The Northeast Regional Center for Rural Development
The Pennsylvania State University
7 Armsby Building, University Park PA 16802-5602
814/863-4656(phone); 814/863-0586(fax)
Please send questions and comments to:
nercrd@psu.edu
Resources for Dealing with Hate Groups
From John Michael at CSREES/ECS (retired):
The Southern Poverty Law Center offers a program that enhances tolerance and fights hate. SPLC's fund appeal letter for '03 states it is developing a program to support community groups in dealing with such problems. Its primary tools currently on the shelf include "101 Tools for Tolerance," and "Ten Ways to Fight Hate."
101 Tools for Tolerance
Hatred and intolerance can be overcome only when citizen activists stand up and make a difference. "101 tools for Tolerance" provides simple ideas for promoting equity and celebrating diversity. The booklet offers steps specifically designed for individuals, schools, businesses, and communities. <http://www.tolerance.org/order_forms/index.html>
10 Ways to Fight Hate
The Klan is planning a march in your community. A child just became the victim of a hate crime. What can you do? "Ten Ways to Fight Hate" outlines proven strategies that community activists can use to react effectively when hatred hits home. <http://www.tolerance.org/order_forms/index.html>
Free publications can be ordered or downloaded on the following website: http://www.tolerance.org/order_forms/index.html
For further information, contact Shirley Johnson with Teaching Tolerance at (334) 956-8200. Located in Montgomery, Alabama, SPLC is internationally known for its tolerance education programs, its legal victories against white supremacist groups, its tracking of hate groups, and its sponsorship of the Civil Rights Memorial.
The Center for Democratic Renewal also works with helping communities deal with hate. Currently, the CDR aids communities dealing with hate with the following, the curriculum "When Hate Comes to Town: A Faith Based Edition," and Community Listening Posts Project.
When Hate Come to Town: A Faith Based Edition
The definitive guide for dealing effectively with the bigotry and violence of the far right, neo-Nazi and racist organizations which continue to plague America. Designed for communities who are confronted with the existence of hate groups, the manual provies an understanding of racism and bigotry, an overview of the history of the white supremacist movement, extensive definitions of hate crimes, and a comprehensive blueprint for developing community responses. The manual also provides a resource directory of organizations and agencies that work to counter racism and bigotry.
Community Listening Posts Project (Community Response Training)
The Center for Democratic Renewal will establish 250 communnity listening posts across the country and internationally by 2008. CDR staff offers training for communities on recording incidents of hate, working cooperatively with law enforcement, and identifying active hate groups in local communities. CDR will also travel to locations where hate activity has been reported to work with community members on developing a specialized plan for responding to hate. Regular contact is made via the Internet, and soon our website will be an interactive forum for additional training on hate groups, police brutality, hate incidents, and human rights abuses.
Located in Atlanta, Georgia, the Center aims to advance the vision of a democratic, diverse and just society free of racism and bigotry. It helps communities combat groups, communities, and government practices that exemplify hatred. To learn more about the Center for Democratic Renewal contact Dexter Windbush at (404) 221-0025.
