We gather in support and solidarity for the Jewish community and to empower us to take action against all acts of hate, bias and discrimination that so often lead to acts of violence.
 
There will be a sign-making station, candles and resources from the Anti-Defamation League and Facing History and Ourselves about community responses to incidents and education opportunities. We will also have a children's book selection with some discussion questions for any parents who need guidance or support in how to talk to their children about difficult event (or for children in attendance who may need to be occupied). 

Please join us for a special dialogue to discuss how APS families, teachers, and staff can address, respond, and prevent incidents of hate and bias in our schools.

When incidents of hate, such as hate symbol graffiti, occur in our community, one of the first questions many people ask is, “What should we tell the children?” This interactive forum will provide educators, family members and other interested community members with guidance and recommendations for addressing hate incidents with our students. It will also explore ways that families and community members can partner with and support our schools to help prevent and respond to school-based incidents.
 

The Arlington Human Rights Commission invites you to our second annual community storytelling event:

Double Take Arlington: Stories That Make You Think Twice from the Arlington Community

Last year’s event drew several hundred Arlingtonians to Arlington Town Hall to hear the personal stories of eight members of the community. The goal of this project has been to help the Arlington community learn more about themselves and their neighbors. Our hope is that the more we learn about ourselves and our community, the stronger and more welcoming and understanding we will become.
 

Want to learn more about Double Take and how to share YOUR story. Come learn about the event and learn how to hone and craft your story

The Arlington Human Rights Commission invites members of the community to come together in support of the Jewish, immigrant and refugee communities and in action against hatred and bigotry of all forms. Please stop by the Town Hall Garden to light a candle, write a letter of support to the Squirrel Hill Jewish community in Pittsburgh, and contribute your ideas about how we can stand up to hate in our community and in the world. Hate Has No Home signs and bumper stickers will be available for purchase. PJ Library has donated a limited supply of social justice themed books that will be available for children and families. All are welcome to participate and contribute.

The AHRC hosted a community conversation, “Understanding Restorative Justice,” to help the Arlington community learn, discuss, and grow in our understanding of restorative justice. Restorative Justice is a victim-driven alternative to the traditional criminal justice system, which has been adopted by several states and municipalities, including Massachusetts and Arlington. The goal is to get offenders to take responsibility for their actions, to understand the harm they have caused, and to negotiate a resolution to the satisfaction of all participants.

Please join the Arlington Human Rights Commission and the LGBTQIA Rainbow Commission in solidarity for an inclusive Arlington and against recent incidents of hate. Hate has no home in Arlington. Please bring signs and your neighbors and friends and children.

More details about the incident are here: http://arlington.wickedlocal.com/news/20180502/someone-sprayed-homophobic-graffiti-on-arlington-high-parking-lot

In the last year, Arlington, like many communities across Massachusetts, has seen symbols of hate appear on schools, homes and houses of worship. While such acts are deeply troubling, there are ways we can fight back. All members of the community are invited to join the Arlington Human Rights Commission (AHRC) and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) New England for this important conversation and the opportunity to learn about the history and meaning of these symbols.