Cal Cities joins over 200 California cities in the United Against Hate coalition

Here’s how your city can join the coalition and take action

By Nancy Hall Bennett, regional public affairs manager (North Bay Division)

Cal Cities has joined United Against Hate, a national coalition that includes over 200 cities from throughout California.

United Against Hate promotes safety, inclusion, and civility in the state’s diverse communities. The coalition began in the San Francisco Bay Area in 2017 to counter white supremacist rallies in Berkeley and San Francisco.

Hate crimes in California have risen for the better part of the decade. A state report released in June found that hate crimes in California increased last year.  

For local leaders, United Against Hate Week (Oct. 19-25) is an opportunity to bring people together, counter toxic messages, and strengthen connections with communities that are too often the targets of hate.

 Cities can participate in several ways, including:

• Passing a city resolution.
• Sharing stories of community resilience through social media.
• Highlighting local initiatives or partnerships during the week of action.

As part of its ongoing efforts to advance equity, Cal Cities is hosting an October roundtable discussion, where city leaders can share best practices for fostering trust, equity, and respect in their communities during United Against Hate Week.

City leaders are encouraged to review the United Against Hate Community Action Toolkit, take part in United Against Hate Week, and consider the 20 Ideas for Action. Together, we can send a clear message: California cities stand united against hate.