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Countering Violent Extremism Evaluation Tool home

Community Strengthening and Engagement Program (CSEP)

Jurisdiction
New South Wales, Victoria
Year
2011-2014
Outcomes
DiversionResilienceCapability

This program brings together Muslim and non-Muslim youth, community leaders and organisations, religious and educational institutions, peak bodies and government to work towards countering violent extremism and building community cohesion.

It was built on the premise that building the capacity of citizens, particularly young people, to engage with community organisations and services, generating strong inter-organisational and intercultural relationships and dialogue, and facilitating open debate on sensitive issues in safe environments, can help build community strength and resilience and set a positive example of intercultural harmony to counter extremist influences. 50 grants were provided for community engagement activities, including activities in sport, community arts, intercultural dialogue events, employment, and civic education.

Key takeaways

An evaluation identified a number of project strengths:

  • A strong public theory of change, including transparency about the purpose of the funding within CVE, and use of positively framed, inclusive and empowering language
  • A multi-faceted approach that is adaptive, flexible, and sensitive to community and community organisations’ needs and interests
  • Strong liaison between government agencies and communities
  • Employment of community members who understand the social and political context, working alongside employees who can take a neutral position in community politics
  • Collaboration between jurisdictions
  • A focus on building intercultural relationships and intercultural project partnerships
  • Activities that create dialogue between government and young people on sensitive community issues, and that break down polarised ‘us and them’ attitudes

The evaluation report recommended that multicultural agencies:

  • Use positive non-stigmatising language that speaks to community concern about the effects, rather than the causes, of violent extremism.
  • Counter the identification of violent extremism as ‘a Muslim problem’ by diversifying those involved and making the issue a whole-of-society one.
  • Promote examples of good relationships.
  • Ensure that projects fit the local context with genuine partnerships with local stakeholders.

Relevant reports