Andrea is a journalist and communicator, interested in environment, development, culture and travelling. During the last year Andrea has been tracking climate change negotiations at the UNFCCC processes, as well as being a blogger for several European Journalism Centre’s publications. She works as a freelance journalist in Mexico City for various publications, including Equilibrio, National Geographic Traveler and Global Voices. You can follow Andrea on Twitter, Facebook, on her blog or at The Sunflower Post. 

Read this article in English

Si te perdiste el Simposio Internacional “Hacer la política juvenil una realidad: de lo global a lo local”, organizado por el British Council este mes de abril, no te preocupes más. Aquí te presentamos los 5 momentos favoritos de nuestros participantes:

1. Caos Perfecto

Desde el inicio, muchos jóvenes se preguntaban si este sería un evento de juventud sin mayor impacto, con la única finalidad de tener una declaración en papel – declaración que muchos no volverían a leer en toda su vida. Las expectativas de un programa tradicionalista fueron disminuyendo poco a poco, y la creatividad comenzó a volar. Al igual que el formato del evento, el objetivo de los talleres era el comenzar pensar diferente, primero de forma individual y después colectivamente.

Con actividades como un mercado, una piñata, cafés del mundo y Facebook “offline”; el simposio dijo no al formato de siempre, dando flexibilidad y apertura al programa que se iba modificando día tras día.

2. 50 cabezas, 50 mundos

Tolerancia y entendimiento.

Como lo mencionó Miguel Corral de Ashoka México:

“El conflicto más grande durante la última actividad fue cuando una persona comentó que no todos los jóvenes deberían participar en la política, porque muchos no saben lo que dicen. En ese momento di mi argumento en contra. Esperé (…) Escuché, y la verdad aprendí que este tipo de actividades te recuerdan que todos tenemos puntos de vista diferentes”.

El caso de Miguel se dio en muchos participantes, provenientes de toda América Latina, quienes a pesar de tener proyectos o problemáticas similares, tenían perspectivas y experiencias tan diferentes que la manera de resolver sus conflictos resultaba heterogénea.

3. Pásele, llévele, de a diez

La representación del “mercado Mexicano” fue una de las favoritas ya que sirvió como espacio para que las organizaciones compartieran la visión, casos de éxito y obstáculos a los que se han enfrentado.

Ricardo Gómez Caro, un joven emprendedor de 24 años y director de la Academia de Debates del Instituto Nacional de Chile, aseguró que esta actividad le pareció la más completa ya que “pudo conocer que los jóvenes trabajan por los mismos objetivos, pero de maneras diferentes, mismo que regresará a compartirlo a Chile”.

4. ¡Juventud Despierta! 

“La incidencia de los jóvenes en América Latina es poca, a comparación de otros países en el resto del mundo”,

Aseguró Miguel Ángel Torres, del Instituto de la Juventud de Baja California.

El tener discusiones y convivir con emprendedores de distintas latitudes permitió formar coaliciones/proyectos con impacto en varios lugares, además de inspirar a los jóvenes a actuar en sus comunidades, teniendo ejemplos de creatividad y acciones concretas que han funcionado en otros esquemas.

5. Tic tac tic tac

En México, al igual que muchos otros países de América Latina, si llegamos con 15 o 30 minutos de retraso “esta bien”, en otros países no pasa igual.

Ashley Sturrup, participante de las Bahamas con CARICOM, dijo que lo que más le sorprendió de este simposio fue el respeto del tiempo. El hecho de que los ingleses hayan sido puntuales en cada actividad “le ha ayudado mucho a darse cuenta de que la falta de tiempo nunca puede ser una excusa para completar cualquiera de nuestros objetivos”. 

Andrea is a journalist and communicator, interested in environment, development, culture and travelling. During the last year Andrea has been tracking climate change negotiations at the UNFCCC processes, as well as being a blogger for several European Journalism Centre’s publications. She works as a freelance journalist in Mexico City for various publications, including Equilibrio, National Geographic Traveler and Global Voices. You can follow Andrea on Twitter, Facebook, on her blog or at The Sunflower Post. 

Read this article in Spanish.

