cOMMUNITY vIOLENCE iNTERVENTION 

EUGENE DIVISON

SHAWN MCWEENEY

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

I’m Shawn, founder of OJN, researcher, social justice writer, grant writer, and youth advocate. I come to my work through my own personal journey of a 25-year prison sentence, starting at the age of 18 for my involvement (no verbal or physical contact with the victim; no consent or knowledge of another’s conduct to likely result in death; i.e. Abolish Felony Murder Laws) in a mugging “gone wrong,” I gained valuable insights into trauma, delinquency, the criminal legal system, and incarceration, and now re-entry. 

As the developer and administrator of the Oregon Justice Network (OJN) and our flagship offering Juvenile Advocacy and Mentorship (JAM), I bring a wealth of expertise in mentoring underserved-involved youth. I have honed my skills through specialized training in trauma-informed care, restorative justice practices, and effective communication techniques, and a degree in Prevention Science. I firmly believe that resilience is found in authentic relationships with oneself and others.

Beyond my work with OJN, I am also an instructor of yoga and meditation. These practices have played a crucial role in my own personal growth and healing journey. Nature, exercise, and being by the river are other activities that bring me joy and help me maintain a balanced and fulfilling life.

My approach to my work is rooted in empathy, compassion, and the belief that everyone has the capacity for growth and change. I strive to create a supportive and nurturing environment where young individuals feel empowered to explore their strengths, address their challenges, and set meaningful goals for their future. I come to this work as someone who was a good kid, but did not have the necessary support to find resilience and I am personally motivated to be that support for another me.