TOOREL Institute

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Your partner in driving positive change at work.
Our tailored consulting and capacity building support services are designed to help nonprofits, government agencies, and organizations create inclusive, equitable, and welcoming environments.
Schedule a 30-minute Free Consultation
What We Do
Dismantling Oppressive Systems
TooREL Institute for Social Change (TISC) is a collective of subject matter
experts, strategists, thought leaders, healers and facilitators devoted to dismantling systems and structures that deem some people deserving of a violence-free life, while others are harmed, overlooked, dismissed, and mistreated in their communities and workplaces.
Addressing Root Causes of Inequity
TISC goes beyond typical Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) approaches and deepens into a Roots, Equity, and Liberation (REL™) framework. The collective utilizes the REL framework to confront and address root causes of racial inequalities and institutional racism in order to craft culture change plans, that prioritize self-actualization, accountability, healing and wellness as key aspects of achieving sustainable transformation.
Advancing DEI Approaches by Embedding Equity and Liberation
Our work is focused on co-creating Black centered environments and workplaces that embed equity and liberation in all policies and practices. DEI approaches are inadequate without the infrastructure and commitment to support and sustain thriving environments for all.
Going Beyond Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion to Create Welcoming Environments for All People

We offer tailored consulting and capacity building support services for nonprofits, government agencies and organizations committed to dismantling unfair practices and systems of oppression in order to create inclusive, equitable and welcoming work environments and communities. We believe that every community and organization have the capacity to create an environment and culture that values diverse backgrounds, perspectives and lived experiences; and every individual has the innate ability to be an active participant in the necessary activities to support that philosophy.

We meet each client where they are. We listen to our clients’ desires, concerns, challenges, and strengths, and co-create a culture shift plan that reflects their commitment and meet their needs.
Our Primary Service Offerings

The Roots Equity & Liberation Project
Over a multiyear phased process, the team works with your organization to implement all aspects of the TooREL framework. Phases include: 1) Assessing Readiness, 2) Preparation,
3) Implementation, 4) Evaluation,
5) Reflect & Reset, and 6) Celebrate, Recharge & Rest.
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The Collaborative Leadership Program
This is a transformational program designed for people of color. This is a sacred space that offers opportunities for growth, healing, stretching, authentic connections, strategizing and intention setting. Program activities include a wellness retreat, group coaching, peer-to-peer learning opportunity and networking.
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Signature Trainings
We offer training focused on common workplace challenges and issues in leadership that stem from inequalities and trauma in the workplace. The topics covered in these trainings include workplace wellness, fostering resilience, navigating difficult conversations, building and maintaining adaptability, and personal and organizational accountability.
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Past and Current Collaborative Partners
"Arlene Vassell, the founding director, has a proven track record of dedication and expertise in this field that serve as a testament to the organization's potential for creating meaningful and lasting impact. Her unwavering commitment to addressing the root causes of racial inequality, coupled with a strategic approach to center Black joy, Black voices, Black brilliance, and Black communities, positions the Toorel Institute for Social Change, Inc. as a trailblazer in the work of undoing racism and its root causes. I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the deep skills, wisdom, passion, and dedication that the founding director brings to this cause. Her collaborative spirit, strategic vision, and tireless efforts have already made a significant impact in our shared journey toward liberation and justice. I encourage individuals, organizations, and communities to tap into the expertise of the Toorel Institute for Social Change, Inc. as a guiding force in their efforts toward justice and, ultimately,
our shared liberation."
Heidi Notario, M.A.
Chief of Education & Access, Caminar Latino/Latinos United for Peace & Equity; Co-Founder and Owner, Instituto Mosaico

"Arlene Vassell is an exceptional leader, skilled presenter, and passionate advocate who has dedicated her career to creating inclusive and equitable victim services and agencies. She has led critical conversations within the victims’ movement around advancing racial justice and the importance of developing organizational culture, policies and services that advance and prioritize racial equity. NOVA is proud to partner with Arlene and I highly recommend her to any individual or agency looking for a visionary leader."
Claire Ponder Selib, MSW, CA
Executive Director, National Organization of Victim Assistance (NOVA)

“I have been in the gender-based violence movement for just over 5 years. As I was planning to incorporate racial justice in my work, the first person I was told to reach out to for support and guidance was Arlene Vassell. Ever since I did, I’ve had a mentor, supporter and teacher which has always been available when needed. Arlene has been and is a wealth of knowledge and formidable force in challenging oppression while centering joy. Arlene has the rare ability to create opportunities for connection and growth through deeply challenging conversations. With Arlene at the helm, I wholeheartedly recommend TooREL to anyone committed to organizational transformation.”
Timike Boyd Jones, MHS (Ms./she/her/hers)
Prevention Programs Coordinator
Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence

"Arlene leads through a racial equity lens dismantling systemic, structural, and institutional racism. Her unwavering leadership, and conviction has unveiled many truths around the lack of support Black advocates and survivors experience in the gender-based violence movement. She leads with deep intentionality to
center Black, Indigenous, and Women of Color's voices to create spaces that uplifts their leadership, talents, and magic. Her vision toward liberation is guided by her ancestors, drawing strength from the wisdom and resilience passed down through generations."
Idaho Coalition Against Sexual & Domestic Violence

"I’ve had the honor of knowing Arlene Vassell for almost 2 decades. She is the kind of teacher that teaches you something without you even knowing you are being taught! She is serious, bold, funny, joyful and unapologetic all the same time. If you want to dismantle systems of oppression and center BIPOC survivors of gender- based violence, TooReL is the place to call."
Lonna Davis
Vice President, Children and Youth Programs
Futures Without Violence

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Your partner in driving positive change at work.

Our tailored consulting and capacity building support services are designed to help nonprofits, government agencies, and organizations create inclusive, equitable, and welcoming environments.

What We Do

Dismantling Oppressive Systems

Addressing Root Causes of Inequity

Advancing DEI Approaches by Embedding Equity and Liberation

Going Beyond Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion to Create Welcoming Environments for All People

Our Primary Service Offerings

The Roots Equity & Liberation Project

The Collaborative Leadership Program

Signature Trainings

Past and Current Collaborative Partners

Heidi Notario, M.A.
Chief of Education & Access, Caminar Latino/Latinos United for Peace & Equity; Co-Founder and Owner, Instituto Mosaico

Claire Ponder Selib, MSW, CA
Executive Director, National Organization of Victim Assistance (NOVA)

Timike Boyd Jones, MHS (Ms./she/her/hers)
Prevention Programs Coordinator
Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Idaho Coalition Against Sexual & Domestic Violence

Lonna Davis
Vice President, Children and Youth Programs
Futures Without Violence

.

Your partner in driving positive change at work.

Our tailored consulting and capacity building support services are designed to help nonprofits, government agencies, and organizations create inclusive, equitable, and welcoming environments.

What We Do

Dismantling Oppressive Systems

Addressing Root Causes of Inequity

Advancing DEI Approaches by Embedding Equity and Liberation

Going Beyond Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion to Create Welcoming Environments for All People

Our Primary Service Offerings

The Roots Equity & Liberation Project

The Collaborative Leadership Program

Signature Trainings

Past and Current Collaborative Partners

Heidi Notario, M.A.Chief of Education & Access, Caminar Latino/Latinos United for Peace & Equity; Co-Founder and Owner, Instituto Mosaico

Heidi Notario, M.A.
Chief of Education & Access, Caminar Latino/Latinos United for Peace & Equity; Co-Founder and Owner, Instituto Mosaico