicalisation leading to violence would imply: ► the adoption of an ideology whose rationale becomes a way of life and a framework for meaningful action for the individual ► the belief in the use of violent means to promote a cause ► the merging of ideology and violent action.
Understanding Radicalization: Steps to Youth Radicalization /Staircase Model/ The staircase model is a psychological explanation as to why out of large numbers of disgruntled people in society, only a very small minority end up committing acts of terrorism. It was proposed in 2005 by Fathali M. Moghaddam in his paper "The Staircase to Terrorism". The model involves a metaphorical staircase, where each step is influenced by a specific psychological process. It is proposed that the higher an individual moves up the staircase, the fewer alternatives to violence they will see, ultimately resulting in the destruction of themselves, others, or both. There are also different trajectories or steps young people go through in their radicalisation process. This research uses the Moghaddam model of six steps to explain the process of radicalisation ► ground floor: psychological interpretation of the material and social conditions ► first floor: options envisaged against the unfair treatment ► second floor: aggression ► third floor: moral commitment ► fourth floor: categorical thinking and legitimacy of the violent group or organisation – recruitment ► fifth floor: the violent act and the mechanisms of inhibition.
Ground floor The ground floor is inhabited by all members of society. All members of society evaluate their living conditions in terms of fairness. People will remain on the ground floor as long as they consider their living conditions to be fair. Those who perceive injustice move onto the first floor. First floor On the first floor, people consider their options for improving their situation. People who find options to improve their individual situation and influence decision-makers leave the staircase at this floor in order to pursue non-violent paths. People who are unsatisfied with their available options move onto the second floor. Second floor It is here that feelings of both anger and frustration over not being able to improve the situation instigate a search for a target to blame. This target can either be a direct opponent, such as a government, or a third party to whom aggression is displaced, such as an ethnic or religious group. People who are persuaded that they have an enemy toward whom they can direct their aggression, will proceed to the third floor. Third floor People who arrive here have already developed a readiness towards violence. These feelings can be capitalised on by a violent organisation that is offering a sense of 'moral engagement' to potential recruits. Within these organisations violent actions against a perceived enemy are regarded as acceptable or even as one's duty. Potential recruits are offered a new social identity as members of a selective ingroup who aim to bring justice to the world. People who find this offer appealing will move on to the fourth floor. Fourth floor It is here that thinking such as 'us' versus 'them' is promoted. Recruits are isolated from friends and family, strict secrecy is imposed and the legitimacy of the organisation is emphasised. People who reach this floor will rarely withdraw and exit the staircase alive. They will move onto the fifth floor if an opportunity to do so presents. Fifth floor It is here that the violent act is carried out. In order to be as effective as possible, any inhibition about killing innocent people must be overcome. This is done via two means. Categorisation stresses the differentiation between ingroup and out group, and distancing exaggerates the differences between the ingroup and the perceived enemy
TESTEMONIALS OF PARTICIPANTS That was my first Erasmus+ experience and I could not have been more satisfied and happierfirst of all because of all the learning-skills, knowledge, information and awareness I got during the exchange, but also because of the amazing people I was able to meet and I can all friends now. During the project I was able to explore the situations in different countries and across Europe, to find
This project gave me skills, knowledge and most of all inspiration! I was able to discover Erasmus+ opportunities as a way to engage youth in community development thus now I would really like to go on more projects but also develop my own ideas in my country. I am planning to involve some of my friends and colleagues in promoting tolerance, human rights and no discrimination, as well as resilience to fake news and extremism, especially among youth from rural areas where I am coming from. MIGUEL,SPAIN-22 years old
similarities and differences between them as well as the cultures. Moreover, I have never before though I personally can contribute to such huge social issues as youth radicalization but now I feel more competent and empowered to stand up for human rights and raise awareness among my peers about preventing radicalization and violent extremism. KALINA, BULGARIA-20 years old
Youth against extremism and radicalization exchange was like an eye opening experience for me-I have not participated in such project before and honestly I did not expect to learn that much. I was able first of all to break some stereotypes myself I had about other countries and cultures-during the project the whole group was like a family-I felt for the first time a European, not only Italian. I also became more helpful by seeing so many energetic and empowered
young people-ready to make a change! After the project I got so inspired that I joined my sending organization as a volunteer in their local work related to promoting EU values, peace, intercultural dialogue and tackling youth radicalization as well as working on migrants issues. Thanks to the project I feel more inspired and empowered that my small actions actually count and I can make a difference in my local community! MARIANNA, ITALY - 26 years old
This project was a unique opportunity for me to be part of the big European family even though the country I'm currently residing has quit the EU. It's the first time I was part of such international activity and I descovered it only trough my friends from Active youth to which I'm really thankfull. Once we are back in the UK I will do my best to support them in spreading the word about all those wonderfull Erasmus + opportunities because I feel youth people really need to have this experience at least once in their live time. Apart from that the project gave me personally a lot of friends, lot of positive emotions and energy and nevertheless it gave me opportunity to discover topics which I would not pay attention in my daly routine such as radicalization, extremism, forms and ways of combating it. Big thanks to organziers for the support and involving me in the exchange. MARTIN, UNITED KINGDOM- 24 years old
TOOLS AND RESOURCES TO HELP YOU RAISE AWARENESS AND TACKLE YOUTH RADICALIZATION
We
as
young
people
can
be
part
of
preventing
youth
radicalization, actively engaging in social campaigns and grassroots
activities.
