Four ways your community can participate in United Against Hate Week
Guest article by Not In Our Town
United Against Hate Week runs from Oct. 18 to Oct. 24
Cal Cities and the United Against Hate campaign are partnering again this year to help cities address hate and bias in their communities during a week of action in October. Last year, California cities and counties throughout the state took part in United Against Hate Week.
From Oct. 18-24, leaders nationwide will partner with schools, faith groups, law enforcement, and other organizations to display posters and organize events that bring their communities together and address hate/bias.
For city leaders, the week is a chance to make a strong statement that everyone belongs and should be safe from hate and bias. For residents, the week is an opportunity to build community connections and show up in support of their neighbors.
Last year’s week of action included art contests, unity walks, social media poster campaigns, film screenings, bystander intervention trainings, hate crime education workshops, and much more! Here are a few easy ways your city can participate.
- Make a statement. Show that your city stands united against hate using this sample proclamation. City leaders and residents can also record a video statement to share via social media and on the video campaign page. Take inspiration from San Leandro Mayor Juan Gonzalez and the San Diego City Attorney’s Office.
- Display and distribute posters. Download a poster from the website or create your own unique design.
- Share the action kits with partners and plan events. The Community Action Toolkit and Action Kit for Schools outline steps to start planning and creating your own events.
- Host a film screening. This year, communities can partner with Not In Our Town to present Minnesota Neighbors and hold a panel discussion. The film profiles the actions of Minnesota residents during the federal government’s Operation Metro Surge. Your event can be at a cinema or in a theater space at a library, museum, or other venue. The panel discussion gives local leaders and residents a chance to address community security and cultivate solidarity. The UAH Week Not In Our Town Film Guide highlights additional films available for community screenings.
To learn how to get ready and what other communities are doing to prepare, sign up for the United Against Hate campaign webinar on June 25 at 3 p.m.
United Against Hate Week is administered by Oakland-based organization Not In Our Town in partnership with CA vs Hate, LA vs Hate, and the CDSS Stop the Hate Initiative. Visit the campaign website to download resources and sign up to participate. For assistance, email unitedagainsthate.uah@gmail.com.