Preventive campaigning using biographical experiences of both victims and survivors of terrorism as well as formers

For the RAN Practitioners C&N Working Group meeting on ‘Preventive campaigning using biographical experiences of both victims and survivors of terrorism as well as formers’ we are looking for victims, survivors and formers as well as first-line practitioners and strategic communication experts.

Individuals susceptible to extremist ideologies, disinformation, and conspiracy narratives often engage with this material from an emotional standpoint and a desire for a sense of belonging.  Extremist ideologies, disinformation and conspiracies also play into emotion. Following this reasoning, it would make sense to include more emotionally charged content in P/CVE campaigns. This meeting focuses on the power of testimonials from both victims/survivors and formers to change minds and offer new perspectives. However, this is a sensitive topic, and there have also been lessons learned in the past. During this meeting, we will reflect on this topic and speak about possible guidelines for campaigners and P/CVE practitioners, communication experts, formers and victims/survivors on how to include narratives of formers and survivors into effective P/CVE interventions. Crucially, this meeting will discuss where this is not appropriate, also keeping in mind the possibility of secondary trauma.