The Royal United Services Institute

Published purpose

This project aims to create counter violent extremist narratives by using online social media awareness campaigns directed at youth, while also seeking to develop greater trust between communities and police. Project activities include: (1) supporting the preparation of awareness and social media campaigns through the employment of a project manager and social media expert to develop online content for digital platforms; (2) facilitating youth-police dialogue to address issues such as violence and abuse, mistrust between communities and youth, and counterproductive efforts of counterterrorism; and (3) supporting street campaigns designed to bring awareness to youth by engaging them through digital content. The project’s main beneficiaries are youth at-risk of radicalizing to violence, while the social media campaigns also benefit fellow youth, stakeholders, police officers, teachers, and parents.