Questscope founder Dr. Curt Rhodes talks to Creative Associates about reducing youth radicalism and violence in the Middle East:
In a world gone awry in war and conflict, with few economic opportunities and degradation of social networks, youth are radicalized and sustained in their radicalization through their relationships: the way into radicalization is through relationships.
But so is the way out.
Every person has a story. Taking time to listen and elicit someone’s story is perhaps one of the most empowering ways to build up an individual and foster narratives that can lead to a positive metanarrative. This responds to the needs of youth for respect, honor and social status.
In all of our program designs and efforts, we must constantly ask ourselves: “Who benefits? How do they benefit? And how do we know?”