If your question is not answered below and you would like to find out more about the Against Violent Extremism Network (AVE) we can be found on Facebook, Twitter, Google + or Youtube.

Alternatively you can reach us via email at contact@againstviolentextremism.org with any queries about the network or the website.

About the AVE Network

1. What is AVE? What are the objectives of the network?

2. Who are the members of AVE?

3. Why should I join the AVE network?

4. How do I support AVE?

5. Who manages the network?

6. What kinds of extremism are included?

7. Why does AVE offer former violent extremists and gang members a platform?

8. Why are former gang members included?

9. Who are your funders?

10. Does AVE receive government funding? Does AVE work for any governments?

11. Does AVE operate only through English?

12. What countries are involved in AVE?

13. Are there sub-groups within AVE?

14. Can I publicise my membership on social networks or my website/blog?

15. I am concerned about my personal security, what can AVE do to protect me as a member? Can I be a member and not share my information?

16. Is there an age restriction to membership?

Membership

17. Who decides who can or can’t become a member?

18. How often will AVE contact me?

19. Website and data protection: What is your data security policy?

20. Will my profile be public or private?

Website Functionality/Technical Information

21. How can I join AVE?

22. How can I add my project/organisation to the AVE site?

23. I am an AVE member and I am having trouble accessing my account?

24. I got an email saying that another AVE member wants to connect, how do I accept/decline?

25. How can I disable notifications?

About the Against Violent Extremism network (AVE):

1. What is AVE? What are the objectives of the network?

AVE is a unique and powerful global force in the ongoing struggle to tackle violence and extremism. Former violent extremists, gang members and survivors of violence are empowered to work together with others to prevent the recruitment of 'at risk' youths and encourage the disengagement of those already involved.

The network was founded at the Summit Against Violent Extremism (SAVE) in 2011.

If you would like to know more about AVE then you can follow the links below:

The Story of AVE
AVE Launch
There was also a half-hour special on Al Jazeera which you can see here

2. Who are the members of AVE?

AVE members come from all over the world and are from numerous different backgrounds, industries and fields. They all however share a common commitment to countering violent extremism in all its forms. See a selection of members that attended SAVE here or browse and search all AVE members under the People tab.

3. Why should I join the AVE network?

The network allows members to connect with others involved in countering violent extremism and gang violence in order to share ideas, collaborate, find potential investors, partners and volunteers, as well as projecting their message to a wider, more targeted audience.

4. How do I support AVE?

You can support the network by signing up, creating a profile, registering your skills and also by volunteering your time to help out one of the many projects featured on the website.

5. Who manages the network?

The network is managed by the Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD), an independent think-tank based in London. ISD has considerable expertise in the fields of counter-radicalisation and counter-extremism and has been closely involved in the creation and development of the AVE network. More information on ISD can be found on their website; www.strategicdialogue.org.

6. What kinds of extremism are included?

AVE attempts to help combat all forms of violent extremism, including but not exclusively the far-left, the far-right, religious, racial and ethno-nationalistic extremism, as well as violent gangs.

7. Why does AVE offer former violent extremists and gang members a platform?

In an increasingly networked world, governments, who have traditionally taken the lead in the field of counter-extremism, find social spaces – both online and offline – increasingly difficult to monitor and influence. There is therefore a growing case for enabling a broader range of actors to enter the field.

Credible, grassroots voices remain the most effective way to push back against extremist narratives. Despite this, those who can speak with genuine personal experience and authority about the dangers of extremism – former extremists and the survivors of violence – often struggle to have their voices heard. We therefore focus on those with personal experience of these issues and believe that they should be at the forefront of efforts to steer young people away from extremism and violence.

8. Why are former gang members included?

Despite arriving at violence from different geographies and backgrounds there are striking similarities between the experiences of many AVE members. For example, a young person drawn into an Islamist group in London is often vulnerable for the same reasons as someone in Los Angeles joining a gang.

Crucially, those involved in violent groups also often leave for many of the same reasons. Despite hailing from a wide variety of different contexts, it is in sharing the commonality of members’ experiences, and the best practices in deradicalisation and violence prevention, that the network’s primary strength lies. Through AVE, formers and survivors from around the world working at a grassroots level can now connect with, and learn from, one another.

