By Hakim Hazim, L.E.A.D.E.R.S.H.I.P. 1ST Intervention Specialist

Since 1993 I have dedicated my research life to the study of social networks and communities. Whether criminal, extremist or noble, social networks/communities fill people with ideas, and provide resources, identity and protection for their members. In sociological terms, a network is usually a group of people tied together by culture, geography, relations or other endemic roots. However, networks also come into being when people gather together because they are driven by common aspirations or ideas. These networks and communities exhort a great deal of influence over our lives. Several years ago I watched this study from the TED network, “The Hidden Influence of Social Networks.” It was pretty shocking. I hope you take time to view it.

Hakim Hazim is the founder of Relevant Now Consultancy and L.E.A.D.E.R.S.H.I.P. 1ST Intervention Specialist. Hakim has been immersed in research for at risk populations since 1993. His successful results confirmed first-hand that: “The price of incarceration in terms of expense for housing offenders is too much for society to consistently pay, and the future grows darker. Bluntly put, we can’t sustain the cost in lives or resources. It is my fervent belief that a productive tax-paying citizen is a far better option. Given the right tools, young people can change and lead positive lives.” As a certified Crisis Prevention Institute Senior Trainer and Behavior Intervention Specialist he specializes in the following various areas of security: counterterrorism, radical religious sects, gangs, juvenile delinquency and law enforcement approaches for mentally ill or challenged individuals. Hakim is also the creator of the 4Cs of Leadership trainings and MC2U: “Mentoring Challenge to You” initiative.