Intervention Programm in a radicalisation process starts at the point where young people attract attention through demeaning prejudices, dehumanising statements, symbols or actions. The aim is to prevent an early turn towards far-right worldviews—before a closed far-right ideology or a firmly established affiliation with an extremist scene can develop.
Processes of turning towards extremist ideologies develop in very different phases, which is why the target groups of the Intervention Programm in a radicalisation process can be described as being at risk of, and oriented towards, the far right. What unites this target group is that the individuals are not yet firmly embedded in an extreme right-wing scene, but may already be orienting themselves towards it.
In line with an understanding of the Intervention Programm in a radicalisation process as a cross-cutting educational task, the experience gained in this field of practice is systematically multiplied: through the professional development of practitioners via targeted training programmes, as well as through accompanying counselling and coaching formats. Practitioners particularly value the low-threshold offers tailored to everyday needs, as well as the rapid initiation of Deradicalisation Trainings.
Why is an Intervention Programm in a radicalisation process necessary?
Intervention Programm in a radicalisation process belongs in the broad field and as a cross-cutting component of social work.
Hostile attitudes and actions towards groups have increased noticeably in recent years—often also outside of organised scenes. Populist discourses are shifting socially and democratically legitimised norms, and young people in particular are increasingly adopting demeaning attitudes. It is therefore important to engage in early dialogue about dehumanising and anti-democratic patterns of attitudes. In this way, those affected can be protected from further devaluation, while radicalisation and a potential entry into far-right structures can be prevented.
Methodical approach
Distanz e.V. works in an outreach, life-world-oriented and youth-cultural manner—both online and offline. The aim is to offer meaningful alternatives to dehumanising attitudes through low-threshold engagement and to encourage processes of reflection. The services are open to all social milieus, and all genders are deliberately taken into account.
To assess potential radicalisation, Distanz e.V. uses a differentiated model of susceptibility to entry, which provides orientation based on concrete attitudes and behaviours.