Peer to Peer: Challenging Extremism The Power of Student Innovation A Global University Youth Initiative and International Competition EdVenture Partners Tony Sgro, CEO 

Peer Driven Campaigns 

Mount Royal University The reason I did this was to maybe change some minds, to start something, some sort of revolution to the way people think. It starts small, it starts with us. Abdul Ahmed (MKTG 4850 – Brand Champion Team Member) 

Sample Student Work WANT Movement Portrait Project 

Sample Student Work 

Sample Student Work 

Sample Student Work FIND and FOLLOW interactive text-based experience 

Al Faisal University “We believe that acknowledging victims of violent extremism is an essential part towards reaching the ultimate solution.” 

Sample Student Work 

The Approach University students, while enrolled in a class and earning academic credit, activate and implement social media and digital campaigns to counter the online presence of extremist groups v Research a defined target audience, create a plan, then activate customized social media and digital campaigns using a $2,000 USD budget over the course of an academic term 

What Students Do v Become a social media agency v Read the Project Brief and safety protocols v Utilize NCTC resources and research links v Conduct primary research v Develop strategy and creative campaigns v Submit to EdVenture Partners for review v Implement and execute social media strategy v Analyze campaign for effectiveness v Submit a report outlining the campaign and results v Top teams compete in D.C. in front of inter-agency panel 

International Competition 

Objectives To design, test and implement a social or digital media initiative, product or tool to counter extremism: v Motivates or empowers students to become involved in countering violent extremism v Builds communities of interest / networks focused on countering violent extremism 

University Locations 

International University Partners Al Akhawyan University, Morocco Lahore University of Management Sciences, Pakistan Al Faisal University, Saudi Arabia Princess Rahma University College, Jordan American University of Kuwait, Kuwait Turku School of Economics, Finland Amman Arab University, Jordan Universita della Svizzera Italiana, Switzerland Beder University, Albania Universiti Teknologi, Malaysia Bournemouth University, England University of Jammu, India Curtin University, Australia University of Applied Sciences, Germany Essec Business School, France University of Bedfordshire, England Gulf University for Science & Technology, Kuwait University of Waterloo, Canada Institute for European Affairs, Serbia University College London, England 

International University Partners Vesalius College, Belgium AAB College, Kosovo College of Europe, Belgium Laal-u-Anar Foundation, Afghanistan American University of Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan NLA University College, Norway American University in Kosovo, Kosovo Notre Dame University, Lebanon American University of Sharjah, U.A.E. Qatar University Birmingham City University, England University of Alicante, Spain Bishkek Humanities University, Kyrgyzstan Universidad de Granada, Spain Bournemouth University, England University of Gothenburg, Sweden Carthage University, Tunisia University Rey Juan Carlos Vicalvaro, Spain Al Faisal University, Saudi Arabia University of Jordan, Jordan Ege University, Turkey Utrecht University, Netherlands Istanbul University, Turkey Western Sydney University, Australia (Al Yamamah University, Saudi Arabia) 

Domestic University Partners California State University, Dominquez Hills The Citadel Case Western Reserve University University of Arkansas, Little Rock Concordia University University of California, Los Angeles Georgia State University University of Cincinnati James Mason University University of Massachusetts, Amherst Los Angeles City College University of Mississippi Loyola Marymount University University of Nevada, Las Vegas Marymount California University University of New Hampshire Michigan State University University of New Mexico Middle Tennessee State University University of Southern California New York University West Point/U.S. Military Academy Oklahoma State University Western New England University Rochester Institute of Technology 

Sample Course Titles E-Marketing Campaign for Tolerance and Social Engagement Cross-Cultural Digital Business Advertising Entrepreneurship for Social Change Strategic Brand Management Global Marketing Strategy Introduction to Western Political Philosophy Peer 2 Peer Special Topics Integrated Marketing Communications Terrorism and Conflict Resolution International Relations Promotion Management E-Commerce and Social Media 

Peer Driven Campaigns 

Institute for European Affairs- Serbia 

Sample Student Work 

Sample Student Work 

Texas A&M University www.funnymilitant.com - a fully functional website that displays humorous content in the form of memes, cartoons, and videos that create dialogue and build a global community against extremism 