Most
of
all
we
can
engage
in
fighting issues such as discrimination, hate speech and social exclusion as some of the main reasons leading to youth radicalization and violent extremism. Remember-for creating a change you do not have to organize event with 100 000 people or do something huge-every change starts with a little step! Here we have gathered some resources to help you be socially engaged yourself as well as ways to engage and inspire others!
NO HATE SPEECH MOVEMENT
Movement started by Council of Europe in 2012 Aims to campaign for
human rights online, to reduce
the levels of acceptance of hate speech and develop online youth participation and citizenship A coordinating NGO of the movement in every country which can assist you to organize activities! https://www.nohatespeechmovement.org/nationalcampaign-committees
Tools of the Campaign Online Activists-trained group of 70 youth workers from across Europe who can support your online and offline actions http://blog.nohatespeechmovement.org/whoare-we/ Online monthly newsletter-you can subscribe for news regarding hate speech, legislation, activities across Europe or you can share your own activities http://blog.nohatespeechmovement.org/cate gory/newsletter/
TOOLKITS WITH METHODS-you can use them to organize some activities tackling hate speech, discrimination, stereotypes, prejudice, etc.
Bookmarks-a toolkit on combating hate speech trough human rights education. It is useful when organizing activities with young people tackling hate speech trough human rights perspective. https://www.nohatespeechmovement.org/bookm arks?bookmarks WE CAN!- Taking action against hate speech through counter and alternative narratives
This manual presents communicative and educational approaches rights
and
activists
alternative
tools
to
for
develop
narratives
alternative
narratives
discrediting
and
to
youth
and
their
own
counter
and
speech.
Counter
and
hate
combat
deconstructing
which they are based.
hate the
other
human
speech narratives
by on
FARE NETWORK Fare network brings
is an umbrella organisation that
together
individuals,
informal
groups
and organisations driven to combat inequality trough football and use the sport as a means for social change. Fare
works
to
advance
social
inclusion
of
marginalised and disenfranchised groups and to
engage
governing
policy bodies
makers, in
the
key
players
and
anti-discrimination
movement. It provides small financial support for activities on
local
level
combating
discrimination,
xenophobia, inequality and hate speech. Football
People
Action
weeks-worldwide
campagin/more than 70 countries/ with the aim to reduce discrimination. Being organized every October provide an excellent opportunity for community engagement
and
development.
Supporters,
players, clubs, ethnic minorities, LGBT groups, activists and NGOs can get support for their activities http://farenet.org/campaigns/footballpeople -action-weeks/
HUMAN LIBRARY A
WORLDWIDE
MOVEMENT
FOR
SOCIAL
CHANGE Started in 2000 in Denmark by youth group and grew into international movement The
Human
Library
is
designed
to
build
a
positive framework for conversations that can challenge stereotypes and prejudices through dialogue You “read” people not book-you can get to know the real stories behind certain minoritiesrefugess, migrants, LGBT, disabled people,etc. It help braking stereotypes and prejudice. http://humanlibrary.org/
Compass-Manual for human rights education https://www.coe.int/en/web/compass to support the work of facilitators of human rights education with young people. Available in more than 30 languages Aim
at
empowerment
of
young
people
as
responsible citizens, educators and advocates for human rights. Will help you organize various workshops and activities with other young people to promote human rights
Average Mohammed Campaign Average Mohamed is a counter ideology organization dedicated to stoping extremism and hate. Creating narratives that engage youth aged 8-25 year old . “AverageMohamed.com was set up to talk plainly to Humanity. The issue of extremism is one that directly affects us all. I have waited for a constructive logical argument
that
can
reach
average
people.
It
has
dawned on me that it will take an average guy. It is an average
guy
who
turns
average
people
into
extremists. It will take all of us average people to tell them otherwise. My mission is simply create a counter ideology
with
your
help
and
input.
