Resilient Communities Activity (RCA)

OVERVIEW

USAID Resilient Communities Activity (RCA) is a five-year regional project aimed at preventing violent extremism (PVE) by advancing local capacity in peacebuilding and addressing vulnerabilities of marginalized groups across Central Asia. Implemented by DAI Global LLC and funded by USAID through a cooperative agreement, the activity works closely with both government and civil society partners to deliver services to the most at-risk communities, expand local ownership opportunities, and increase resilience against violent trends. Drawing on recent advances in violence prevention, USAID’s RCA employs a public health approach to address risks and vulnerabilities to extremism. It focuses on mitigating radicalization by fostering resilient, community-based systems at all levels—community, family, and individual—while emphasizing gender equality, youth involvement, and social inclusion.

GOALS

GOAL ONE

To strengthen local civil society organizations’ (CSOs) capacity to engage in preventing violent extremism (PVE), increase gender equality, engage youth, and promote greater social inclusion by building community, and community leader capacity to design, implement, and monitor PVE interventions.

GOAL TWO

To improve resilience of vulnerable individuals and families including women, youth, and marginalized groups by building networks and services that support vulnerable individuals.

GOAL THREE

To increase social cohesion in at-risk communities through empowering women, engaging youth, and including marginalized populations by targeting sentiments of marginalization that result in exclusion of at-risk individuals from targeted support.

KEY RESULTS

• Mentorship activity: Beginning in January 2024, RCA provided mentorship to 20 low-level extremism offenders in Kazakhstan after their release from prison, providing psychosocial and legal support to encourage community reintegration. 
• Community Advisory Networks: In March 2024, RCA established four Community Advisory Networks to serve as a bridge between marginalized communities and local government services and provide psychosocial support to vulnerable individuals and families. 
• Central Asia VE Monitoring: In partnership with the Oxus Society, USAID’s RCA produces quarterly Context Monitoring Reports that explore violent extremism in online and offline environments in Central Asia. These reports shape recommendations for gender-sensitive, informed PVE efforts.