It all starts with
Compassion.
Founded by former extremists, we are committed to helping people leave the violent far-right to connect with humanity and lead compassionate lives.
Our Values
Compassion
As a community founded by formers, we care deeply for those seeking a pathway out of violent extremism. Our past experiences, rehumanization and growth help us understand and mentor those who are still navigating the path to wholeness. Compassion is the basis for promoting individual and societal prosperity without violence.
Empathy
We listen with open minds and hearts to the journeys and experiences of others because we are committed to creating an environment that supports change and healing. While we never condone hurtful actions, we also do not condemn the human being.
Integrity
By way of ethical standards, responsible leadership, and continuous internal accountability audits, we endeavor to do the right thing on behalf of ourselves as individuals, the communities we serve, and all stakeholders.
Redemption
Those who take responsibility for their journey create the possibility for redemption. We inspire and sustain individual change by forgiving and empowering. The greatest challenge is in opening the door to a new life, and we are committed to supporting honest efforts of individuals to renew their lives.
Accountability
Accountability is the pathway to redemption. It transcends punishment, and exists independent of forgiveness. It empowers us to move beyond the grief of knowing how our past choices inform current events. It is the lifelong commitment to action that adds good to the world; and to calling out inaction and refusing to turn a blind eye to the pain of our fellow human beings.
Families and friends
You are an important part of the process.
Learn how you can support your loved one’s journey to compassion. The techniques outlined in this guide are helpful at starting—and maintaining—difficult conversations.
Get Involved
stay informed
See the change we're making together. Sign up for updates on our work, and important news about violent extremism.
get help
If you’re ready to leave hate and violence behind, we’re here to support you. No judgment, just help.
Make a Donation
We rely entirely on the support of people who believe kindness and compassion can change the communities we live in.
Our Impact
Each year, more than 250,000 people in the United States are victims of hate crimes. The vast majority are violent and more than half go unreported. Between 2008 and 2017, 71 percent of extremist-related fatalities in the U.S. were committed by members of the far right or white-supremacist movements.*
Since the deadly attack in Charlottesville, Life After Hate has helped more than 360 individuals, families, and inmates grapple with extremist hate groups. With each passing week, more are asking for our help.
* U.S. Department of Justice, Anti-Defamation League Center on Extremism
30+
thousand supporters
Since our founding in 2011, our reach has grown to include thousands of people across the globe who support our mission.
500+
men and women helped
We've helped more than 500 individuals and families confront violent extremism; and thousands more deal with hate in their communities.
50+
formers actively involved
Our ExitUSA program includes an online support group where men and women in different stages of de-radicalization can share resources.
A new way to support Life After Hate
Running to end violence.
This year, we’re joining the One World Strong marathon fundraising team at the historic Boston Marathon.
Visit the shop
Help sustain our work with Life After Hate apparel for men, women and kids.
featuring Life After Hate
Watch the trailer of award-winning filmmaker Peter Hutchison’s new documentary Healing From Hate.
“
November 2019
I own my mistakes but have compassion for myself — I’ve stepped into the human being I am today.
Angela King / Visit Our Press Section
Our Programs
& Partners
Our core services stem from the foundation of our members’ reformed ideology and unique experiential immersion within the world’s most violent extremist organizations.
Exit USA
ExitUSA provides support to individuals who are looking to leave racism and violence behind. The organization uses a variety of strategies, including public awareness campaigns, individualized education and job training programs, and leveraging community partnerships to help individuals get their life back on track.
Formers anonymous
Formers Anonymous is a group of men and women who have identified a shared problem of attachment and addiction to a grossly irresponsible, criminal and/or drug (including alcohol) lifestyle, including the addictive pull of related thoughts and behaviors, commonly referred to by many as "street life."
against violent extremism network
The Against Violent Extremism (AVE) Network is a unique and powerful global force in the ongoing struggle to tackle violent extremism. Former violent extremists and survivors are empowered to work together to push back extremist narratives and prevent the recruitment of at-risk youths.
How we countered hate speech
This people-powered AI platform reduced hate tweets by over 20 million impressions. Now it enters its next phase.
