Human Rights Task Force is here to help
The May 22 annual meeting of the Bonner County Human Rights Task Force featured Tony Stewart, of the Kootenai County Task Force as speaker. He addressed the challenges of standing up for dignity and respect, speaking out against hate and supporting victims of bias and discrimination. He talked about examples of action over the last 30 years by the KCTF and in the last 20 years by the BCHRTF-standing up to the Aryan Nations, and other white supremacist groups.
The Bonner County Task Force consists of a general membership which is represented by a group of board members. The board members are elected from the membership, and candidates are all volunteers who have demonstrated their commitment to the HRTF mission and the willingness to devote their time and energy to the work of carrying out that mission. The board is made up therefore of those who are qualified by what is in their heart rather than by the color of their skin or their minority status. We wish to invite any and all persons to join the task force, as it is out hope to diversify our membership, and the board’s membership, with people of different life’s experiences and perspectives.
The task force is also here to help you. Indeed, since its inception, one of the published goals of the task force is “to provide a support system for people victimized by malicious harassment or intimidation,” and “to encourage appropriate response of law-enforcement agencies and governments to discrimination or harassment.” Whatever the nature of victimization, the BCHRTF offers to provide support for victims. The task force has a simple form that needs to be filled out-describing the time, place and details of the incident/s. The task force will then attempt to work with the victim to verify the report, to gather information, and then support him/her to seek an appropriate resolution of the issue. In the past, members of the Board have investigated many complaints and have accompanied individuals who have complaints to talk to law enforcement, to Health and Welfare, or other agencies with whom they are in disagreement. In some cases this has resulted in connecting an individual with another organization such as the ACLU or the Human Rights Commission, if the situation is one that is more appropriate for them to handle.
An important point was emphasized by Tony Stewart in his talk relating to the history and actions of the KCTF. In order to help to protect and support victims or potential victims of harassment and discrimination, it is absolutely critical that the task force have an open and positive relationship with law enforcement. Certainly, in the past, in the face of threats by the Aryan Nations and other racist groups, law enforcement has been key in providing protection to local citizens and human rights advocates.
To sum things up, the task force desires to help build a community in which every individual can live without fear or intimidation-a community in which every person’s strength and contribution is valued, respected and encouraged. In order to accomplish this goal, we must “believe in the inviolable dignity of each human being” — AND be able to talk openly about our differences. We must be able to see beyond the labels and the stigmas that divide us, find common ground, and move forward together towards a community of greater tolerance, inclusiveness and enlightenment. The HRTF is working toward this goal-and welcomes anyone who is interested in helping to join us. Contact us by calling 263-0275, send an email to: bchrtaskforce@gmail.com, or a letter to PO Box 1463, Sandpoint.
Now is the time for each of us to decide how to help protect our community from hate and bigotry, and to insure our human rights and freedoms. We welcome your ideas, your volunteer help and your donations.
BRENDA HAMMOND
Board President of the Bonner County Human Rights Task Force