If you did not attend the International Symposium “Making Youth Policy Happen: From Local to Global”, organized by the British Council in Mexico this April, you cannot miss this post. Here are my five favourite moments of the event:

1. Perfect Chaos

From the beginning, young people were wondering if this would be a youth event without an impact, with the sole purpose of having a paper in return – a statement that many would never read, ever again. There were false expectations of a traditionalist program that gradually dwindled. And suddenly, creativity began to fly.

The purpose of the workshops, as well as the event’s format, was to encourage people to start thinking about policy differently – “out of the box” – first individually and then collectively.

With activities such as a market, a piñata, the world café and Facebook “offline”, the symposium said a big NO to the usual format, giving openness to the program that was flexible enough to change day by day.

2. 50 minds, 50 worlds

Tolerance + understanding.

As mentioned by Ashoka Mexico’s, Miguel Corral:

“The largest conflict I had, over the last activity, was when someone commented that not all young people should be involved in politics, because many “do not really know what they say”.  I gave my argument against. I waited (…) I listened, and I learned that these types of activities remind us that we all have different views of some topics, that we have to be patient”.

Miguel’s case was the same for many participants from all over Latin America, who despite having similar projects or issues, their perspectives and experiences were so different that the ways they resolve conflicts were heterogeneous.

3. Buy it today, only 10 pesos…

The representation of a “Mexican market” was one of the favourite activities because it served as a space for organizations to share their vision, success stories and obstacles they have faced in the past.

Ricardo Gomez Caro, a 24-year-old entrepreneur and director of the Academy of Debates of the National Institute of Chile, said that this activity seemed the most complete since he “learned that, in the end, young people work for the same goals, but in different ways, as he will return to share this understanding to Chile. ”

4. The Arise of Youth Leaders

“Latin American youth incidence is low, compared to other countries in the rest of the world”

Said Miguel Angel Torres, from the Youth Institute of Baja California.

Interacting with entrepreneurs from different latitudes allowed the forming of coalitions and projects in various places, and inspiring young people to take action in their communities, following actions that have worked in other schemes.

5. Tic Toc Tic Toc

In Mexico, like many other countries of Latin America, being 15 or 30 minutes late seems to be okay and it is even expected, but this situation does not happen in other countries.

Ashley Sturrup, participant from the Bahamas with CARICOM, said that what surprised her the most was the respect of time during the symposium. The fact that the British had been punctual in every activity, “helped her realize that the lack of time can never be an excuse to complete any of her goals with her projects, and in life itself.”

• Download the Final Report here.
• Watch the short film for the event.
• Here is a full mapping visualisation of the participants attending the symposium. It includes details about their organisation, experience of participation, the challenges they face, the things they can offer and what they would find useful to better participation in their work
• You can also download the full Participant List here.
• A copy of the Final outline programme and the Final facilitator programme and Event slides can also be downloaded.
• Photos are available here. If you have any additional photos please send them to international[at]byc.org.uk.
• Here is a list of all the participation resources used, mentioned and critiqued throughout the symposium.
• The ‘Who’s who?’ gives a snapshot picture of the participants at the symposium, where they are from and the participation challenges they face.
• Follow and join all the discussion from the symposium using #YPSMex on twitter. Check out this nice visual tweet show here.
• Watch Ricardo, Ashley  Angel and Maria share their thoughts and expectations about the symposium.

Children and young people participaiton in decision making
This document presents the justification and identifies the underlying principles for promoting the meaningful participation of children and young people in decision-making processes. The main barriers to achieving this goal are discussed and guidelines are provided on how to create a more conducive environment. The document ends with an appeal to individuals and institutions to rise to the challenge of moving this agenda forward. Concrete actions need to be undertaken at regional and country levels to eliminate the barriers and to facilitate every young person’s right to be involved in the shaping of the future.

English Version — Spanish Version 

A potpourri of participation models
This collection of 36 models from 1969 to 2012 details different models and theories of participation. This selection provides imagery, excerpts and original introductions and explanations. This resource pools together some of the most used and debated models and concepts in youth and citizen participation and provides an in depth overview for new and experience practitioners, academics and individuals.

