The RESTORE project aims to prevent violent extremism by harnessing the powerful role of trusted community leaders. We believe, whether social workers, school counselors, healthcare professionals, faith leaders, or therapists, these community leaders can play a crucial role to support ideologically motivated members of our communities to reject hate and abandon violence and instead engage in new ways of thinking and acting.

The RESTORE training offers evidence-based tools and methodologies for working with ideologically motivated individuals. It is crucial to our RESTORE model that participating community leaders stay embedded in the personal and/or professional contexts in which they already have legitimacy and authentic relationships. So participating in the RESTORE training does not mean taking on an entirely new professional role, but allows community leaders to integrate a new purpose and new competencies within their existing work.

We are looking for you, if…

• you know or work with folks who may be immersed in or exploring ideologies that justify hate and violence under the guise of protecting self, family, community or nation, or
• you know or work with folks who may be becoming convinced of conspiracy theories that can lead to hateful actions against certain groups of people, or
• you feel a calling to join efforts to prevent radicalization to violence in your community and/or your professional context, and
• you want support in how to make sure vulnerable individuals don’t give in to hate, instead
• you want to strengthen their ability to tolerate folks who may not share their opinions.
• you can imagine working with individuals who are vulnerable to extremist messaging without resorting to shaming or humiliation, and
• you are valued, supported, and trusted within your community and by the folks with whom you work.

If this sounds like you, we would love for you to apply for the RESTORE training!

What will I learn as part of the RESTORE training?

The training provides the unique opportunity to build upon existing professional skills and experiences and apply new methods and approaches to working with ideologically motivated individuals.

• You will gain understanding of different possible paths of radicalization to violence, information about violent extremist groups and violent ideologies, and how to engage with individuals vulnerable or already ideologically committed to extremist views.
• You will be introduced to proven approaches, tools, and methods by our trainers and coaches, who have decades of experience working directly with violent extremists.
• You will gain a network of other professionals working in the field of preventing violent extremism.

Quick facts about the training:

• The training runs from May 19 to September 25, 2023, and consists of both in-person and online, synchronous and asynchronous components, with 10.5 days of full-time, in-person training as well as ten 2-hour online live training sessions (for a total of 104 “in-class” training hours).
• The three in-person training modules will run from Friday to Monday. Location of in-person training days will be Pittsburgh, PA.
• The training, all course materials, meals, and accommodation (if needed) are offered free of cost to a limited number of trainees. Additionally, both needs- and merit-based scholarships / sponsorships are available to compensate trainees (and/or their employers) for time spent in training.
• A maximum of 15 carefully selected trainees will be accepted to participate in the RESTORE training.
• Trainees, who successfully complete the training may be invited to join our 12-month RESTORE pilot project. Compensation for participating in the RESTORE pilot project will be offered to successful trainees and/or their employers based on case load and previous experience.
• Application deadline to participate in the RESTORE training is April 14, 2023. Please email us at usa@violence-prevention-network.com to receive more information about the training and apply here.

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