For many, July 22nd is just a dark day in Norway's history. For those who experienced the terror attacks that day, it is so much more. The bereaved and survivors of the terror are involuntary experts on the damage that violent extremism inflicts on us and our fellow human beings.

Over more than 13 years, the Support Group has accumulated involuntary expertise in areas where society lacked experience, making it an important resource for how society should respond to future disasters and terrorist attacks.

We must view the affected and bereaved as a resource in the fight against radicalization, extremism, and hate speech. Many with this involuntary expertise are willing to voluntarily engage in various forms of work. We need the perspectives of those who have been directly affected to provide valuable learning experiences.

The Support Group works purposefully to continue and strengthen efforts with various actors and partners, both nationally and internationally, to utilize our involuntary expertise in different contexts.

The collaboration with Utøya and the July 22nd Center is important for the Support Group. The Support Group is contributing to ensure that Utøya is recognized as a place of remembrance, learning, and resilience. It is crucial to tell the stories to future generations so that we never forget those who were so brutally deprived of life, those who were forever changed, and the ideology behind the horrific actions.

In January 2023, a collaboration was initiated with the Rafto Foundation in Bergen, where the Hordaland regional chapter contributes witnesses to educational programs for schools in the Bergen area. The educational program was developed in collaboration with the July 22 Center. There has been significant demand from schools, and the Support Group has started working with the Rafto Foundation to expand the collaboration and the availability of educational programs. The regional chapters in Rogaland and Nordvest are now also involved and actively contributing. This collaboration is expected to gradually expand to include other regional human rights centers in Norway.

The Support Group has served as a resource for those affected by the landslide in Gjerdrum municipality, sharing our experiences on handling trauma and providing useful tips on the possible establishment of their own support group. We have done the same in relation to the June 25 Support Group.

We are adamant about the fact that the affected of terror are important resources with expertise that must be utilized. We are crucial voices in the work for democracy and against extremism, radicalization, and hate speech.