CHAMPIONs

The CHAMPIONs project developed three interactive training and networking modules that connect and inform First-line practitioners (FLPs) who address polarization and radicalization. SYNYO has been involved in the development of the modules, most notably in the programming the Training Yard, as well as in the drafting of promotion material to advertise the use of the modules among FLPs. 

The platforms for training and networking of first-line-practitioners constitute one of the main outputs of the CHAMPIONs project. The online modules Alert, Arena, and Training Yard have been developed to ensure the continued collaboration between first-line practitioners after the end of the project. The applications have been designed to be used by local practitioners in the partner countries Germany, Poland, Hungary and Romania, and can be accessed in 5 languages. All online modules have been included in the FirstLinePractitioners.com platform, which functions as a knowledge hub and training as well as networking space for communities to tackle radicalization and polarization. 

Alert

The ALERT module allows first-line practitioners to issue an “alert” on a situation or incident of polarization or radicalization. Users can register a case by providing detailed information on the location, the type of incident and the target group of the attack. Based on the case descriptions users will receive recommendations (if there are matching recommendations based on similar incidents in the data base) or will be directed to the ARENA, where a community of experts can evaluate the case and provide feedback.

Arena

The ARENA platform provides the space for experts to address cases of radicalisation and polarization, which have been flagged in the Alert module. Within the Arena, different experts can work together to develop effective and timely responses to and recommendations for specific issues. Users need to register and state their professional background and expertise before entering the platform. Once they are registered, they can choose to take on particular cases, consult with other experts, and provide feedback to the person that sent the alert. The first-line practitioners or experts can decide whether they want to provide input to cases that happened within their own country or city, or if they wish to contribute to the discussion of cases that happened in other parts of Europe. 

The Training Yard 

The Training Yard has been developed by SYNYO with the support of consortium partners, who provided the material that has been included in the platform. The information material is divided into several categories:

• Roundtables (which provide information on how to implement workshops, roundtables and community events), 
• Social media (background information on social media that is related to the topics of radicalization and polarization), 
• Video tutorials (videos in which first-line practitioners, community members and experts share their knowledge), 
• Simulation exercises (which address specific cases of radicalization or polarization and provide tips for action), 
• Video exercises (where you can test your knowledge on radicalization and polarization) and 
• Short notes (which provide short summaries of core information and definitions). 

Users can either browse through the information material or search for specific inputs based on their interests. 

In order to ensure that practitioners are familiar with the different functions of the modules, SYNYO produced infographics for all three modules which explain in detail what the modules do, and how they can be used. These short manuals were distributed among partners, on social media, and they can also be accessed on the CHAMPIONs project website.

Links

https://www.firstlinepractitioners.com/alert/

https://www.firstlinepractitioners.com/arena-2/

https://www.firstlinepractitioners.com/training-yard/

https://www.championsproject.eu/media/

Keywords

Polarization, radicalization, online training, knowledge platform, first-line practitioners, alert, arena, training yard