Transforming Bigotry and Hate: From Awareness to Action
175 attendees, representing a variety of faiths, age groups and races, participated in a full day of interactive workshops, lectures and small group dialogues, exploring the roots of hate and bigotry and seeking creative solutions for transforming our lives, our communities, and our world. Beginning with an interactive session on managing our prejudices, the day also included a panel of faith leaders, a keynote address by a former white supremacist whose life was transformed by love, and small groups explorations facilitated by local faith and civic leaders. Between sessions and over lunch, participants were able to take selfies holding signs with positive messages, exchange views, and get to know one another. Hosted by JAM & All Interfaith on the campus of Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, with financial and in-kind support from numerous local interfaith, religious, community, student and social justice groups and supportive individuals, the conference was a first in our area, and was acclaimed by all as a great success. New awarenesses were created, new friendships were made, and many participants expressed renewed hope and energy for making changes within themselves to effect change in the world. There is strong support for making this event an annual one.