2026-2027 OTW Program Year Applications Accepted
(Open to Marin County Youth & Young Adults Ages 16-26)
Applications for the 2026-2027 OTW Program Year will be available and accepted from June 1st to September 11th. If you or someone you know is between the ages of 16 and 26 and interested in joining a community of peers, please visit our Application Page during that time to apply.
2026 Annual Trip — Tanzania
(OTW Participants Only)
OTW participants approved to travel internationally will visit Tanzania in 2026 and learn about the country’s rich culture and history.
OTW’s 2026 Annual Dinner & Silent Auction
Join us for Opening the World's Annual Dinner & Silent Auction. This special evening is planned, presented and hosted by Marin County youth and young adults. We will honor and celebrate the transformative power of reciprocity and how, through serving our local, national, and global communities, we have helped ourselves.
Cookies Workshop and Games Night
(Open to all 14-26 year old young people in Marin County)
Join us for an evening of creativity, connection, and cookies!
Learn to bake delicious cookies you can gift or enjoy yourself, compete in games for prizes, explore art activities, and connect with other young people in your community. Light dinner and refreshments provided.
New Year Wellness Event
(Open to youth and young adults ages 14-26 and their parents and caregivers)
Kick off 2026 with Opening the World at our first event of the year! Join youth and young adults in Marin County for an evening focused on setting intentions and building community. Create vision boards for your goals and dreams, enjoy art activities and games, and learn to make your own pizza. Connect with peers while exploring what wellness means to you. Light dinner, snacks, refreshments, and prizes included!
RSVP: Email info@openingtheworld.org or call/text (415) 419-9695.
Funded by: Funding for this event is provided by the Center for Wellness and Nutrition, a program of the Public Health Institute, through funding from the California Department of Public Health.
Movie Night & Cookie Decorating
(Open to youth and young adults ages 14-26 and their parents and caregivers)
Kick back and enjoy Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas with Opening the World! Show off your cookie decorating creativity, enjoy pizza and snacks, and meet special guest Shane Francis, Assistant Artistic Coordinator for the film, who will join us for a short panel discussion. Connect with fellow youth and young adults in your community for an evening of movies, art, food, and fun. Prizes and more surprises await!
RSVP: Email info@openingtheworld.org or call/text (415) 419-9695.
Funded by: Funding for this event is provided by the Center for Wellness and Nutrition, a program of the Public Health Institute, through funding from the California Department of Public Health.
Alternative Gift Market
Visit us at this annual Alternative Gift Market and find the perfect items for your loved ones while supporting a good cause.
Holiday Gifts and Crafts Maker's Workshop
(Open to youth and young adults ages 14-26 and their parents and caregivers)
Join a fun, hands-on workshop where you can make meaningful gifts and enjoy a day of art, wellness, and community.
Creative arts and crafts materials will be provided to personalize gifts for yourself or to give to friends and family.
Make your own Wellness Kit with treats, fidgets, and self-care resources.
RSVP: Email info@openingtheworld.org or call/text (415) 419-9695.
Funded by: Funding for this event is provided by the Center for Wellness and Nutrition, a program of the Public Health Institute, through funding from the California Department of Public Health.
Navigating the Holidays: Reduce Your Use
(Open to youth and young adults ages 16-26)
As we approach the holiday season, we can experience many feelings and emotions and struggle to find healthy coping mechanisms.
This FREE class will help you identify healthier ways to deal with difficult emotions and provide tips on how to reduce your use to keep yourself safe.
Snacks and drinks provided.
RSVP: Text or call (415) 419-9695 or email us at info@openingtheworld.org.
Class made possible by Marin Charitable
Games and Art in the Parks
(Open to OTW participants, alumni, staff, friends, family, and the Marin Community)
Join OTW participants, alumni, staff and the larger OTW community as we gather for food and fun at various parks throughout Marin. Bring your friends and family! All are welcome. There will be games, art activities, and plenty of food and beverages. Earn your community service hours.
RSVP Required: Email info@openingtheworld.org or call (415) 419-9695 to participate in this event.
Cooking Class
Join us for this special Cooking Class led by OTW member Chef Miguel! Miguel will share his skills and expertise to help us prepare simple and delicious meals that we can easily recreate at home.
Participants will enjoy a shared meal at the end of the class.
RSVP: Email info@openingtheworld.org or call/text (415) 419-9695.
