If Trump won’t stand up and lead against hate crimes (and he’s already refusing to speak against them except in the vaguest possible way), then it’s up to those of us who believe in the vision of a diverse, healthy America. Here are some resources to help you get support, give support, and hold a space for democracy. As a friend of mine said yesterday, there are more loving people out there than haters. It’s up to us to stand up as leaders together against bigoted intimidation.
April 2016 Southern Poverty Law Center Map of Hate Groups in the US
FYI: A hate crime is criminal victimization based upon race, religion, gender, ethnic identification, national origin, or sexual orientation. This type of crime focuses on the motive as well as the result. Hate crimes are devastating. They strike at the core of who we are as humans beings—our origins, values and beliefs.
Get informed: Resources on Hate Groups and Extremism
HRC: LGBTQ resources
POV: Beyond Hatred, Take Action (Great list of groups)
The Hate Crimes Prevention Act: What You Need to Know
Report a Hate Crime to the Anti-Defamation League
- Anti-Defamation League
- Hate On Display: A Visual Database of Extremist Symbols, Logos and Tattoos
- Immigrants Targeted: Extremist Rhetoric Moves into the Mainstream
- Rightwing Extremism: Current Economic and Political Climate Fueling Resurgence in Radicalization and Recruitment (pdf)
- The Re-Emerging Threat of Right-Wing Violence
- Southern Poverty Law Center
- Getting Immigration Facts Straight
“Ten Ways to Fight Hate” from the Southern Poverty Law Center:
“When bias motivates an unlawful act, it is considered a hate crime. Race and religion inspire most hate crimes, but hate today wears many faces. Bias incidents (eruptions of hate where no crime is committed) also tear communities apart — and threaten to escalate into actual crimes.
Do something. In the face of hatred, apathy will be interpreted as acceptance — by the perpetrators, the public and, worse, the victims. Decent people must take action; if we don’t, hate persists.”
Contact Organizations so you can be TRAINED, ADD YOUR VOICE, and LEAD FROM WHEREVER YOU ARE NOW
This blog lists organizations in Seattle. Local support is the most powerful support you can give. Google to find local organizations you can give financial support as well as “boots-on-the-ground” support by attending meetings, trainings, etc. And share the news with people who don’t agree with white supremacists and other haters. (Many Trump voters will want to stand up and fight for democracy, too! Several of my neighbors voted with Trump against the Affordable Care Act, not out of fear of immigrants.) Don’t be afraid to reach out and stand up with everyone who cares about preventing hate crimes.
LEADERSHIP is not just something “done” from above and received “below.” (That’s despotism, right?) It’s something we do every day, as citizens, coworkers, neighbors and Americans. What kind of leader do you want to be?
