The second objective for Countering Violent Extremism is to bolster efforts to catalyze and support non-governmental, community-based programs, and strengthen relationships with communities that may be targeted for recruitment by violent extremists.

Overview

Our nation's homeland security is based on the premise that we must harness local efforts in support of national threats. DHS is working closely on multiple interagency efforts, and with non-federal and non-governmental partners, to engage local communities in our CVE efforts to make them safe, secure, and resilient. Our understanding of why an individual becomes a violent extremist continues to mature, and we continue to work with communities to better understand the dynamics that may contribute to that outcome.

We are expanding outreach to communities that may be targeted for recruitment by violent extremists; engaging those communities on issues of common interest; promoting greater awareness and understanding of federal resources, programs, and security measures; and addressing community concerns. Key initiatives include:

• Expanding DHS outreach efforts with communities to address grievances, share information, and inform the development of policy. For example, the DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL) has worked to educate communities and state, local, and tribal law enforcement on cultural awareness, leading or co-leading over 150 community engagement and outreach events across the nation over the past year.
• Supporting interagency efforts to broaden engagement with state, local, and tribal law enforcement, philanthropic organizations, religious organizations, community groups, and national advocacy groups, and others to discuss violent extremism, best practices, and approaches.
• Helping to build strong and resilient communities by promoting immigration integration and civic participation.