Rolf Skjöldebrand
Allow us to introduce you to Rolf, a man with a heart of gold and the visionary co-founder of The Non-Violence Project.
We met one warm afternoon in Stockholm - a city that is currently grappling with significant challenges concerning violence and gang criminality - and engaged in a conversation that delved into the depths of life itself.
Our discourse flowed effortlessly, touching upon the bonds of family, the complexity of work, and the sad realities that burden today's youths, who fight wars in gang criminality.
As the sun settled during our conversation, Rolf's compassion shone through, revealing a soul committed to making the world a safer, kinder place for all.
How did you start working on this, and where does your commitment come from?
My commitment stems from a lifelong fundamental interest in societal improvement. What I observed early on was the lack of preventive measures. Putting out fires was the modus operandi in the 80s and 90s.
In what way do you believe your work makes a difference?
Our work revolves around inspiring, motivating, and engaging young people to understand how to resolve conflicts without violence. When we measure violent incidents before and after our educational efforts, we can notice a difference. Also, a sense of independence is included in our education, where we give young people the opportunity to understand how to deal with bullying and harassment, which is often the biggest factor in the increased number of young people who feel bad. If we can help vulnerable youth, that's the biggest difference we achieve.
What does the term Everyday Hero (or Enthusiast) mean to you?
Every time I encounter an enthusiast, I realize how crucial these individuals are in their local efforts to provide support, especially to those in vulnerable situations. Enthusiasts spread hope and create opportunities for many whom society might not reach or sadly, even care about.
What tool do you believe is most important for preventing violence in society?
Early and significantly increased interventions. We advocate for doubling resources for counselors, special educators, male role models, and recreational leaders, and an improvement in social services.
What is the most significant lesson you've learned from being passionate about what you do?
The disproportionate vulnerability of young people in today's society.
According to you, is there something everyone can do (regardless of profession, background, age, etc.) to contribute to a less violent society?
Raise their voice and empower those who support the most vulnerable to enact change.
If you could nominate someone you know as an Everyday Hero, who would it be and why?
I would nominate Nattalie Ström (InsaneNija on Instagram), who has given young girls/women a voice against oppression, online hate, and unacceptable violence in close relationships.
My commitment stems from a lifelong fundamental interest in societal improvement. What I observed early on was the lack of preventive measures. Putting out fires was the modus operandi in the 80s and 90s.
In what way do you believe your work makes a difference?
Our work revolves around inspiring, motivating, and engaging young people to understand how to resolve conflicts without violence. When we measure violent incidents before and after our educational efforts, we can notice a difference. Also, a sense of independence is included in our education, where we give young people the opportunity to understand how to deal with bullying and harassment, which is often the biggest factor in the increased number of young people who feel bad. If we can help vulnerable youth, that's the biggest difference we achieve.
What does the term Everyday Hero (or Enthusiast) mean to you?
Every time I encounter an enthusiast, I realize how crucial these individuals are in their local efforts to provide support, especially to those in vulnerable situations. Enthusiasts spread hope and create opportunities for many whom society might not reach or sadly, even care about.
What tool do you believe is most important for preventing violence in society?
Early and significantly increased interventions. We advocate for doubling resources for counselors, special educators, male role models, and recreational leaders, and an improvement in social services.
What is the most significant lesson you've learned from being passionate about what you do?
The disproportionate vulnerability of young people in today's society.
According to you, is there something everyone can do (regardless of profession, background, age, etc.) to contribute to a less violent society?
Raise their voice and empower those who support the most vulnerable to enact change.
If you could nominate someone you know as an Everyday Hero, who would it be and why?
I would nominate Nattalie Ström (InsaneNija on Instagram), who has given young girls/women a voice against oppression, online hate, and unacceptable violence in close relationships.
