What We Do
We fill a critical gap in the US response to violent extremism.
The United States has invested heavily in identifying threats and prosecuting acts of violence. But between the moment someone begins to radicalize and the moment they commit an act of violence, there is a gap — and almost nothing fills it.
There are very few programs that work directly with individuals on a path toward extremist violence to help them change course. Families who see warning signs have almost nowhere to turn. Frontline professionals — teachers, social workers, probation officers, law enforcement — often recognize the signs but lack the tools and training to respond effectively.
We support three groups: the person at risk, the people around them, and the professionals who respond.
How Our Approach Works
Our work is grounded in GRIDD PRO and Social Diagnostics — proprietary frameworks developed over 25 years of direct practice with individuals involved in violent extremism. These tools allow us to assess risk, track change over time, and measure whether someone is moving away from violence.
We have applied this methodology in over 5,000 cases across all forms of extremism — from the far right to Islamist extremism — in prisons, probation settings, schools, and communities. Every program we deliver in the United States is built on this evidence base.
Support and Intervention
When someone is radicalizing toward violence, the people closest to them are often the first to notice — and the last to know what to do. We provide direct support to families and individuals navigating these situations.
Our trained coaches work one-on-one with individuals showing signs of radicalization, using relationship-based methods that address the underlying needs driving them toward extremist movements — the need to belong, to feel significant, to have purpose.
For families, we offer confidential guidance and a community support group where people holding a difficult relationship with someone involved in extremism can share experiences and receive expert support.
Training
80%
of participants report increased confidence in responding to radicalization
We train frontline professionals — law enforcement officers, social workers, educators, probation officers, school counselors, and community leaders — to recognize the signs of radicalization and respond effectively. Our training programs are grounded in over two decades of direct practice and adapted specifically for the American context. Participants leave with concrete tools they can use immediately in their work.
Training Reports
Our training programs are continuously evaluated through participant feedback and outcome tracking. The reports below document the reach and impact of our work across multiple cohorts and professional sectors.
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“VPN’s model engages people in a way that goes beyond active listening. It’s about helping them see the choices they have without telling them what to do and supporting them to recognize alternatives they might not have seen.”
— Training Participant, March 2026
“Understanding that people may connect to violent extremism out of a deep desire to belong, or because other needs in their life weren’t met, gets us closer to understanding what we must provide to prevent and provide a way out.”
— Training Participant, February 2026
Find your training
Community Support Group
For people holding a hard relationship with someone involved in extremism.
90 min · Monthly · Free
Join the next sessionTrainings for Professionals
For practitioners who encounter radicalization on the job.
3-day intensive $1,200 · 6×3hr series $750
Request upcoming datesTrainings for Organizations and Teams
For organizations building prevention capacity across their teams.
Custom pricing
Talk to us about hostingVPN Coach Certification
For experienced professionals ready to take cases and deliver VPN programming.
3 modules · $4,800
Apply for certificationReferral Network
Effective prevention requires coordination. No single organization can address violent extremism alone. That is why we build and maintain referral networks — structured partnerships among organizations that encounter individuals at risk in their daily work.
Our referral network connects law enforcement agencies, schools, social service providers, mental health professionals, faith communities, and community organizations into a coordinated system. When someone identifies a person at risk, they have a clear pathway to get that person connected to the right support.
In southwestern Pennsylvania, we built a referral network of over 50 partner organizations. We are now expanding this model to new regions across the United States.
Expert Advice and Speaking
Our team is available for expert consultation, keynote presentations, panel discussions, and media commentary on violent extremism prevention, deradicalization, and community safety.
Get in touch →Resources
Publications, research summaries, and practical tools for professionals and communities working to prevent violent extremism. Our resource library draws on over two decades of direct practice.
Browse publications →