Work with Victims of Terrorism and Young People

in Preventing Violent Radicalisation

Jo Dover – Programme Manager

History

• IRA Bomb Warrington 20th March 1993• Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for

Peace established in 1995• Peace Centre opened in 2000• ‘Founded by victims to support others

affected by conflict to build peace.’

Who we work with

We work nationally and internationally with:– Victims and survivors of acts of

terrorism and other politically motivated violence

– Former combatants– Young people including those divided by

faith or racial prejudice– Institutions and communities affected by

local or global conflict

Counter not De-RadicalisationDrivers of Radicalisation*Drivers of Radicalisation*

• Divisions: Lack of integration, ghettoisation, polarisation, internal community divides, identity crises, isolation, weak community leadership/infrastructure

• Grievances: Under-employment, poor education, political/democratic disenfranchisement, discrimination, foreign policy and international conflicts/disputes

• Narratives: Political movements, ideologies, faith

• Means: Social/family/criminal networks, vulnerable/risky institutions and places, vulnerable individuals, charismatic individuals*Taken from Institute for Strategic Dialogue working paper of the PPN on ‘The Role of Civil Society in Counter-Radicalisation and De-Radicalisation’ Oct 2010

Working with victims of terrorism

• 3 Key themes• Sharing experiences & dialogue• Conflict Transformation (Causes, indicators, effects, management

and non-violent resolution of conflict)• Leadership Skills (Influence, power, behaviour, choices, decision making)

Programmes in practice

TestimonyCase Studies

• Use of personal testimony to make a difference

• Drawing parallels with other conflicts

Working with young people

• 3 Key themes-

• Self Awareness and Identity (prejudice, discrimination, beliefs,

values, attitudes)• Conflict Transformation • Leadership Skills

Programmes in practice

Methodology

Use of activities to explore:

• Extreme behaviour• Religion – myths and stereotypes• Contexts (‘War on terror’)• Dialogue – speaking to the ‘other’• Sharing Experiences• Lectures and Speakers• Simulations and practice

“Students’ involvement in the ‘Foundation for Peace’ project is a powerful instrument that furnishes them with strategies for resolving

conflicts. This is leading to the development of a more harmonious community where differences are

increasingly accepted….”

U.K Office for Standards in Education

Impact of the Programmes:Schools

What Have We Learned? • Flexible and adaptable• Long Term commitment• Joining up the thinking• Beyond dialogue to behaviour change.• ‘Unlearning the learnt’• Doing things differently – making a change • Equipping people – do it for themselves =

Sustainability• Beyond Management – resolution and transformation

Thank you for listening

jo.dover@foundation4peace.org

www.foundation4peace.org