Groundswell, the new name for the OC Human Relations Council, is hosting a new nine-part series of free webinars to help combat hate speech, racism and more by talking about it.
At the first community webinar on Wednesday, Oct. 25, organizers will discuss addressing racial slurs in schools. The online event begins at 6 p.m.
In 2022, 27% of reported hate crimes and incidents took place at schools, according to the latest Orange County Hate Crimes Report. The county saw 450 hate crimes and incidents last year, with more than half of those “motivated by race, ethnicity or national origin bias,” according to the report.
Other topics in the virtual series include understanding DEI, different levels of racism, de-escalating conflict, exploring implicit biases, and combating toxic masculinity.
The series will run monthly until July 2024. Each webinar will be recorded and available for viewing up to a week after airing.
Groundswell organizers issued a statement “urging vigilance and care” after the Oct. 14 death of Illinois Palestinian American boy Wadea Al-Fayoume, who was killed in what police determined a hate crime.
Marginalized communities “continue to be harmed with misinformation and political rhetoric,” the Oct. 19 statement read. “We want to share resources to better prepare our communities against hate and bigotry… Violence only leads to more violence and diminishes the possibilities of dialogue and reconciliation.”
As part of Groundswell’s services and trainings, officials said to be on the lookout for upcoming hate prevention programs.
To report a hate incident, you can fill out a form online at hatecrime.211oc.org, email [email protected], call 2-1-1 and press #6, or text OCHATEACTIVITY to 898211 to receive a direct link.
For more information and to register for the “Shaping Tomorrow” series, visit wearegroundswell.org/shaping-tomorrow-series.
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