MILWAUKEE, May 23, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- In a bold new initiative designed to help
individuals successfully disengage from violent extremist groups
and online hate spaces, Life After Hate unveiled its The Daily
Former Discord channel.
The Daily Former Discord is a multi-level public engagement tool
designed to help those currently engaged in violent extremism,
those looking to exit such hate groups, and those who have
successfully left lives of hate behind, reengaging in society. TDF
Discord is the only such initiative of its kind in the world,
building on more than a decade of proven experiences on how to help
individuals leave behind lives of violent hate.
"Online spaces, including Discord, can be used to do both great
good and horrific evil," said Patrick
Riccards, Life After Hate's executive director. "With a
growing number of individuals looking to take accountability for
their involvement in violent extremism, we must do all we can to
engage in places seen as familiar and safe. If one can be recruited
into an extremist group on Discord, one can successfully disengage
with the help of Discord."
Life After Hate's Discord initiative builds on its The Daily
Former (TDF) podcast, launched in April
2023 to much fanfare. TDF was developed to provide a safe
and inclusive community that offers a supportive environment for
people who want to leave violent extremism behind and start a new
life and as an educational tool for those who want to support this
work. Listeners hear directly from former members of violent
extremist groups, family members of former extremists, and experts
in violent extremism, exploring real experiences and demonstrating
to those currently involved in violent extremism that they can
write a new chapter in their lives by taking accountability for
their past actions and committing to positive change. The TDF
podcast just concluded its second season.
"The Daily Former gives voice to those whose words and shared
experiences are needed far more today than they have ever been
needed," Riccards said. "By giving those who have lived lives of
violent extremism control over their own stories and how their
experiences are represented, Life After Hate is able to offer the
dignity, compassion, and hard truths that are required if one is to
leave behind lives of violent hate and successfully reintegrate
into our civil society."
LAH's TDF Discord channel provides monitored discussions on a
range of issues, including current events, health and wellness,
accountability, and life after extremism. It also offers a safe
space for individuals to engage with those who have successfully
disengaged from violent extremism, exploring topics such as how to
leave, how to make it right, and how to effectively tell one's
story.
In late 2023, Life After Hate conducted a national survey that
found two-thirds of Americans believe violent hate crimes have
increased over the last decade. Only a third of those surveyed,
though, believe that those guilty of ideologically driven violence
are capable of change. Life After Hate's work over the last 13
years, impacting thousands involved in and affected by violent
extremism, says otherwise.
"Change is possible, but only when one takes accountability for
their past actions and responsibility for doing what is necessary
to disengage from hateful ideology," Riccards said. "TDF and our
Discord channel are necessary tools to achieve that change."
About Life After Hate
Founded in 2011, Life After
Hate is the nation's leader in violence intervention, helping
individuals disengage from violent extremist groups and online hate
spaces. Initially founded in 2011 by former violent extremists,
today it is a growing team of community engagement leaders, mental
health professionals, social workers, and Formers dedicated to
helping individuals disengage from violent extremism. This work is
done through licensed social services, peer interventions, public
education, research, and outreach.
Contact:
Patrick Riccards, 312-248-3007
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SOURCE Life After Hate