We continue to celebrate this momentous 15-year milestone of growth and impact. What began as the vision of six co-founders who believed that no one should ever be judged by their lowest moment, and no one should ever have to leave hate-fueled violence alone. From that vision, LAH has evolved into a community rooted in purpose, compassion, and accountability, with an unwavering commitment to helping individuals and their families navigate a pathway out of violent ideology and away from violence.
During this year’s celebration, we want to share 15 principles that have guided and molded Life After Hate into the organization it is today. In this month’s article, we share the final of these fifteen principles and how they have served the organization:
11. Accessibility – Removing financial, geographic, and systemic barriers to participation has been a key component of our model since day one. Life After Hate has always been a virtual organization. This keeps us present in the spaces and places where we are needed most. All of our programming is free of charge and always has been. It is important that anyone can access our programming without barriers due to geographic location, economic status, or whether they are currently incarcerated or recently restored citizens. The decision to change one’s life should be met with understanding and accessibility.
12. Consistency and Reliability – Building trust through dependable, ethically sound support and measurable impact, at scale. Life After Hate began with six co-founders who shared a vision and worked tirelessly to build a sustainable organization. From this foundation, LAH has developed into a globally recognized organization in the field of violent extremist prevention and intervention. LAH has a proven track record backed by a documented model and sound methodology. We work closely with the justice system and other institutions because of the Exit Program’s consistency and reliability.
Our reliability starts with Exit, our flagship program, designed for individuals seeking to leave hate-fueled violence, and extends to the promise of No Formers Left Behind, our alumni group. We also have groups for men, women, and family and friends. Our Discord is for those considering leaving but may not be quite ready to take the step of joining our Exit program. Each of these is a testament to our commitment to consistency and reliability.
13. Disciplined optimism – We see many challenging situations in our work, and yet, we acknowledge and truly work off the principle that a pathway out is always possible. We have worked with hundreds and touched thousands of lives over the years, and we know that with careful planning and diligent action, a positive outcome is achievable. Now, in this current funding and political climate, we are once again practicing disciplined optimism as we navigate through the second half of this decade.
14. Sustained mission independence – Through diversified funding, the organization maintains the financial and operational capacity to pursue its mission over time without undue reliance on any single funding source or external actor.
15. Relationships as infrastructure, not byproducts – In a relational model, trust with communities, partners, and stakeholders is an asset we intentionally build and maintain. It is our community that holds us accountable and holds us together. As an organization, relationships are what make this work possible and what keep LAH laser-focused on our mission and vision.
