The Working Group/Not in Our Town

Not In Our Town (NIOT) works in collaboration with cities and towns across the country to prevent hate crimes and build safe, inclusive, equitable communities. Through documentary filmmaking, NIOT captures the stories of real-world community action in response to hate crimes. These films are then used to build awareness and spark positive change, providing living examples of how communities can stand up to hate. This grant provides general operating support for NIOT. The organization plans to launch and expand projects such as website redesign, outreach for new films, and Hate and Bias Action Teams — a new program for cities with the aim of identifying, reporting, and ultimately reducing hate crimes and bias incidents.

Founded in 1988, The Working Group/Not In Our Town is an Oakland-based nonprofit strategic media and community engagement company that combines film and online resources with outreach and organizing efforts in the areas of workplace issues, race, diversity, and the battle against intolerance, encouraging democracy and citizen participation. Not In Our Town, the core program of The Working Group, works to guide, support, and inspire individuals and communities to work together to stop hate and build safe, inclusive environments for all. Storytelling that foregrounds solutions and encourages local action is central to Not In Our Town’s strategy. Practical action guidelines, coaching, convening, and engagement tools for communities, schools, and law enforcement are combined with documentary PBS films and online media that support local efforts to prevent hate, bullying, and intolerance, and encourage all residents to participate in public life.

The Working Group is a nonprofit media organization focused in the areas of workplace issues; race, diversity and the battle against intolerance; and encouraging democracy and citizen participation. They have led the Not In Our Town (NIOT) movement working to stop hate and bullying, and to build safe and inclusive communities. Funding from Hewlett will go to work in three main areas: supporting communities to tackle challenges, supporting students to be advocates for themselves and others, and engaging with law enforcement to build trust. Storytelling--particularly through film--will be a key approach, both to build awareness and inspire.