Funded by: Funding for this event is provided by the Center for Wellness and Nutrition, a program of the Public Health Institute, through funding from the California Department of Public Health.
OTW 2025 Annual Fall Retreat (Required)
(OTW Participants Only)
OTW’s Annual Fall Retreat is designed to build community and facilitate bonding between new participants, alumni, and staff, by deepening our understanding of ourselves and each other.
Games and Art in the Parks
(Open to OTW participants, alumni, staff, friends, family, and the Marin Community)
Join OTW participants, alumni, staff and the larger OTW community as we gather for food and fun at various parks throughout Marin. Bring your friends and family! All are welcome. There will be games, art activities, and plenty of food and beverages. Earn your community service hours.
RSVP Required: Email info@openingtheworld.org or call (415) 419-9695 to participate in this event.
2025-2026 OTW Program Year Interviews
(Open to Marin County 16-26-year-olds)
Interviews for the 2025-2026 OTW Program Year will take place during the first few weeks of September. Applicants will be notified of acceptance the last two weeks of September. If you or someone you know is between the ages of 16 and 26 and interested in joining a community of peers, please consider applying.
2025 Annual Trip II — Peru
(OTW Participants Only)
OTW participants approved to travel internationally will visit Peru in July of 2025 and learn about the country’s rich culture and history.
2025 Annual Trip I — Arizona
(OTW Participants Only)
We have been invited back by the Diné Navajo in Window Rock, Arizona, to support their annual Sundance ceremony. We will stay on the reservation and help with various tasks, including cooking for the elders, drummers, and firekeepers. This moving week-long ceremony is a community gathering for spiritual cleansing and healing.
Afterwards, we will visit North Dakota and South Dakota.
2025-2026 OTW Program Year Applications Accepted
(Open to Marin County Youth & Young Adults Ages 16-26)
Applications for the 2025-2026 OTW Program Year will be available and accepted from June 1st to September 10th. If you or someone you know is between the ages of 16 and 26 and interested in joining a community of peers, please visit our Application Page during that time to apply.
Connecting With Your Child in Difficult Times: Learning from Each Other
Angel Moms is a social group that grew out of a mutual need for connection and comfort during the early days of loss. Due to the circumstances of their children’s deaths, each mom had a calling to advocate for a cause. As each began their outreach efforts and shared their stories publicly, the Angel Moms became known.
Join Opening the World and Angel Moms of Marin for an evening of learning and connection for parents and young adults. The film and panel will include Kate Ruehle (sohererightnow.com) and other Angel Moms.
For additional May Mental Health Month events, see: https://prevention.marinbhrs.org/MMHM2025
Refreshments will be provided.
RSVP: Email info@openingtheworld.org or call/text (415) 419-9695 to attend.
Funded by: Funding for this event is provided by the Center for Wellness and Nutrition, a program of the Public Health Institute, through funding from the California Department of Public Health.
Improv Workshop
(For youth and young adults ages 14-26)
Want to destress? Ever been curious about improv? Just need a good laugh? Join us OTW’s April Improv Workshop that’s all about laughing, connecting, and having fun, taught by OTW alum Brittany Nielsen.
Whether you need to unwind, spark your creativity, or just enjoy some silly moments, this class has got you. You’ll learn some basic improv games and exercises that encourage playfulness, connection, and being present in the moment (that’s all we ever have, right?).
No improv experience necessary! It’s a chill space to laugh, mess up, and just be yourself.
🎉 Enjoy snacks and drinks & win prizes!
‼️Limited spots available.
Cost: Free
RSVP Required: Email info@openingtheworld.org or call/text (415) 419-9695 to let us know you’ll be there.
Funded by: Funding for this event is provided by the Center for Wellness and Nutrition, a program of the Public Health Institute, through funding from the California Department of Public Health.
Save the Date - OTW Annual Dinner Silent Auction
Save the date for our next Annual Dinner Silent Auction!
Opening the World participants will host an evening featuring youth speakers, delicious food, and community building to raise awareness for and directly benefit Marin County youth. This year’s theme will be Peru in honor of our 2025 annual summer trip.
OTW has been growing significantly and we look forward to sharing more with you on March 29!
Please support us by:
Attending the event and bringing friends and family - BUY TICKETS
Donating items for the auction, such as vacation stays or other experiences - Email info@OpeningtheWorld.org
Sponsoring the event - see more information HERE
We look forward to seeing you there.
