ABOYNE – Understanding how hate can start is the best way to prevent it, according to Crime Stoppers Guelph Wellington (CSGW).
Along with Victim Services Wellington and the Wellington County OPP, CSGW is hosting a “No Room For Hate” workshop at the Wellington County Museum and Archives on Nov. 18 from 10am to 1pm.
The workshop is designed to increase awareness of hate crimes in rural communities. CSGW applied for and received funding from the Ministry of the Solicitor General for that work.
The purpose of the in-person workshop is to develop tools and knowledge to identify when young people are being groomed and recruited into hate movements, as well as develop tools to intervene safely.
“Arguably this could be one of the most important initiatives we’ve presented,” said CSGW program coordinator Sarah Bowers-Peter.
“We are in a time when our society is very reactive, and we need to do all we can to come together. Safety and community can exist when we are united, and education is key to unity.”
Bowers-Peter indicated the message is directed at all community members; those who have never experienced hate crime and those who have.
“We invite local groups who represent gender-based, religious, ethnic and cultural organizations to participate,” she said, adding free display tables will be available to these groups to increase awareness of the work they do.
“Few people believe that hate crime happens in rural communities. We know that crime against Black and Indigenous communities, religious groups and [2SLGBTQIA+]communities can and do happen anywhere.”
Pre-registration is required and can be done through the “No Room For Hate” page on eventbrite.ca.
Tickets and identification are required for admission. The event is free.
Community groups interested in taking part are asked to contact CSGW through the website csgw.tips.
For further information, contact program coordinator Bowers-Peter at 519-400-7344 or sarah@csgw.tips.
