Transatlantic Network Against Extremism (TransNex) Symposium
Date: 2024-12-17
Last week, amidst Montreal's rainy and snowy weather, practitioners—members of the Transatlantic Network Against Extremism (TransNex)—from various countries, including the United States, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, gathered for a three-day symposium at the Centre for the Study of Learning and Performance (CSLP). The event focused on sharing best practices, identifying key needs, and exploring pathways to prevent social polarization and violent extremism in schools and societies.
TransNex is a joint initiative of the SOCLES International Centre for Socio-Legal Studies based in Germany, and the Canadian Practitioners Network for the Prevention of Extremist Violence (CPN-PREV). The group was established as a transatlantic network focused on consolidating collaborations among practitioners from Canada and Germany to share practices and experiences on the prevention of social polarisations.
“The Transnex conference provided a warm, open and much needed space for authentic presence, connection, reflexivity and open discussion on the unique challenges practitioners, teachers and youth face in the face of social injustices and social polarisations.”
The conference was the first in-person meeting of TransNex following a series of online workshops that took place between June and October of 2024. The workshops aimed to address the multifaceted issue of violent extremism within the educational, child and youth welfare and community settings by providing a platform for diverse stakeholders to share experiences, insights, and recommendations.
Hassan was pleased by how the conference played out, thanks to the organizational skills of CSLP Manager and CPN-PREV Director of Programs, Zeina Ismail-Allouche, who ensured a positive and engaging series of presentations and sharing sessions.
“The process, grounded in Indigenous Research Methodologies, showcased the importance of having spaces that are experienced as safe spaces of trust to allow sharing a diversity of experiences.”