Art Studio: Clay & Collages
Join us for an exciting event of artistic expression through clay and collages. For all levels of experience - come create art with us!
Bring a friend or invite a peer.
Cost: Free
RSVP Required: Email info@openingtheworld.org or call/text (415) 419-9695 to let us know you’ll be there.
Funded by: Funding for this event is provided by the Center for Wellness and Nutrition, a program of the Public Health Institute, through funding from the California Department of Public Health.
Content Creation with Friends
Learn to make creative videos on your phone. Tips for creating content. Professional equipment demos. Collaborate and hang out with friends. Perfect for all skill levels—come with a curious mind and ready to enjoy!
Space is limited. RSVP required.
Drinks and snacks will be provided. Win prizes!
Cost: Free
RSVP: Email info@openingtheworld.org with questions and to let us know you wish to attend.
Funded by: Funding for this event is provided by the Center for Wellness and Nutrition, a program of the Public Health Institute, through funding from the California Department of Public Health.
Holiday Gift Wrapping at Copperfield’s Books
From December 15th to 24th, OTW will provide gift-wrapping services at Copperfield’s Books in San Rafael (4th Street ) and Larkspur ( Marin Country Mart).
Navigating the Holidays: Communication
Do you want to learn how to communicate better with others? Do you want to learn about different communication styles and how others communicate? Join us and learn more about yourself, your communication style, and ways to improve how you communicate with others.
Snacks and drinks provided.
Cost: Free
Facilitator: Jeannine Curley
RSVP: Contact us at (415) 419-9695 or at jeannine@openingtheworld.org.
Location Note: Please enter at the back of the building on Mission Ave.
Alternative Gift Market
Visit us at this annual Alternative Gift Market and find the perfect items for your loved ones while supporting a good cause.
Navigating the Holidays: Reduce Your Use
As we approach the holiday season, we can experience many feelings and emotions and struggle to find healthy coping mechanisms. This class will help you identify healthier ways to deal with difficult emotions and provide tips on how to reduce your use to keep yourself safe.
Snacks and drinks provided.
Cost: Free
Facilitator: Jeannine Curley
RSVP: Contact us at (415) 419-9695 or at jeannine@openingtheworld.org.
Location Note: Please enter at the back of the building on Mission Ave.
OTW Community Social in the Park
(Open to OTW participants, alumni, staff, friends, family, and the Marin Community)
Join OTW participants, alumni, staff and the larger OTW community as we gather for food and fun at various parks throughout Marin. Bring your friends and family! All are welcome. There will be games, art activities, and plenty of food and beverages.
RSVP Required: Email jeannine@openingtheworld.org or call (415) 419-9695 if you wish to participate in this event.
OTW 2024 Annual Fall Retreat (Required)
(OTW Participants Only)
OTW’s Annual Fall Retreat is designed to build community and facilitate bonding between new participants, alumni, and staff, by deepening our understanding of ourselves and each other.
OTW Community Social in the Park
(Open to OTW participants, alumni, staff, friends, family, and the Marin Community)
Join OTW participants, alumni, staff and the larger OTW community as we gather for food and fun at various parks throughout Marin. Bring your friends and family! All are welcome. There will be games, art activities, and plenty of food and beverages.
RSVP Required: Email jeannine@openingtheworld.org or call (415) 419-9695 if you wish to participate in this event.
61st Annual Marin Century (Community Service)
(Volunteers Needed)
Need community service hours? Support our community and the planet! OTW volunteers for the Marin Century annually as part of the event’s “green team” which helps collect and recycle garbage and keeps the grounds clean.
It will be a full day of fun in the sun with your OTW community. Food and beverages provided.
Bring a hat, water bottle, and sunscreen. Be sure to wear sturdy closed-toe shoes with good support.
RSVP Required: Contact Jeannine Curley at (415) 419-9695 or Jeannine@openingtheworld.org.
2024 Annual Trip — Arizona
(OTW Participants Only)
This year, we have coordinated 2 trips for our participants. We have been invited back by the Diné Navajo in Window Rock, Arizona, to support their annual Sundance ceremony. We will stay on the reservation and help with various tasks including cooking for the elders, drummers, and firekeepers for the week. This moving ceremony is a community gathering for spiritual cleansing and healing.
2024 Annual Trip — Japan
(OTW Participants Only)
OTW participants approved to travel internationally will visit Japan in June of 2024 and learn about the country’s rich culture and history.