How To Combat Hate

The Southern Poverty Law Center (www.splcenter.org)has a mission: combat hate, teach tolerance, and seek justice. It is dedicated to fighting hate and bigotry and to seeking justice for the most vulnerable members of our society. Using litigation, education, and other forms of advocacy, they work toward the day when the ideals of equal justice and equal opportunity will be a reality.

Here are their "Ten Ways To Fight Hate: a community response guide.

1. ACT - Do something in the face of hatred, apathy will be inerpreted as acceptance by the perpetrators, the public, and - worse- the victims. Community members must take action; if we don't, hate persists.
2. UNITE - Call a friend or co-worker. Organize allies from churches, schools, clubs, and other civic groups. Create a diverse coalition. Include children, police, and the media. Gather ideas from everyone, and get everyone involved.
3. SPUPORT THE VICTIMS - Hate crime victims are especially vulnerable. If you're a victim, report every incident - in detail - and ask for help. If you learn about a hate crime victim in your community, show support. Let victims know you care. Surround them with comfort and protection.
4. DO YOUR HOMEWORK - An informal campaign improves its effectiveness. Determine if a hate group is involved and research its symbols and agenda. Understand the difference between a hate crime and a bias incident.
5. CREATE AN ALTERNATIVE - Do not attend a hate rally. Find another outlet for frustration and for people's desire to do something. Hold a unity rally or parade to draw media attention away from hate.
6. SPEAK UP - Hate must be exposed and denounced. Help news organizations achieve balance and depth. Do not debate hate group members in conflict-driven forums. Instead, speak up in ways that draw attention away from hate, toward unity.
7. LOBBY LEADERS - Elected officials and other community leaders can be important allies in the fight against hate. But some must overcome reluctance - and others, their own biases - before theyre able to take a stand.
8. LOOK LONG RANGE - Promote tolerance and address bias before another hate crime can occur. Expand your community's comfort zones so you can learn and live together.
9. TEACH TOLERANCE - Bias is learned early, often at home. Schools can offer lessons in tolerance and acceptance. Host a diversity and inclusion day on campus. Reach out to young people who may be susceptible to hate group propaganda and prejudice.
10. DIG DEEPER -  Look inside yourself for prejudices and stereotypes. Build your own cultural competency, then keep working to expose discrimination wherever it happens - in housing, employment, education, and more.

So what does that mean for you and me? What can we do to combat hate? Leave comments with ideas that you have.

Check my blog post Sunday for some more suggestions.