Human Relations Council to host Response to Terror Summit
HEMET – In conjunction with the UN World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, the Human Relations Council of the Greater Hemet, San Jacinto and Menifee Regions is offering an in-depth community discussion about the recent tragic mass-shooting events in San Bernardino and other similar incidents.
The stated goal of the upcoming event is to help our local communities learn how to be part of the solution, not part of the problem. On their website, the HRC states, “Together we can improve communication between our diverse groups. With understanding and respect for each other, we can get along and build a safer and healthier valley.”
The community event – which is open to all those who wish to attend – is scheduled to be held at the Historic Hemet Theatre Saturday, May 21, from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. Coffee, pastries and fruit will be provided for attendees by Hemet’s Downtown Deli. The theatre is located at 216 East Florida Avenue, in Hemet.
The Keynote speaker for the event is Kevin Grisham PhD. Grisham is the Assistant Director of Research at the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at Cal State San Bernardino.
He is a noted expert in the analysis of terrorism, violent political movements and globalization.
Additionally, there will be a panel of local community leaders at the event; including representatives from local law enforcement agencies and several government entities, members of the Islamic community, representatives from local church organizations and other community leaders.
“When we live in fear, we tend to respond with anger.”
“It is critical that we learn to speak freely while allowing others to speak,” Linda Nunez, founder of the Veterans Alliance of Southern California and a strong advocate for better community relations, said about the upcoming event. “It is important to discuss and understand issues concerning increased rhetoric as well as the truth about domestic and international terrorism, and how they impact our daily lives.”
Nunez continued, “When we live in fear, we tend to respond with anger. We cannot find solutions – or compassion – in that space; only retaliation and blame. Both are forms of prejudice that seep into our thinking and actions, to the detriment of us all.”
About the Human Relations Council
The Human Relations Council was founded in 1998. It is a private nonprofit California corporation dedicated to promoting respect and positive human relations throughout our communities.
The HRC is a citizens’ group dedicated to building and improving cooperation and positive relations in the community by promoting legal, economic and political equality; promoting equal access to health, housing, education and employment; preventing and ending discrimination among people based on race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, age, disability or sexual orientation and providing resources and referrals to solve problems of hate and discrimination.
All of the Council’s activities are based one key principle – that every human being should be treated with equal courtesy and civility. The HRC accomplishes this by providing information and support to organizations and individuals; working directly with like-minded groups and government agencies; promotion of equal access to opportunities and fostering better knowledge and understanding about differences between different groups. The Council also provides help, advice and referrals to victims of discrimination or hate-related violence.
For more information about the Human Relations Council, as well as this upcoming and future events, call (951) 634-4048.
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