OPEN: Organization for Peace, Equity and Nonviolence
About
Mission Statement
The Organization for Peace, Equity and Nonviolence, Inc. (OPEN) is a non- partisan, non-governmental organization whose goal is to offer training, applied research, policy analysis, and evidence-based program development to build systemic peace, equity and non-violence.
OPEN’s mandate is to offer evidence-based counselling and capacity building for families and communities affected by violent extremism, hate, gang, and group violence in Manitoba, Canada and internationally.
Vision
Our vision and strategic plan to is to build decolonized peace, equity, nonviolence, and restorative justice at micro, meso and macro levels of society through evidence-based policy, training, research and peacebuilding programs.
Gender Equity Plan
Open, Inc. is dedicated to ongoing monitoring, evaluation and improvement of policies, programs and initiatives that are inclusive and equitable for all genders. This involves inclusion and equity for volunteers, staff and participants from genders that experience more barriers such as trans, gender diverse people, girls, and women. Open, Inc. is also committed to dismantling systemic sexism that intersects with settler-colonialism, racism, classism, ableism, and queerphobia.
For more information, contact Tara Sheppard-Luangkhot, PhD and Director for OPEN.
We will not judge you.
- If you are a loved one of someone affected by group violence and violent extremism,
- If you are someone thinking of leaving violent extremism,
- If you have been harmed by hate acts or hate crimes:
Phone, Text or WhatsApp: 1-204-880-3285
All ages and all locations.
Email:
openforpeace@gmail.com
Staff & Volunteers
Tara Sheppard-Luangkhot, PhD is the founder and director of OPEN. Tara has worked for nearly three decades in mental health and social services. Tara is an experienced clinical supervisor and individual, couple, and family therapist. Tara is also an engaging educator and a trained mediator. Tara works to decolonize educational spaces and build collaborative learning about grassroots conflict interventions, and ways to build equitable, cross cultural relationships.
Tara earned a B. A. in Psychology from University of British Columbia, and a Master of Marriage and Family Therapy degree from University of Winnipeg. Tara is a Hassan bin Talal PhD fellow, and is currently a doctoral candidate of Peace and Conflict Studies at University of Manitoba. Tara’s research interests are dismantling colonial white supremacy, preventing and intervening into violent extremist conflict, and policy and programs that assists peace, equity and inclusion of oppressed, intersectional identities in the Global North and South.
Intersectional Allyship for 2SLGBTI+ Communities Affected by Far Right Violence
Contact openforpeace@gmail.com for details.
Training practitioners to work respectfully with 2SLGBTI+ people
Contact openforpeace@gmail.com for details.
Customized presentations, organizational consultation, conflict coaching, and training is offered in Canada and internationally.
Contact openforpeace@gmail.com for details.
Trauma informed Research and Practice
Contact openforpeace@gmail.com for details.
Reducing Vicarious Trauma and Burnout in Researchers and Practitioners
Contact openforpeace@gmail.com for details.
Understanding Violent Extremism and Violent Social Movements: For Practitioners
Contact openforpeace@gmail.com for details.
Understanding Violent Extremism and Violent Social Movements: For Researchers
Contact openforpeace@gmail.com for details.
Anger and Emotions Management Group
Adults 18+, all genders. Contact openforpeace@gmail.com for details.
Anger and Emotions Management Group
Youth ages 15-18, all genders. Contact openforpeace@gmail.com for details.
Non Violent Conflict Resolution Group
Adults 18+, all genders. Contact openforpeace@gmail.com for details.
Non Violent Conflict Resolution Group
Youth ages 15-18, all genders. Contact openforpeace@gmail.com for details.
Freedom from Extreme: Healthy Coping Group
Adults 18+, all genders. Contact openforpeace@gmail.com for details.
Youth Action Research Circle (YARC)
Funded 8 week training for ages 15-18 in individual, and relational wellness an and how to do community based action research. YARC youth assist community wellness and build peace, equity and non-violence in the community. A small honorarium will be offered upon full program completion. Contact openforpeace@gmail.com for details.
Resiliency Against Hate
For victims of hate motivated crimes and behaviour. Individual, couple, family and group therapy and capacity building programs available. Contact openforpeace@gmail.com for details.
Steinbach Kids and Parents Support Group for 2SLGBTQI+ Kids 12 and under
Steinbach Queerspace Teens and Parents Recreation/Support Group for 2SLGBTQI+ Teens 13-18
Free! Steinbach Queerspace Teens and Parents Recreation/Support Group for 2SLGBTQI+ Teens 13-18, for building strengths and resilience, email openforpeace@gmail.com for details. Launching Feb 11/2.
Non violent conflict resolution skills for staff and clients
Contact openforpeace@gmail.com for details.
Critical thinking and media literacy for youth
Contact openforpeace@gmail.com for details.
Preventing gang and extremist violence
Contact openforpeace@gmail.com for details.