English Version

Taking participation seriously
Research and resources about participation Taking PARTicipation seriously is a resource for organisations who want practical advice about how to involve children and young people in activities, events and decision-making about issues that affect their lives. The kit is made up of different parts that focus on how you can involve children and young people in different activities or areas of work. Schools, youth centres, youth clubs, welfare agencies, councils, businesses, churches and sporting bodies are just some of the organisations that will find this kit useful.

English version

Participation involving young research
Participation: Count Me In! – Involving Children and Young People in Research Guidebook is part of the Taking PARTicipation seriously kit. Count Me In! is a guide on conducting social research with children and young people. The guide looks at a range of issues and practicalities that should be considered when undertaking a research project with children.

English version

Practical guide for facilitating social change
The handbook is for people, within organisations, networks or within community groups, who want to explore power in relation to achieving change in the interests of the communities they are working with. Its purpose is to help facilitate discussions about issues concerning power in order to deepen our understanding of the causes of social problems and the various strategies that can be taken to achieve change.

English version

Young participation in development guide
The Youth Participation in Development Guide was created as part of a joint project between the DFID CSO Youth Working Group and the DFID Equity and Rights Team in the UK with the goal of furthering the participation of young people in the decision making process within development and support donor agencies (multilateral and bilateral) and policy advisors in a range of organisations working with and for youth. It will also be useful for government, NGO and civil society partners. This guide aims to increase understanding of the growing importance of, and greater potential for, youth participation in development practice and to explore key issues and approaches.

English version

Hear by Right
Hear by Right is a self-assessment tool for mapping and planning the involvement of children and young people with organisational decision making. It helps you follow best practice on the safe, sound and sustainable participation of children and young people in the services and activities they take part in. Developed by the National Youth Agecy as part of our programme of work with the Local Government Association, it is applicable to any organisation working with young people, helping you provide evidence of the participation that is already happening in your organisation and then how to plan for improvement where there are gaps. It helps children, young people and adults work together to plan for change. It can be effectively used at both strategic and operational levels across partnerships, departments and single organisations.

English version

Social media tools & data 
This is a summary document of the social media and online tools that can be used to engage with supporters, work with collaborators, manage projects and build your online profile to foster dialogue and participation. The second document ‘Open data and social media’ showcases more tools focusing on data and its presentation for effect and use.

Social Media Tools (English version) – Open data and social media tools (English version)

Guidelines for Debate
What is a Youth PerspectiveThe aim of the series guidelines for debate is to influence the formulation, implementation and evaluation of programs and policies through guidelines that foster the debate of ideas from a progressive approach. The collection features a cool exchange of data and theoretical and methodological tools for analysis and action aimed at emerging political generations.

English version — Spanish version

The diversity of the event, with participants from Mexico, Argentina, Peru, Brazil, Haiti, Colombia, Bahamas, Europe and Africa, will bring different experiences, solutions and thinking about the role and participation of young Central & South Americans in decisions made locally, nationally and globally.

Download the outline programme and full participant list.

The event will work towards mapping current practice, crowdsourcing common barriers and then consider the use, value and application of existing models of participation and current practice across the region. The symposium has three clear objectives:

• Share and learn from others
• Exploring existing models of youth participation
• Generate new ideas to make youth participation more inclusive and effective

You can follow and join the discussion on twitter using #YPSMex.

The symposium “Making youth policy happen – from local to global. A critique of current practice in international youth participation” is co-organised by the British Council and the Open Society Foundations, IDEA Mexico and the British Youth Council.

At the turn of the last century, the modern Olympic and FIFA movements were launched in the context of declining empires, global economic crises, and ceaseless wars. Their explicit aim was to produce a new kind of peaceful world order. These movements were founded on the theory that by providing healthful, demilitarized spaces where the youth of the world could realize their potential, they would come to embody a new kind of non-nationalistic, peaceful breed of humanity.

Yet the fact we have seen in changes recent decades to the treatment of young people in public spaces, particularly around such international sporting events, raises questions about the implementation of this humanitarian vision. In western democracies young people from certain social, economic and ethnic backgrounds have been widely criminalized and deemed undesirable. Recent sports mega events around the world have used repressive and militarized policing to exclude local young people and present the world’s tourists and media with a rose-tinted view of the host communities – snubbing those who should stand to benefit most from such an event in their city.