Give
average
parents who deal with their average kids and clergy talking points that can help with theological or logical talking
points
countering
falsehood
propagated
by
extremists. I live happily in the greatest place a person can call home, amongst a people who cherish peace and offer people like me unparalleled opportunity to achieve as much as I want to. It is in their name and that of my children and the right to free speech I do this.” Average Mohamed does not shy away from tackling difficult
issues
of
identity,
disenfranchisement,
or
religious confusion. Rather, he sends a message of inclusion, of democracy, of finding alternative paths in an atmosphere of alienation than can so often be part of the immigrant experience.
https://averagemohamed.com/
The Radicalization Awareness Network The RAN is a network of frontline practitioners who work
daily
with
both
those
vulnerable
to
radicalisation and those who have already been radicalised. As
civil
society
representatives,
social
workers,
youth workers, teachers, healthcare professionals, local authority representatives, police officers and prison
officers,
they
are
engaged
in
both
preventing and countering violent extremism in all its
forms
and
rehabilitating
and
reintegrating
violent extremists.
https://ec.europa.eu/homeaffairs/networks/radicalisation-awarenessnetwork-ran_en
Youth Civil Activism Network (YouthCAN) Youth
Civil
Activism
Network
(YouthCAN)
ISD’s
Youth Civil Activism Network is the leading global counter-extremism community
network.
unites
over
The
1,300
YouthCAN
young
activists,
creatives, and tech entrepreneurs in 130 countries to
amplify
the
efforts
in
countering
extremism
worldwide. More than that, YouthCAN is designed to
upscale
and
optimise
counter-extremism
youth-led
efforts
grassroots
internationally.
The
network enables a global exchange of practices and
know-how
creation
to
foster
between
its
collaboration
members.
and
The
co-
network
engages young people and provides them with the tools they need to create effective content aimed at
challenging
hate
speech
and
extremism.
The
team works directly with youth activists, facilitating Youth Innovation Labs that provide them with the resources
and
counter-speech
expertise
to
campaigns
develop for
and
deliver
preventing
countering extremism in their communities.
and
Be Internet Citizens While social media plays a vital role in the everyday lives of young
people
as
citizens,
education
systems
across
the
developed countries are reacting slowly. Extremist groups rely on
false
promises
of
status
and
purpose,
manipulation,
conspiracy and divisive rhetoric to exploit young people online. Against these methods, critical thinking skills and media literacy, social and emotional skills and meaningful digital citizenship capacities are a strong defence. Today’s young people may be digital natives, but they still need to be taught how to stay safe, make their voices heard and play a positive role as citizens in the online space. Consequently, the main aim of the programme
„Be
Internet Citizens“ seeks to meet these needs of the young
people. A partnership between Google, YouTube Creators for Change and ISD, the project was designed to teach 13 to 15year-olds
about
citizenship,
media
literacy,
encouraging
young
critical
people
thinking
to
be
and
digital
positive
voices
online while increasing their resilience to hate and extremism. Using an implicit approach to counter-extremism which focuses on popular culture and social issues, the project delivers positive secondary effects, helping participants become more informed citizens,
critical
consumers
and
empowered
producers
of
content.
Abdullah-X Created Abdullah-X
Createdby
a
former
Islamist
who
uses
his
experiences to dismantle extremist narratives, Abdullah-X is a young Muslim living in the UK and talks about current events in a way that speaks to his intended audience rather than lectures them. “Abdullah X,” the new Web-only cartoon series, is the tale of a young Muslim man in London who is struggling with his identity and his faith. It is a story that its creator, a former extremist who spoke to CNN on condition of anonymity, knows all too well. He mentions to CNN: “Young people - the most vulnerable
groups
in
society
-
were
caught
between
government policy perspectives on how you combat terrorism and extremism, and this wall of shame and denial from within communities. I felt that we needed something that was going to be
innovative
and
engaging”.
www.abdullahx.com
www.youtube.com/user/abdullahx.
Radical Middle Way Radical Middle Way (RMW) is a non-profit Community Interest Company which aims to allow young Muslims – in the UK and around the world – to connect with their faith and explore what it means to believe in the 21st century. Founded in the wake of the
7/7
promote
attacks a
on
the
mainstream,
Londonunderground,
moderate
RMW
understanding
of
aims
to
Islam
to
which young people can relate. By working alongside grassroots partners, thinking
RMW and
audiences
creates
deep
the
platforms
spiritual
tools
to
for
open
reflection.
RMW
combat
encourage positive civic action.
exclusion
debate, aims
and
to
critical give
violence
its
and
The current material is created as outcome of project ''Youth against extremism and radicalization'' co funded by Erasmus + program of the European Commission. The content reflects only on the views of the author and the National agency and European Commission cannot be responsiable for it's content.