Campaign supports shop owners, targets discrimination

SANDPOINT — N.Idaho Women have partnered with Bonner County Human Rights Task Force, the Human Rights Education Institute, Love Lives Here CDA, and Western States Center to bring a special “kindness campaign” to North Idaho businesses and organizations called Love Lives Here Sandpoint.

The program will launched June 20, the first day of summer. The solstice is the longest day of the year and symbolizes the long inclusive reach to supporting all human rights.

Love Lives Here SDPT, a kindness campaign, will offer business owners in the Sandpoint area the opportunity to visually express that all are welcome to stores and service locations, organizers said in a press release. By making a firm commitment to the program’s human rights declaration, owners will be presented with a “Love Lives Here SDPT” six-inch sticker to display at their front entry as a sign of acceptance for all people regardless of race, gender, nationality, sexual orientation, religion, and more.

“We wanted to offer a way for our business community to display a friendly message at their door that reflects the genuine kind heartedness of our community.” N.Idaho Women spokesperson Diane Miller said of the campaign’s intent.

The program hopes to counter the negative light cast on the community from the racists phone calls and hateful literature distributed in Sandpoint the last couple years. “Our message for visitors is Sandpoint welcomes diversity,” Miller said.

Additionally, a hate incident rapid response guide will be given to every participating organization, outlining the important steps one can take if they observe or experience a hateful incident.

N.Idaho Women tailored their program after the Human Rights Education Institute’s very successful campaign in Coeur d’Alene that began in 2019 to counter hateful racist literature left in mailboxes and businesses. They have now over 150 businesses and organizations displaying a welcome sticker, including North Idaho College.

In support of the “Kindness Campaign”, Mayor Shelby Rognstad made an official proclamation at the June 17 City Council meeting.

Any business owners or organization board members interested in learning more about participating, can send their request to LoveLivesHereSDPT@gmail.com The program is free of charge to participants. Any community members wishing to make a donation to help off-set material costs, may send it to Bonner County Human Rights Task Force at PO Box 1463, Sandpoint, ID 83864.