How can public policy makers, youth organizations and event organizers ensure that the arrival of these sports mega-events, which are almost universally heralded as economic and social opportunities for their host communities, do not isolate, exclude and target local underprivileged youth. Issues around how young people use public space and the provisions that governments, police and communities make for them to do so are longstanding and important questions which become even more crucial when the World Cup or Olympics comes to town.

The conference “Sport Mega-Events and the Crisis of Youth Exclusion”, hosted by Goldsmiths University and the Open Society Foundations, brings together youth activists, policy innovators and academic specialists to explore these issues. By looking back to the recent experiences of World Cup and Olympic hosts South Africa, Germany and Beijing, and looking forward to upcoming sports mega-events in London and Rio de Janeiro, we hope to generate new proposals for the promotion of young people’s interests in these giant international spectacles. We will report from the conference on Twitter, Facebook and youthpolicy.org. More conference details are available at http://youthandsport.idebate.org/.

In preparation of the symposium, we have collected recent literature, from scholary articles and book to opinion papers and blog posts, which we introduce below, in reverse-chronological order (newest first), with an abstract and a link to the original text (opens in new tab). Our thanks to the attendees of the symposium for sending us texts and links, and to the team of youthpolicy.org for complementing these links through wide-ranging research.

• A new politics of extremism (2011), a blog post by Uzair Choughtai for the Bold Creative Youth Project Blog, summarises a discussion on radicalism and extremism in the UK. The author captures his impressions and shares his thoughts, including a number of questions stimulated by the debate, such as ‘What does it even mean to be British nowadays?’ Link (html).
• Believing in a Better Hungary. Radical right idealism among students in Budapest (2011), a bachelor thesis by Swaan van Iterson at the University of Amsterdam, zooms in on the popularity of radical right parties and ideologies in Eastern Europe. The author explores why students in Budapest, Hungary identify with the radical right Jobbik party and how this identification relates to different activities within a broader subculture. She argues that the image of ‘modernisierungs­ver­lierer’ who vote for the radical right often fails to grasp the actual mentality of the young people concerned. Thesis (pdf, in Dutch). Article (hmtl, in English).
• The Building Community Resilience Youth Mentoring Grants Program (2011) is pilot project by the Australian Government that provides grants from $5,000 to $200,000 to help local communities take action to counter violent extremism within society and to promote an inclusive and safe environment. Starting from the belief that youth mentoring plays an important role in addressing and countering violent extremist ideologies, the aim of the Youth Mentoring Grants Program is to support projects that help young Australians develop skills to actively participate in society and democratic processes. The grant recipients of the first round are here – link (html).
• The European Study of Youth Mobilisation. Listening to Radicals: Attitudes and Motivations of Young People Engaged in Political and Social Movements Outside of the Mainstream in Central and Nordic Europe is a report by the British Council and was commissioned by the British Council Active Citizens Programme. Starting from the role that young people play in their communities and that mobilisation around young people’s beliefs and values is a common feature of young people in many countries and continents, the report is one outcome of a multi-sited research project aiming to discover more about radicalisation and the perceptions of young people who see themselves as radicalised, including their perceptions on violence and violent activity. Among the conclusions:
  

  Young people will seek out means to address a sense of social isolation. To whom they turn and to whom they listen largely rests on who takes young people seriously. Ignoring young people, or treating them as nuisances will have profound long-term effects on their attachment to their local communities.

  Link to the report (pdf). Link to the project (html).

