Lead-Up International is an organization that seeks to close gaps and break the cycles of violence and poverty and contribute to a more peaceful a sustainable world through innovative mutually beneficial interactions with horses in order to train, strengthen and empower young leaders, helping them recognise their inner strength and develop competencies such as assertiveness and emotional self-regulation. Lead-Up International now operates in several countries across the globe including: the United States, Guatemala, Colombia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa.

The Lead-Up International program addresses these challenges through a three-stage model: Discovering Non-Violence, the Lead-Up Vocational Program, and Being Change.

In Discovering Non-Violence through interactions with horses and experiential learning techniques, participants of the Lead-Up program learn how to respect nature and the environment, regulate emotions, control behaviour and make rational and conscious decisions. Attitudinal and behavioural changes in the Lead-Up participants result in the reduction of use of violence and impulsive behaviour to solve inter-personal conflicts.

Our innovative and holistic approach to vocational training provides Lead-Up ‘Champions’ with a better chance to secure fulfilling and dependable employment, further education and opportunities for further personal development.

Through Being the Change Lead-Up international supports and empowers the Lead-Up Champions (young graduates of the programs) to lead and coordinate their own projects, activities and initiatives of social transformation and sustainable development.

The activities and initiatives that arise from this stage are considered initiatives associated with Lead-Up International and receive constant monitoring and support. All associated initiatives supported by Lead-Up through Being the Change must reflect the Lead-Up values and its overarching goals for peaceful and sustainable communities.

Currently, Lead-Up International has one associated initiative in Guatemala:

• Urban HeArt, a community impact initiative and their sustainable community tour the Urban HeArt tour.