Mission & Vision
INDEX is the first global professional association for tertiary prevention practitioners in P/CVE.
Our mission is simple: professionalise tertiary prevention of violent extremism.
Over the last 20 years, a wide range of organisations have developed around the world that use different approaches to help people distance themselves from violent extremism. The range of roles being considered as frontline practitioners of P/CVE has likewise expanded.
The continuous exchange of experience, knowledge, and approaches between practitioners, as well as advocacy for them, is urgently needed for further development and professionalisation of all those doing the work.
To achieve this, INDEX’s goals are to:
-
Share knowledge and skills among members
-
Solve common challenges experienced by members
-
Improve standards among members
-
Support members professionally
-
Represent members’ perspectives with other stakeholders
These are steps toward shaping standards, policies, structures and systems to better support INDEX members and the tertiary prevention profession in the long-term. This must be driven by practitioners and for practitioners, as we strive for a fully professionalised sector. In working toward these ends, INDEX is driven by principles of shared ownership, shared values, and human-centred design. Our key values, goals, activities, and what it prioritises are determined by members.
INDEX Working Groups will be centred around themes and locations to support practitioners in exchanging practical knowledge and skills that can be applied professionally. In case consultations, members can discuss cases and cross-cutting themes in a safe, mutually supportive environment, as well as access and add to opportunities boards. INDEX will further work with members to identify quality standards and develop bespoke training offers. INDEX is truly global in scope, currently drawing members from 4 continents. We offer a range of membership types to encourage all individuals and organisations, all over the world, to join.
If you identify with this mission, vision, and programme of work, join INDEX today.
Who established INDEX?
Violence Prevention Network gGmbH
Violence Prevention Network is a leading German non-governmental organisation with over 20 years’ experience of preventing and countering extremism, employing over 130 practitioners in 10 regional offices across Germany and abroad. Violence Prevention Network has worked with over 3,700 individual cases of violent extremists (Islamists, right-wing extremists and other forms of violent extremists) in prisons – and many more outside of prisons – to change violent behavior and extremist thinking. We have also established Germany-wide structures and international partnerships that enable the sustainable implementation of prevention, distancing, deradicalisation, rehabilitation, and reintegration.
The success of the approaches developed by Violence Prevention Network was made possible in large part by Violence Prevention Network‘s persistent advocacy of a collaborative approach. “Only through the continuous exchange of knowledge and expertise we can constantly adapt approaches to the ever-changing requirements of the evolving extremist scenes.” is one of VPN’s guiding principles.
Violence Prevention Network has been internationally involved for more than 15 years as (violent) extremism is an international phenomenon and extremist organisations cooperate across national borders.
That is why Violence Prevention Network considers it essential to create a global network in which practitioners of tertiary prevention can continuously support each other, exchange ideas and learn from each other.
VPN will act as the secretariat for INDEX and seek to:
1. Administer INDEX in accordance with the Statement of Purpose under supervision of a Board.
2. Inclusively convene members and build a network that meets their needs.
3. Collaboratively produce products and solutions to the benefit of all members.
4. Represent members’ interests to multistakeholder bodies.
About P/CVE
Preventing and Countering of Violent Extremism (P/CVE) involves strategies to prevent the spread of extremist ideologies and reduce violent acts. This field promotes peace, security, and resilience within communities by addressing the root causes of extremism and fostering collaboration among practitioners. P/CVE programmes foster community resilience and social cohesion by reducing marginalisation and promoting positive narratives. Politically, they influence policy development, enhance international cooperation, and strengthen governance to prevent radicalisation. P/CVE requires a comprehensive approach to address the complex factors driving violent extremism. By leveraging current research and fostering collaboration, P/CVE efforts can create safer, more resilient communities, contributing to global peace and security.