• Response to Recent Disturbances (2011) is a policy paper by Leap Confronting Conflict which sets out key recommendations in response to the recent disturbances to support Government policies. Having worked with other organisations to identify factors that led to the recent violence, the recommendations in the policy paper aim to repair the damage to community relationships caused by the disturbances, and prevent future escalation of violence. Link (pdf). For context: Leap’s Strategic Plan 2011–2013 (pdf).
• Lone wolves: myth or reality? (2011), a report by Gerry Gable for Searchlight, in which he examines whether extreme-right terrorists are isolated individuals – lone wolves – or are connected with and the inevitable consequence of the activities of the various far-right, often small, organisations that espouse a violent racist and fascist ideology. The report demonstrates conclusively that far-right terrorists are not lone wolves but are connected with a number of insidious organisations. Throughout the report it also becomes clear which role youth networks and organsations play. Link (pdf).
• The Lure of Radicalism and Extremism Amongst Muslim Youth (2011) is an essay by Yasir Qadhi for muslimmatters.org. The author starts from the question “Why is it that a few militant clerics are so popular among some American Muslims?” and uses the case of Umar Farouk Abdul Mutallab – the now infamous ‘underwear bomber’ – for an analysis of how muslim youth are often lured into radicalism. Link (html).
• Preventing Religio-Political Extremism Amongst Muslim Youth: A Study Exploring Police-Community Partnership (2011) is a report by Basia Spalek and Laura McDonald with Salwa El Awa for the University of Birmingham’s Institute of Applied Social Studies. The study argues that building trust and accountability is crucial in developing successful strategies to tackle violent extremism. The report highlights that this can be a particular challenge in areas deemed at high risk of violent extremism. Link (pdf).
• Riotous Assemblies (2011), a paper by John Pitts for Youth & Policy, analyses explanations of the 2011 UK Riots by the two major political camps in the country – the ‘conversatives’ who explained the riots in terms of a ‘moral breakdown’, and the ‘progressives’ who explained the riots in terms of the rage of socially marginalised and rejected people. Beyond the analysis of these political explanations, the paper endeavours to identify the specific factors which turned a ‘drama’ into a ‘crisis’ in August 2011. Link (pdf).
• The Role Of Community In Dealing With Extremism (2011), an article by Bahukutumbi Raman for Eurasia Review, looking at extremism in India from two perspectives: one considering extremism as a threat to law and order and internal security, and a second considering extremism as a phenomenon with political, religious, social, economic, psychological and other aspects. Link (html).
• Teaching approaches that help to build resilience to extremism among young people (2011), a research report by the Office for Public Management (OPM) and the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER), both based in the UK, presents the findings from a large-scale, in-depth research study into teaching methods – knowledge, skills, teaching practices and behaviours – that help to build resilience to extremism. The focus is on teaching methods to be used in a general classroom setting rather than as part of interventions targeted at those deemed at risk of extremism. The primary aim of the research was to provide a strong evidence base for schools and other education providers to help them adopt and commission the appropriate interventions to build resilience to extremism. Link (pdf).
• Youth Violence. Theory, Prevention and Intervention (2011), a book by Kathryn Seifert, in which the author examines youth extremism and violence and their root causes and explores current prevention and treatment methods through a multidisciplinary lens. The book describes typologies as well as theoretical underpinnings of youth violence and summarises latest research on “what works” in prevention and treatment. Link (html). Review (html).
• The challenge of extremism. Examples of deradicalisation and disengagement programmes in the EU (2010) is a report by the Danish Ministry of Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs on a survey on deradicalisation and disengagement. The survey aimed to map the practical experiences in EU member states with policies and programmes on deradicalisation and disengagement, focusing on how to intervene when individuals have been attracted to extremism. It describes specific deradicalisation and/or disen- gagement programmes of five EU member states in more detail. Link (pdf).
• Inventory of State Programmes (2010), the first report of the Working Group on Radicalisation and Extremism of the United Nations’ Counter-­Terrorism Implementation Task Force. The inventory spans across civil society and prison programmes to intercultural dialogue and inequality policies and more. Link (pdf).
• Pathways to and From Violent Extremism: The Case for Science-Based Field Research (2010), a statement of Scott Atran before the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Emerging Threats & Capabilities. In his statement, Atran argues that “of you want to be successful in the long run where it counts — in stopping the next and future generations of disaffected youth from finding their life’s meaning in the thrill and adventure of joining their friends in taking on the world’s mightiest power; […] then you have to understand these pathways that take young people to and from political and group violence.” Link (html).
• Youth, Violence and Extremism: Debunking Conventional Wisdoms (2010), an event organised by the United States Institute of Peace, featured Marc Sommers and Matt Venhaus arguing that common understandings of why and how young men become violent or extremists is limited and often misguided. They demonstrate that, and how, many national and international policies and programs that attempt to deal with these two issues have little effect or – worse – are counterproductive. Link (audio recording).
• Development Assistance and Counter-Extremism: A Guide to Programming (2009), a handbook by Guilain Denoeux and Lynn Carter for USAID, in which the author discuss the implications for practitioners pursuing development objectives in the context of counter-extremism. The handbook lays out twelve broad programming principles and a menu of development assistance interventions to facilitate responses to socioeconomic, political, and cultural drivers of violent extremism. Link (pdf).
