Upcoming Events

In addition to the events listed here, OTW regularly offers its participants guidance on housing, legal, financial, and career matters, organizes opportunities for young adults to pursue their personal interests, and provides connections to additional resources. To learn more, see how we build community, promote growth, and facilitate healing.

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July 2025
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Meet Me Where I’m At: Empathy Heals

This campaign aims to raise awareness about mental health and substance use by sharing knowledge, resources, and personal stories to empower our community. Our goal is to reduce stigma, promote open conversations, and create a supportive environment where individuals feel seen, heard, and connected to the help they need.

Funding 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.

Follow us on Instagram @otwforyouth to learn more about our classes.

A red location marker icon with a light blue circle inside, surrounded by orbit-like lines with a dark blue heart at the bottom. The text above reads "Meet me where I'm at" and below reads "Empathy heals" in brown and black font.
Upcoming Events
2025-2026 OTW Program Year Applications Accepted
Jun 1
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.

2025 Annual Trip II — Peru
Jul 10
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.

2025-2026 OTW Program Year Interviews
Sep 2
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.

OTW 2025 Annual Fall Retreat (Required)
Oct 3
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.

 Past Events

Featured
2025 Annual Trip I — Arizona
Jun 22
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.

Connecting With Your Child in Difficult Times: Learning from Each Other
May 19
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
Apr 7
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
Mar 29
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
Mar 17
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
Feb 2
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
Dec 15
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
Dec 9
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
Dec 8
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
Nov 20
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
Oct 19
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)
Oct 11
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
Sep 21
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)
Aug 3
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
Jul 1
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
Jun 16
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.

2024 Annual Fairfax Festival
Jun 8
2024 Annual Fairfax Festival

Be sure to visit us at the Annual Fairfax Festival where we will be manning the jumpy house and henna station. We will also have a stall where we will be selling various items from our previous international trips and much more.

NOTE: All proceeds raised by OTW will be used to fund our annual trips.

FREE Women’s Writing Workshop
Jun 5
FREE Women’s Writing Workshop

(Open to Marin County Girls & Young Adult Women ages 16-26)

Join us for a FREE, 8-week memoir and personal essay writing workshop taught by freelance journalist and writer, Ronnie Cohen.

Classes will be held every Wednesday evening from 6:00-7:00 p.m. beginning May 29th.

RSVP Required: Contact Jeannine Curley at jeannine@openingtheworld.org or (415) 419-9695.

OTW Community Social in the Park
Jun 1
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.

Financial Class
May 22
Financial Class

(Open to young adults ages 16-26)

Participants in this class will learn about credit card interest, savings and checking accounts, and different types of investing including, for retirement.