Government officials and representatives from nongovernmental organizations from around the world will gather at the White House February 18 and 19. Their task: devise new strategies for religious leaders, the private and tech sectors, and entire communities to help counter violent extremism.
The Summit on Countering Violent Extremism will build on a 2011 White House strategy document that highlighted community-based approaches to prevent the radicalization and recruitment of groups or individuals to commit violence.
The cities of Boston, Los Angeles and Minneapolis-St. Paul are among those that have adopted the White House strategy. Pilot programs in each city stress close interaction between law enforcement personnel and community leaders to prevent radicalization.
The U.S. Department of Justice has launched additional programs in cities across the nation.
“Under President Obama’s leadership, along with our interagency affiliates, we will work closely with community representatives to develop comprehensive local strategies, to raise awareness about important issues, to share information on best practices, and to expand and improve training in every area of the country,” said Attorney General Eric Holder.
A White House press release describes the summit activities: “Through presentations, panel discussions, and small group interactions, [summit] participants will build on local, state, and federal government; community; and international efforts to better understand, identify, and prevent the cycle of radicalization to violence at home in the United States and abroad.”
