Eric Gibson, Reeve Foundation Ambassador, shares about attending the Summit Against Violence Extremist (SAVE) in Dubin, Ireland
On the week of June 27, 2011 Google, Tribeca Films and the Counsel on Foreign Relations (CFR), for the first time ever, hosted a Summit Against Violence Extremist (SAVE). The summit was a collaboration of over 90 ex-violent extremists from around the world along with four hundred individuals from numerous walks of life, including survivors of violent acts and their family members. The purpose of coming together was to hold a dialogue about violence, share their personal experiences, and hopefully brainstorm potential solutions to stop violence that crosses racial and religious barriers.
It was amazing to me that former Skin Heads, Gangbangers, Muslim extremists, and individuals from various opposing religions could all come together peacefully to share their trials and tribulations and work to find a common ground for a future with out senseless violence and millions of lost lives.
There were several panel discussions of which one I was a speaker. It was entitled Radacalization: Common Origins but Different Extremes. The panel included myself, two former skin heads and a Muslim extremist. The discussion centered around how each panel member was lead into the lifestyle that we choose. The commonalities were that we all had were low self esteem, weak family values and support and that we all longed for a sense of belonging. After dialogueing about each of our extreme version of our lifestyles the discussion turned to solutions to overcome the ignorance that causes the violence. The panel helped me to gain a greater understanding and respect for all of the individuals and blossomed friendships that I believe will last for many years to come.
Hundreds of stories were shared and many tears were shed with the realization that we are all only human no matter what race, religion, or gang we belong to. Google created a website especially for the summit attendees to continue to share their progress and I have included the other sites that supported the summit.
www.againstviolentextremism.org
www.youtube.com/user/formers
www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-13939227
The website is an opportunity to dialogue with former extremist and survivors around the world to continue to learn from each other and grow united. The summit has funded several projects that were birthed from the break out panels.
This was a bold move to undertake such a dynamic group of individuals with the hope of reducing violence in our future. Only time will tell if this project was successful however, I already know that it has been life changing to many especially me!
Eric Gibson, Reeve Foundation Ambassador