• Stronger Together: A new approach to preventing violent extremism (2009), a report by Anna Turley for the New Local Government Network, in which the author argues that the UK Government’s flagship scheme on tackling extremism is alienating Muslim communities and should be scrapped altogether. Instead, initiatives should focus on tackling all extremism – including far-right extremists – rather than just focusing on Islamic extremism. Link (pdf).
• Youth work: An antidote to extremism (2009), an article by Jo Stephenson for Children & Young People Now, explores whether governmental efforts that try to prevent young people turning to violent extremism by funding community projects that help them air their views pay off or not. Will these projects tackle the root cause of radicalisation? Link (html).
• Countering Violent Extremism: Videopower and Cyberspace (2008), a paper by Rami Mroz for the East West Institute, addresses the use of the internet and video formats in the context of extremism, and possible responses to it. It analyses’ cyberspace activities in the US, the Middle East and South Asia, reviews practices of governments and civil society, and offers recommendations. Link (pdf).
• Educating Against Extremism (2008), a book by Lynn Davies, in which the author argues that schools can do much to prevent extremism of any kind by arming young people against radicalisation. Formal education does little to prevent people joining extremist groups; neither does it equip young people to analyse fundamentalism. The book proposes an entirely different educational strategy to the conventional tolerant multiculturalism that pertains in the west. The task – a challenging one – is to politicise young people without cementing uncritical acceptance of single truths. Link (html). Review (html).
• Prevention of Violent Extremism (2008), a project report by Philip Smith for the Swindon Youth Offending Team, summarises research undertaken for a project with the aim to develop proposals that strengthen community cohesion and expand the capacity to reach young people at risk. Against the backdrop of young people in the criminal justice system being seen as especially vulnerable to extremist influences, the report summarises the strategic and political context, presents key definitions, analyses key issues, addresses relevant risk factors and explores how to strengthen protective factors. Link (pdf).
• Young People and Extremism. Some reflections from our local case studies (2007) is a report by the Institute of Community Cohesion. The Institute uses applied research to constantly develop practice, and to build capacity locally, nationally and internationally to promote community cohesion. In this context, the report draws on interviews with more than 1,000 young people to develop a conceptual framework, which looks at the very wide range of pressures upon young people and especially the key influences. Link (pdf).
• Bringing it Home: Community-based appoaches to counter-terrorism (2006), a publication by Hannah Lownsbrough, Rachel Briggs and Catherine Fieschi for Demos, argues that communities must be put at the heart of counter-terrorism, with a broader approach that spans social justice, community cohesion and security. The authors set out a six-pronged strategy, a part of which is to divert youth from extremism. Link (pdf).
• Problems and Practical Solutions to Tackle Extremism (2006), a paper by Mehmood Naqshbandi for the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom. The publication focuses on Muslim Youth and Community Issues, identifies key issues affecting Muslim communities in the UK, demonstrates the theological and ethnic diversity of these communities, presents an assessment of the situation and puts forward recommendations, centred around defusing extremism, improving community relations and building trust. Link (pdf).
• Early Intervention with Violent and Racist Youth Groups (2005), a book by Tore Bjørgo and Yngve Carlsson for the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs, provides a detailed description of several intervention methods and programs that have been developed to address problems of racist and violent youth groups, and that have been demonstrated to have some success in that respect. The authors also provide insights into the processes and motivations involved in group formation, group cohesiveness and group disintegration. Link (pdf).
• Street Gangs and Interventions: Innovative Problem Solving with Network Analysis (2005), a paper by Jean McGloin for the US Department of Justice, reviews the range of prevention, intervention, suppression, and comprehensive strategies and provides examples of each type. It then offers a case study of problem analysis, discussing the unique utility of network analysis in the resultant problem analysis. Link (pdf).
• Developing Local Democracy Against Right Wing Extremism. Examples of good practice in East Germany (2004) details the experiences of UNITED for Intercultural Action, the European network against nationalism, racism, fascism and in support of migrants and refugees, in its work against right-wing extremism. Link (html).
• Humanization of Extremists (2004), an essay by Juan Gutierrez. In his essay for the Beyond Intractability Project, Gutierrez explores what extremists are, how enemy images are used as tools, what the ‘search for humanity’ approach can do and where it has limits and how civil society ties into these observations. Link (html).
• Dealing with Extremists (2003), an essay by Andrea Bartoli and Peter Coleman. In their essay for the Beyond Intractability Project, Bartoli and Coleman attempt to define extremism, clarify where extremism comes from and what its consequences are, and explore approaches to addressing extremism. Link (html).
• Extremism: Cults, Youth Gangs, and Terrorists (1995) is an article by Edward Tully for the National Executive Institute Associates. The article is written for law enforcement officers and starts from this premise: “In considering the large number of people who pose a threat to a law enforcement officer, there are three groups that bear an officer’s or police executive’s special consideration: cults, youth gangs and terrorists.” Link (html).