9. Who are your funders?

The AVE network is currently funded by Google Ideas and the Gen Next Foundation.

10. Does AVE receive government funding? Does AVE work for any governments?

Although AVE is willing to work alongside governments in solving the many problems associated with violent extremism, AVE does not receive funding from, or conduct work on behalf of any governments or state agencies.

11. Does AVE operate only through English?

The AVE website is currently only officially available in English. However if you are viewing the website using the Google Chrome or Windows Explorer browsers then it is possible to translate it into over 70 languages by right-clicking and selecting the “Translate” option . A full list of available languages can be seen here.

12. What countries are involved in AVE?

The AVE network is global; there are members from all six continents.

13. Are there sub-groups within AVE?

There are no sub-groups within the network. When members register they can tag themselves in certain categories (by Member Type, Ideology, Region & Skills/Help Offered) but these are only used to enable more accurate searches of the network.

14. Can I publicise my membership on social networks or my website/blog?

Absolutely, we are happy for members to share the details of their profile with others either offline or online via social networks and personal websites.

15. I am concerned about my personal security, what can AVE do to protect me as a member? Can I be a member and not share my information?

It is possible to not publically reveal your identity on your profile (for personal security reasons) although we do require you to reveal your identity to AVE moderators. Please email us at contact@againstviolentextremism.org if you would like to set up your profile in this way. For more information please see the Privacy Policy/Terms & Conditions.

16. Is there an age restriction to membership?

You must be over the age of 18 to become an AVE member.

Membership

17. Who decides who can or can’t become a member?

AVE will vet all profile and project applications prior to approval and the network reserves the right to refuse membership without offering an explanation.

18. How often will AVE contact me?

By creating a profile on the AVE site you will automatically be signed up to our monthly newsletter. Also, from time to time you may receive notifications if other members that wish to connect with you.

19. Website and data protection: What is your data security policy?

Please see the Privacy Policy/Terms & Conditions for more information.

20. Will my profile be public or private?

All profiles on the AVE site are available to the general public, you do not have to be an AVE member to browse the site. However, you may opt to have an anonymous profile and only network members may send you messages. Your contact information will never be shared with other AVE members without your consent.

Website Functionality/Technical Information

21. How can I join AVE?

You can join the AVE Network here. In order to sign up you will need to register either with an email address or through Facebook, Twitter, Google+ or Yahoo.

(Please note that once your profile has been vetted and approved you will need to use the same method to login each time).

Once you have chosen your preferred login method you will be able to create your profile. Please add as much information as possible, including the details of your background, experience or interest in extremism as this allows other members to find out more about you and speeds up the vetting process.

If there is someone you know who is already an AVE member then you can also search for them and add them as “Connection”.

For more information please see our step by step video tutorials for creating an account with your email or with social media.

22. How can I add my project/organisation to the AVE site?

In order to add your project or organisation you will first need to log into your AVE profile. You then click on the “Projects” tab at the top of the screen and then the “Add Project” button. This will open a menu on the right hand side allowing you to input the details of your project (and its website address/photo/logo?). Please include as much detail as possible when you set up your project.

For more information please see our step by step video tutorial for adding projects here.

23. I am an AVE member and I am having trouble accessing my account?

Please ensure that you are using the same method (Email, Facebook, Twitter, Google + or Yahoo!) to sign in as when you first registered with AVE. If you used any of the options other than email you will need to ensure you are logged into that account on the device that you are attempting to use to access AVE.

If you are logging in using your email and password please ensure you are using the same email address that you used when you registered with AVE.

If you have forgotten your password or it is not working you can reset it and a new one will be sent to your email account.

If you are still having problems please get in touch via contact@againstviolentextremism.org

24. I got an email saying that another AVE member wants to connect, how do I accept/decline?

In order to accept or decline connection requests you will need to log into your AVE account and go to the “Edit Profile” section under the “My Account” tab in the top right-hand corner. If you then click on the “Your Connections” button under your profile picture you will see your current connections and any pending requests which you then have the option to accept or decline.

25. How can I disable notifications?

In order to disable notifications you will need to log into your AVE account and go to the “Edit Profile” section under the “My Account” tab in the top right-hand corner. If you then click on the “Your Notifications” button under your profile picture, and then “Notifications Preferences” you will then have the option to disable email notifications for profile or project connections.