An excerpt from Tom Mesaros’ inspiration at Wednesday’s meeting set the tone for the day - “we love the people our children chose to love – be accepted by accepting others….”
The day’s featured program centered on the wide-ranging work of the PNW Anti-Defamation League (ADL.org) that promotes non-discrimination in all its forms.
The day’s featured program centered on the wide-ranging work of the PNW Anti-Defamation League (ADL.org) that promotes non-discrimination in all its forms.
Seattle #4 President-elect, Jon Bridge, introduced PNW-ADL Regional Director, Miri Cypers, as an experienced Legislative staffer, non-profit executive, and seasoned manager-doer who is leading ADL in key areas of education, advocacy, and non-discrimination while promoting dialogue about Diversity, Equality, and Inclusiveness (D.E.I.) for everyone.
She began her remarks with an overview of ADL, founded in 1913 to stop widespread antisemitism/defamation of the Jewish people. Since its inception, ADL has a long legacy of civil rights evolving to secure justice and fair treatment for Jews, Asians, LGBTQ+ and all people.
“Hate has grown and hate groups have become emboldened since 2016 with about 60% of hate crimes now religious based,” she said. “Washington State is a hotspot for hate crime with 590 reported last year – 190 were antisemitic incidents in 2023 up from 65 in 2022.”
In addition to tracking extremism including conspiratorial groups such as white supremacists, ADL is actively engaged in solutions and remedies to create a society of safety and inclusion. “There is no silver bullet to stop hate and promote justice,” she said.
“Addressing hate and bias start at a young age with student-led school initiatives to foster an understanding of bias.”
“Addressing hate and bias start at a young age with student-led school initiatives to foster an understanding of bias.”
ADL knows how social media can impact the real world. “Having direct dialogue has been sorely lost in conversation and community building,” she said. “We are developing and advocating public policies to protect people from hate. Social media online is having a profound impact on society, as the online world can mirror the real world.”
ADL has made progress, but these are challenging times as it has taken the initiative with by creating inter disciplinary teams to work with tech companies to fight hate online. “Start through the lens of 16 organizations brought together four times a year to create dialogue for important conversations,” she said. ADL is applying data to drive systemic change with programs such as the state’s new ‘Hate Hotline, and law enforcement ‘Hate Crimes 101’ training for best practices for investigating bias.
She concluded by encouraging Rotarians to visit their website available HERE to learn more about their work.
President Nancy ended the meeting with special recognition for Assunta Ng, publisher of the NW Asian Weekly and Seattle Chinese Post; and for new owners who will carry the legacy forward.
John Steckler encouraged attendance for Nancy’s final meeting on June 19, featuring the CEO of Friends of the Waterfront. Sign up for the President’s Party on June 27 at the Queen City Yacht Club.
Thanks for the detailed meeting report, Pete!