Feel free to add further resources in the comments!

Photo credit: Max Wohlers at youthmedia.eu

Context: The Open Society Foundations and the British Council are supporting a symposium series addressing key issues of youth policy. The symposia are being convened in a variety of international settings and engage expertise from the youth sector, development policy-making and programming, academic institutions, donor organisations and young people themselves. Each symposium aims to highlight international perspectives on the challenges, insights, successes and next steps for those engaged in youth policy work at national, transnational and global levels. Focus areas include: youth in conflict-affected areas, youth rights, youth participation, political participation, transitional justice, public health, gender and civil society. » More info

Call for expressions of interest

Call for Expressions of Interest: This two-day symposium in Budapest, convened with the Department of Public Policy, Central European University, will bring together a rich mix of 50 stakeholders from diverse backgrounds engaged in international programmes across Europe. A major aim is to discuss the understandings we have gained from recent instances of youth’s relationship to extremism and investigate strategies/ explore ideas for the future. Registration will be from 10.00 on the morning of Monday 28^th followed by 12.00 lunch and a 13.00 start; departures after closing session from 13.00 on Wednesday 30^th November. To express interest, please complete the form “Youth Policy Symposium – Expression of Interest” (see below).

Rationale: Much has happened and been discussed in the media over the last couple of years, suggesting links between youth and extremism. The UK riots, the shootings in Finland and Norway, the rise of the extreme right in Central Europe are just some examples. But what do we really know? What is just supposition? And what can we do with what we know? This timely event provides an opportunity to look closely at underlying causes so as to achieve a more informed common understanding. With this we can better identify the lessons learned and formulate ways forward at policy level and on-the-ground.

Format: The symposium will comprise focussed input highlighting current research, the presentation of case studies; thematic working groups; café-style multi-stakeholder dialogues to ensure the exchange of differing viewpoints and workshops demonstrating the use of different tools. Facilitation will be provided by youth and other organisations based in Budapest. Pre-event interaction and selected documents will be via youthpolicy.org.

Outcomes: The symposium will distil the results of research and good practice and provide the foundation for planning to strengthen the development of international policy and practice in this field.

Attendees: Participants will be from across Europe and provide a bridge to different communities: academic, political, agency, youth-led initiatives. This will include the UN family, Youth Councils, Universities and research institutes, donor foundations and international NGOs, the police, the media.
Everyone is a contributor.

Venue: Central European University, Budapest » www.ceu.hu

Documents:

1. This call for expressions of interest (pdf)
2. Registration form “Youth Policy Symposium – Expression of Interest” (doc)

Photo credit: Jenny Them at youthmedia.eu

The symposium covered a lot of ground in two days and the participants developed a number of concrete recommendations for better international youth participation. The report (pdf) is now available.

We also produced a video at and about the youth policy symposium with various impressions and voices from the event – thanks to Gonzalo and his crew!

Impressions from the 2011 Youth Participation Symposium from Youthpolicy on Vimeo.

We also produced a set of videos at and about the youth policy symposium on youth rights with various impressions and voices from the event – thanks to Gonzalo and his crew! Find a summarising teaser clip below, and the entire set in our vimeo album on the Brussels symposium:

Symposium “Defending Youth Rights” from Youthpolicy on Vimeo.