Leadership Conference on Civil Rights

America is continually growing more diverse. Somewhere around the year 2050, no one race will be a majority in this country. Our diversity is our strength, enriching our businesses, our schools and universities, and our entire nation.

Our nation's future depends on finding new ways for the world's most diverse people to live and work together. But all we have to do is read newspapers, watch TV news, or surf the web to see that racism, prejudice, and discrimination are still very much alive in America.

In the aftermath of the September terrorist attacks, maintaining national unity is more important than ever. While we are not all where we need to be, together we can all get there. There is a role for everyone to play. Young people can be catalysts for change with older generations and serve as role models for the children in their lives. Parents, grandparents, teachers, and neighbors can work together to create schools and communities free of bigotry and bias. Together, we can continue to expand our horizons, grow, and enrich our lives.

It's never too early to start making a difference or continue the work of earlier generations.

• Start a program at a school or in a community to talk and interact across racial, ethnic, and religious lines. Search our database for some model programs.
• Speak up and let others know that bigoted jokes and slurs are definitely not cool. Read "101 Ways to combat prejudice"
• Read books that talk about the experiences of the many communities that make up America. Visit the Partners Against Hate library.
• Learn how to enhance your ability to confront and reduce hate crimes and hate incidents.
• Visit our intergroup relations initiatives at www.community2000online.org and www.partnersagainsthate.org.

For more resources, visit these web sites:

• Kids and Teens
• FEMA for Kids
• CommUNITY 2000
• Selected Library Resources
• Selected Program Resources
• 101 Tools for Tolerance
• No Place for Hate: 101 Ways You Can Beat Prejudice
• National Youth Rights Association
• YouthNOISE
• Student Alliance For Equality (S.A.F.E.)

• Volunteer at one of the many organizations around the country committed to improving intergroup relations. Check out http://www.idealist.org/kt and servenet.org for volunteering opportunities specifically for people 18 and younger.
• Visit our Career Center for other volunteering ideas.

• Encourage local, state, and national leaders to take leadership roles in improving intergroup relations.
• Solicit the assistance of a teacher or community leader who will be helpful.
• Join civilrights.org and add your name to our database of other young people interested in fighting for social justice .
• Visit our Action Center for more ideas.
• Visit these sites for more information on related advocacy efforts:
  www.unitedagainsthate.org
  www.equalityatwork.org.