REDUCING EXTREMISM TOGETHER

We can all play our part in reducing extremism.

From recognising and trying to remove extremist content online to offering support and compassion to those involved and helping them to see beyond the darkness of radicalisation and help them to get the help and support that they desperately need.

We can also offer that same support to the families and loved ones of those involved, chances are that they are beside themselves with worry, their lives undoubtedly falling apart because of this. They themselves are probably desperate for help but due to the nature of extremism they are probably too ashamed or too scared to reach out.Fear of judgement and fear of getting their loved one into trouble is also common with family members.There are however many things that we as a community can do to help.

 Do we look the other way and become an enabler? Or do we stand against it? 

Standing against it is not as difficult as you might think.

Let's look at a few different things that you can do to reduce extremism.

Recognising misinformation and disinformation is important,

basically Misinformation is wrong information, which people pass on, but have NO IMTENT TO DECEIVE and Disinformation is wrong information, which has the SPECIFIC INTENT TO DECEIVE

When you see something online, before you hit share or pass that information on, fact check it. Content is frequently uploaded by these organisations and individuals with the intention to deceive and anger people.

To spread disinformation that targets certain ethnicities and religions. 

We advise that you check with a minimum of two reputable sources before sharing regardless of how innocent it may seem.

If it doesn't seem or feel right, don't share, and report any harmful, hateful or dangerous content that you see.

To report Dis-information online please report it to the host platform.

Create Safe Spaces 

We need to provide safe spaces for all ages to ask difficult questions.

Those questions could be about faith, Culture ,gender or even sexuality.

If we don't provide these spaces then the Extreme Right Wing will.

If we don’t have the answers, let's help the person asking to find them, and speak to a friend, colleague or an organisation that may be able to provide that information.

For example, if the question is about Islam then reach out to members of your local Muslim community or a local Mosque.

If it is about Catholicism, speak to your local Catholic church. 

If the question is about gender, look at some gender specific organisations.

Finding answers doesn’t have to be difficult. 

Searching online can lead you down some very dark rabbit holes so in order to ensure that the information is correct it is much better to go to a reputable source.

Schools and Families may want to consider a topics box where concerns and questions are added and can be addressed at designated times.

Schools may also consider a private and confidential app such as WhatApp that is an encrypted safe space for students to ask questions or report information staffed by designated staff members. 

Reducing extremism does not have to be hard, or scary. We protect our loved ones and those that might be vulnerable to all manner of other dangers and we need to do more to protect them against the dangers of extremism. 

EDUCATION 

We all believe that we will never encounter extremism, and it is only something that happens in big cities and we see on the news occasionally. 

Sadly that is not the case. 

Extremists are operating not just in the cities but also in many towns and villages however rural across the UK.

To challenge and reduce extremism, we believe the best way is through - Education, Compassion and Understanding.

Together We Can Reduce Extremism.

Sarah - Exit Project Lead