Throughout the county, the San Luis Obispo County YMCA afterschool programs have enthusiastically joined the “No Place for Hate” campaign. “No Place for Hate” is an initiative founded by the Anti-Defamation League, the purpose of which is to implement programs that actively encourage inclusion in our schools and communities. Through a variety of anti-bias activities, students have the opportunity to promote respect for individual and cultural differences, while challenging prejudice and bigotry.
Students in the Y’s afterschool programs were encouraged to select a project to express their commitment to making their school a “No Place for Hate” zone. Many chose to participate by creating art murals, while others practiced role playing in order to find solutions to the bullying and bias kids face every day. Many students have taken the “Resolution for Respect,” which is a formal pledge to combat prejudice in their school and their town. By making such a promise, the long term goal is to create a community that truly is “No Place for Hate.”