Sample Student Work Leveraging the strength of humor 

Sample Student Work Discredit & Delegitimize 

Sample Student Work 

Curtin University v 52Jumaa allows users to fully customize their experience with the app v 52Jumaa’s concept can be scaled and adapted to be suitable for people from different cultural and religious backgrounds v 52Jumaa fulfills its CVE objectives without reference to violence or negativity whatsoever v 52Jumaa provides an alternative pathway to violent extremism by channelling young Muslims into a positive framework and social network 

Sample Student Work 

Drivers & Preventers of Extremism Refugee, migrant & immigration issues Humanitarianism Sectarianism Social Issues: At risk or underserved communities Civic Engagement Community Building/social change through the arts Defector Stories Community Policing Rehabilitation Border Security Credible Religious Voices Cultural Heritage Preservation 

Turku School of Economics 

Background Solving the refugee crisis = Challenging Extremism Refugee’s path to a new country: Escapes horror Seeks asylum in a new place Tries to integrate into new society If they feel unwelcome or lack of belonging Frustrated & loses hope Alienates from society ➔ is at risk This is where we have to succeed! Goes back home ➔ is at risk 

Problem Set ❖Main Problem: Poor integration leads to radicalization and violent extremism ❖Sub-problems: ❖Lack of information (Country & City) ❖Lack of meetings with locals ❖Nothing to do in the reception center ❖Local people’s attitudes: negative 

How do we solve the problem? Social media Mobile service Events and events calendar Online Offline Integrated campaign: + Get campaign on news Awareness, interest & opinion change 

Events v Friendly football match v United By Food – international dinner v Suit up asylum seekers (Secret Santa) Goals v Bring cultures together v Create media awareness v Bring people online after events 

Social Media website Official presence Main channel for information & discussion Supporting channel: visual content Supporting channel: video content Supporting channel: attracting opinion leaders Goals: ❖ Interaction ❖ Promotion for online actions ❖ Sharing event material ❖ Promotion of offline action Messages: ❖ Positive & emotional ❖ Versatile posts ❖ Arabic translations Channels: 

Instagram Supporting channel Sharing visual content Attracting younger Finns and immigrants Generating traffic to Facebook & website 

Twitter Supporting channel Attracting opinion leaders in Finland Sharing information Participating in on-going conversations EENSHOTS HERE! 

Website ❖Events-calendar ❖Create your own event ❖Get involved ❖Social feed ❖About Turku App - promotion 

About City – Integration App Solution for faster integration Information Interaction Everyday life Top things to know Important places Sports & leisure Get involved Online discussion Events calendar 

What does About City look like? Crystalize information Make it fun and easy to Make it visual Translation to Arabic + other 

Media 

Summary “Choose Your Future is a great example of how academic enthusiasm, voluntary work and digital innovations can help in solving our complex problems. Social media and the free flow of information are one of the causes for large scale immigration. They can also offer solutions. Innovation has been the most significant driver for development, and fostering it is crucial for turning the challenge of immigration into an opportunity - in Europe and worldwide. Integration is the best tool against extremism. I strongly encourage Choose Your Future and other similar projects to help immigrants integrate and eventually contribute.” Petteri Orpo Minister of the Interior Finland 

Missouri State University One95 is a digital, grassroots movement uniting the voices of all 195 countries to #EndViolentExtremism 

Missouri State University 

Media Success 

Two Page Brochures Look Book Strategy vSecure funding and incubate best P2P initiatives, products and tools Two Page Brochure Samples vBrochure Template vMissouri State University – One95 vCurtin University – 52Jumaa 

Strategies & Tactics Highlights Insert Name of Campaign or Campaign Logo Insert strategies and tactics utilized to support your campaign implementation and engage your defined target audience. Insert campaign highlights that demonstrates impact, behavior change, movement building, etc., or other desired impact as a direct result of your campaign. Insert School Name Insert Theme, slogan, or call to action phrase you used to promote your campaign Insert Image Insert Image Insert Image 

Measures of Effectiveness Campaign Overview Campaign Description Target Audience Insert Measurement • Provide supporting data Insert Measurement • Provide supporting data Insert Measurement • Provide supporting data Insert Measurement • Provide supporting data Insert creative samples and/or images from your campaign implementation in the space. Rationale Opportunities to scale 

