Explore the lessons learned from those who left a life of hate behind Oct. 6

Join WWU Master of Social Work Program Director Danny Carroll and Woodring College of Education on Tuesday, Oct. 6, for Woodring Speaks: Voices in Education, Health & Community Services. 

Drawing on interviews with 19 former white supremacist and white nationalist extremists, this presentation examines the psychological and social processes that shape one's journey out of violent extremism. Findings highlight eight key themes and introduce a new theoretical model for understanding how individuals disengage from extremist groups and rebuild their lives and identities.

The hybrid event will run noon – 1:30 p.m. in Miller Hall 154 and online via Zoom, and is free and open to WWU students, faculty and staff.

Participants will have an opportunity to explore: 

• How trauma-informed approaches can help educators, health professionals and community service providers recognize and respond to early signs of disconnection, marginalization or identity-based harm.
• The role of schools, health systems and community organizations in creating inclusive, affirming environments that interrupt pathways toward harm, exclusion, and isolation. 
• How professionals across education, health and community services can support identity development, critical thinking, resilience and community belonging as protective factors for well-being. 
• Opportunities for cross-sector collaboration that strengthen support systems for children, youth, families and communities. 

The presentation will build upon Carroll's previous campus conversation in spring, which explored the role trauma plays in pathways into white supremacist and white nationalist extremism. Those who missed the first conversation can watch a replay here.