On July 5-6, 2023, civic organizations and informal groups from Niš gathered for a transformative two-day training, “Say No to Extremism,” focused on recognizing early signs of radicalization and building local resilience against violent extremism. This interactive program offered participants crucial insights, practical tools, and collaborative opportunities to address extremism within their communities.
The training opened with an engaging introduction session, where participants shared personal experiences and discussed their understanding of extremism. These initial exchanges set a collaborative tone that fueled the sessions ahead.
Key discussions focused on foundational concepts like “What is Extremism?” and “What is Violent Extremism?” followed by an overview of legal frameworks against extremism in Serbia, the region, and the EU. Participants gained a clearer understanding of how extremism impacts communities and the legal context supporting prevention efforts.
Day two took the learning further with sessions on identifying early signs of radicalization and response strategies. Participants explored practical, community-level interventions, collaborating on prevention tactics tailored for civil society. In the final session, each group presented their proposed initiatives, creating a roadmap for community-driven action against extremism.
The “Say No to Extremism” training not only deepened participants’ understanding but also inspired actionable steps for preventing extremism within their communities, contributing to a safer, more resilient Niš.