Strategies & Tactics Highlights One95.org website Documentary Style, Testimonial Videos Community Initiatives One95 Tweet-A-Thon on Missouri State’s campus “We are One95” Video Social Media platforms Commom Core Based Lesson Plans Classroom posters & World Trivia Game Ambassadors Program Missouri State University One95 is a digital, grassroots movement uniting voices of all 195 countries to #EndViolentExtremism #EndViolentExtremism hash tag campaign Tweet-A-Thon reached over 75 countries Documentary video of student from Swat Valley, Pakistan who experienced the Taliban first hand NPR, Foreign Policy and other national and local media coverage Tested middle school lesson plan through cultural exchange with American Nicaraguan School in Managua Endorsement from Superintendent of American Community School in Amman, Jordan Over 130 middle school participants 

Measures of Effectiveness Campaign Overview Lesson Plan Research • 57% increase in middle school students who correctly answered What is violent extremism? • 68% increase in middle school students who correctly answered What is ideology? Promoting One95 • Obtained18 Ambassadors • Received 3 community endoresements • International implementation in Nicaragua and Jordan Social Media Success • 130,394 Facebook impressions • 44,1000 Twitter impressions • 153 Instagram posts • 101,1825 Thunderclap reach • 6,874 video views – 2 days, 17 hours worth of viewing Campaign Description A global issue needs a global solution. One95 is a digital platform for starting initiatives and receiving support for individuals and organization to help prevent violent extremism. The platform allows for collaboration and learning from one another across cultures, for the purpose of uniting voices. By, educating, empowering and connecting 1 person, 1 community, and all 195 countries around 1 goal, people can utilize the One95 platform to collaborate across cultures to end violent extremism. Target Audience „ Primary – Global Citizen „ Secondary – Gen Z (Over 2 billion globally – Age: 11-20) Rationale Violent extremist groups have created an image that appeals to those at risk through fear, division and hate. One95’s narrative confronts that idea with positive, united messaging. We know one person can make a difference, but they do so through their community. By connecting communities through One95, these communities and individuals will end violent extremism. Opportunities to Scale „ One95 platform becomes a hub of best practices of CVE campaigns by youth practitioners around the world „ Translate and implement lesson plans in all 195 countries „ Enhance cross-culture collaboration 

Strategies & Tactics Highlights 52Jumaa Mobile App In-App Gamifaction 52Jumaa Facebook Page Twitter, Instagram and YouTube Social Media Focus Group Testing Professional Instructional Video with Members of the Target Audience Press Conference to Launch App Approached 25 Media Outlets Curtin University Perth, Australia 52Jumaa mobile app provides positive pathways for vulnerable young Muslims Research indicated 86% of the target audience prefers their mobile phones to tablets for social media use Fulfills CVE objectives without reference to violence or negativity Media launch event attended by U.S. Consular General Ms. Cynthia Griffin Received earned media in several major TV, radio and newspaper outlets 52Jumaa is based on a one- year time horizon for long-term engagement 

Measures of Effectiveness Campaign Overview Focus Group Feedback • Identified main “purpose” of app is to: promote goodness, set life goals, stimulate positive change • Identified “actions” app wants users to take as: make better choices, be a better person, positive actions toward others • Identified app make them “feel”: confident, happy, motivated Application Rating • A majority of the target audience rated 52Jumaa as very good or excellent: clarity, sustainability, simplicity, visual appeal, interest, believability and shareability Social Media Success • 1,393 YouTube views • 459 Facebook likes • 624 Facebook engagements • 7,157 Reached via Facebook Campaign Description 52Jumaa is an interactive mobile app that provides an alternative pathway to violent extremism by channeling young Muslims into a positive framework and social network. 52Jumaa allows users to fully customize their experience, helping to build personal identify, social interaction and positive behavior. The experiences include daily affirmations, personal challenges and goals, and a scoreboard to compare a user’s rank with friends in their online network. Through the network, 52Jumaa mobilizes users and communities of peers to become agents for positive change. Target Audience „ Young Muslims between 15-18 years of age Rationale Research suggests a mobile app targeted at youth in the seeking-seduction phase of the radicalization vulnerability framework can effectively challenge negative narratives, which can reinforce social isolation and lead to radicalization towards violent extremism, by providing users with positive alternatives to negative stimuli. Opportunities to Scale „ 52Jumaa can be adapted for people from different cultural and religious backgrounds (e.g. 52Sundays) „ Local religious leaders could participate in offering challenges and positive affirmations „ Add a “photo stream” to further unite users “The app wants us to be more aware of the type of person we are and motivates you to be a better person.” Noor Alani – Focus Group 

Faculty Recognition