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"Jeff Schoep was the leader of this country's largest neo-Nazi organization. Unlike some who abandon that ideology, Mr. Schoep did not retire from white supremacy, he did not resign from it. He renounced it and dedicates his life to removing it from our society. Meeting him the first time in 2016, he told me, "I will fight to the last bullet for my people." Today he has replaced his fight for exclusion with his love of inclusion and traded in the bullets for his people with words of equality and empowerment for all people. I am proud to welcome Jeff into my circle of close friends." Daryl Davis, Musician & Activist

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"Jeff and I are so different and yet I will always value his friendship and empathy and view him as a living symbol of redemption, proof that America is about second chances." - Larry Kuperman, Director of Business Development for Nightdive Studios & Author

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"Jeff Schoep, once the leader of the National Socialist Movement, now bravely leads the way for others to exit white supremacist and violent extremist groups, leading by example, while also lending a helping and supportive hand." - Anne Speckhard, Director, International Center for the Study of Violent Extremism

Bio:

Who is Jeff Schoep?

Once America’s most notorious neo-Nazi, now a consultant for the Simon Wiesenthal Center and an inspirational speaker for Conscious Campus, Jeff Schoep tirelessly holds keynote talks, lectures, and workshops from his unique vantage point.

For over 2 decades, Jeff Schoep lead America’s largest neo-Nazi organization, the National Socialist Movement (NSM), overseeing its growth to a nationwide movement. Beginning in 2016, through interactions with a black musician, Daryl Davis, and a Muslim film maker, Deeyah Khan,  Jeff began to question not only his work, but his entire life.  Experiencing relational dialogue and interpersonal relationships with those he once vilified changed Jeff’s life forever. In 2019, he left the the NSM and publicly denounced the ideology.

Jeff Schoep transitioned from mastering propaganda that promoted hatred and fear to total dedication to our shared humanity. He provides unique insights into the inner workings of far-right extremism from first hand knowledge and personal experience. Jeff has spoken nationally and internationally, from synagogues to universities, from broadcasts such as Jada Pinkett Smith’s Red Table Talk to speaking at the Nobel Peace Center in Oslo, Norway with Deeyah Khan.

In 2020, Jeff founded Beyond Barriers, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to a world devoid of extremism, radicalized organizations, hate, violence, coercive and violent ideologies. In addition to working alongside both community and government agencies, such as the Office of Juvenile Justice Department (OJJDP), Jeff and his organization, Beyond Barriers, have worked with the Simon Wiesenthal Center, RAND Corporation, International Center for the Study of Violent Extremism (ICSVE), mental health professionals, academic research and development teams, religious and educational institutions across the United States and abroad.

Programs:

Relational Dialogue – This session will explore the intricacies of extremism in America, focusing on methodologies for disassociation from white supremacy organizations.  Jeff draws on personal experience and illustrates how in combination with relational dialogue principles training can provide for an effective strategy for individuals and institutions to aid in deprogramming extremists.  At Beyond Barriers, we utilize relational dialogue to emphasize and illustrate the importance of discourse and communication as an effective means to countering extremism.  Furthermore, it will become evident that these same principles can be employed for any interpersonal relations and help to foster tolerance and understanding in any environment.

Leaving Hate Behind – Why did I leave after 27 years in the far right? My journey out and how the power of  kindness, empathy, and compassion changed my life.

Factors for Radicalization and Disengagement – Is it hate or is it love? What the researchers don’t understand about joining and leaving extremist groups.

Peace Building & Human Rights Issues – How do we develop conscience and tolerance? The importance of cross-cultural dialogue.

Inside White Nationalism – What’s it like? A deep dive into the shadowy underworld that is American Nazism and White Nationalism.

Charlottesville Revisited – Unity after Tragedy

Violence erupted in Charlottesville on Aug. 12, 2017, after hundreds of white nationalists and their supporters clashed with counter-protesters.  At one point in the afternoon, a vehicle drove into a crowd of counter-protesters before speeding away, resulting in the death of Heather Heyer, and leaving more than a dozen others injured.

Diving out of the way of the deadly vehicle was peace activist Ken Nwadike, Jr., known online as the Free Hugs Guy.  On the other side, the leader of the largest neo-Nazi organization in America, Jeff Schoep, marched for white supremacy.  Since that time, Ken has lectured across the nation and worked to bring humans together for conversations of love and change.  Jeff Schoep has renounced the organization he once led, and now works tirelessly to fight hate and create understanding as a consultant for the Simon Wiesenthal Organization.

In this important lecture and conversation, Ken and Jeff come together to discuss the events of that day, what led them to that moment, and the paths we can all take to End Hat

Other Topics Include:

Re-Branding & Marketing

The Power of Dialogue &  Listening

Diversity & Inclusivity