ANTI-RACISM PROJECT
I.
Recognize
What is racism?
Racism is the belief that some races are superior to others, which leads to unfair treatment or discrimination. It can show up in attitudes, actions, policies, and systems that harm people.
Types of incidents
01
Discrimination
Unfair treatment of someone because of their race, religion, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, or another protected characteristic.
04
Hate Propaganda & Material
Materials or messages that promote hatred, advocate genocide, or publicly encourage hatred against an identifiable group.
02
Hate Crime
A criminal act motivated wholly or partly by hate or bias against an identifiable group.
05
Online Hate
Cyberbullying, harassment, or hateful content targeted at an identifiable group through digital platforms, social media, or online communities.
03
Hate Speech
Public words or messages that promote or encourage hatred against an identifiable group.
06
Graffiti & Vandalism
Property damage or defacement featuring hateful symbols, slurs, or messages targeting an identifiable group.
II.
Respond
If you experience hate or racism
Stay
SAFE
S
Stay Safe
If you feel threatened, move away from the situation and go somewhere you feel safe.
A
Ask for Help
If you are being verbally or physically attacked, let others close by know you need help. You do not have to deal with racism alone.
F
Find Support & Report
Write down what happened as soon as you can. Include important details such as what happened, when and where it happened, who was involved, and anyone who witnessed it. If there are relevant messages, screenshots, videos, or other evidence, keep them.
E
Empower Yourself
Remember that racism is not your fault. Take time to process what happened and remember that you have the right to feel safe, respected, and included. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
If you witness racism or hate incidents
Be an
ALLY
A
Assess Safety
Is it safe for you to say or do something? Your safety is key to being a good witness.
L
Listen & Support
If it is safe, engage the victim in conversation. Ask, “Are you okay?” or “Would you like some help?” This will let the perpetrator know that the victim is not alone.
L
Link Up with Others
If it is safe, involve other witnesses or people nearby. Gather support and work together to help the person. There is power in numbers.
Y
Your Voices Matter
If it is safe, document what happened by noting the time, date, and location, or taking a photo/video from a safe distance. Ask the victim what they would like to do with the documentation and never post it online without their permission. Also, offer support in reporting the incident.
III.
Report
Who can report an incident?
Victims, witnesses, or anyone with information about the incident who is reporting on behalf of a victim or witness.
Where to report?
Emergency
A crime is happening, someone is in immediate danger, or property is at immediate risk of a criminal act.
Call 911
Non-emergency
A hate crime has occurred without immediate danger, property was targeted, or online posts contain threats or evidence of a possible crime.
Call your local police non-emergency line or report in person:
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Vernon, Coldstream & Cherryville: 250-545-7171
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Armstrong & Spallumcheen: 250-546-3028
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Lumby: 250-547-2151
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Enderby: 250-838-6818
You can also report online:
Human rights complaint
You experience discrimination in areas protected under BC’s Human Rights Code, such as employment, housing, or services.
BC Human Rights Tribunal
1-888-440-8844
For assistance - BC Human
Rights Clinic:
1-855-685-6222 intakebchrc@clasbc.net
IV.
Recover
You don’t have to go through it alone. These services offer support, counselling, legal help and ways to report.
Racist Incident Helpline
Available Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (PT)
It’s free, confidential and available in over 240 languages.
1-833-HLP-LINE
1-833-457-5463
The Racist Incident Helpline is not intended to replace emergency services. If you are in immediate crisis or danger, call 911.