Violent Extremism
Following the tragedies of July 7th and July 21st 2005 and subsequent events, tensions have run high, putting peace and security in many urban communities in the balance. Those who were sensitive to the potential risks and possible outcomes mustered resources, rallied round and worked tirelessly to ensure that the status quo was maintained and that the principles of freedom and equality on which our society is based were not compromised.
Unfortunately however, not enough was done to engage with our youth, and many programmes and projects were put aside in favour of more generic security-based initiatives. It is difficult to avoid the conclusion that these types of policies were not particularly effective.
The community dynamic in the United Kingdom has changed forever as a result of 7/7. Whilst a relative sense of calm has returned this remains somewhat tenuous in many of our cities. Dangers remain and will present challenges to people of goodwill for the foreseeable future.
We are going through periods of great change...
Thus far, the picture has been bleak, it has been about risks and dangers, but we are going through periods of great change, as was summarised in a speech delivered by Trevor Phillips in 2005, “These are times for transformation. It is for us to seize the initiatives and sow the seeds for active changes to come about”.
The time to do this is now. ACF intend to seize the moment and use our experience to benefit the wider community. Simple projects, which will sit on the platform of ACF’s previous highly successful Youth Projects, will be used to acquire knowledge and form future models.
Violent extremism has to be understood, the mindset needs to be realised, the emotional drivers used by mystery recruiters need to be recognised and the young persons grievances need to be addressed, if we are to achieve any degree of success in stemming the tide of violent extremism in all its forms.
Active Change Foundation has a unique understanding
Through the personal experiences of the Qadir brothers and Mike the Active Change Foundation has a unique understanding of the many techniques used by the mystery recruiters. ACF understands the many different strands of faith within Islam, the emotional drivers employed and are fully aware of the vast environments used by would be recruiters. This is why ACF can help reduce the threat of violent extremism we all face.