The Open Minds Foundation is proud to announce that its Stop Mandated Shunning (SMS) project has received the 2026 Herbert L. Rosedale Humanitarian Award from the International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA).
Presented at the ICSA Annual Conference in San Diego on 4 July 2026, the award recognises the collaborative efforts of survivors, researchers, legal professionals, mental health specialists and advocates working to raise awareness of the harm caused by mandated shunning and support those affected.
Recognition for a Collaborative Effort
Before presenting the award, Jackie Johnson, Executive Director of the International Cultic Studies Association, recognised the leadership of Open Minds Foundation Trustees Patrick Haeck and Richard E. Kelly, founders of the Stop Mandated Shunning project.
She also acknowledged the wider team whose expertise and lived experience have advanced understanding of organised ostracism, including survivors John Meulenberg and Monica Velin Rodriguez, advocates Stephanie McNamara and Sue Hall, legal expert Kathleen Hallisey, mental health specialist Lee Marsh, and researchers Dr Savin Bapir-Tardy and Dr Windy Grendele from the University of Roehampton.
Speaking ahead of the presentation, Jackie Johnson said:
“Patrick Haeck and Richard E. Kelly are long-term Trustees of Open Minds Foundation and founders of its Stop Mandated Shunning project. Together with survivors, advocates, legal professionals, mental health experts and researchers, they have helped expose the harm of organised ostracism while supporting credible research and legal pathways to protect victims. Patrick accepts this award on behalf of the entire SMS team and the survivors whose courage makes this work possible.”
“This Award Means Far More Than Recognition. It Gives Hope.”
Accepting the award on behalf of the Stop Mandated Shunning team, Patrick Haeck, Vice President of the Open Minds Foundation, spoke about what the recognition means for those affected by mandated shunning.
“On behalf of Stop Mandated Shunning, I am truly honoured to accept the Herbert L. Rosedale Humanitarian Award. For all of us at Stop Mandated Shunning, this award means far more than recognition. It gives hope. By choosing to honour this work, ICSA sends a powerful message to everyone harmed by mandated shunning: your suffering is real, it matters, and it deserves to be seen.”
Patrick also reflected on the legacy of Herbert L. Rosedale, whose lifelong commitment to individual freedom, human dignity and compassion continues to inspire the Foundation’s work. During his acceptance speech, Patrick reaffirmed the project’s commitment to defending the fundamental right to freedom of religion or belief, including the freedom to change or leave a religion without fear of losing family relationships.
He said:
“Freedom of religion also includes the freedom to change your religion – or to leave it. That is not simply our opinion. It is a fundamental human right, recognised in Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. But no freedom is without limits. Freedom of religion must never be used as an excuse to harm others. No one should ever have to choose between following their conscience and keeping their family. We are not asking anyone to abandon their faith. We are simply asking that no faith should require the abandonment of one’s family.”
A Milestone for Stop Mandated Shunning
The Herbert L. Rosedale Humanitarian Award marks an important milestone for the Stop Mandated Shunning project. It reflects years of collaboration between experts, campaigners and survivors who have worked to bring greater understanding to an issue that has too often remained hidden.
The recognition also highlights the importance of continued research, education and respectful dialogue to help protect those affected by mandated shunning and encourage meaningful change.
Patrick concluded:
“We humbly dedicate this award to everyone who is still hoping for reconciliation with the people they love.”
The Open Minds Foundation extends its sincere thanks to the International Cultic Studies Association for this honour, and to every survivor, researcher, supporter and advocate whose courage and commitment continue to drive this important work forward.