Twenty five years ago this month was the first local “Not In Our Town (NIOT)” gathering in Bloomington-Normal, IL. Inspired by the Working Group’s PBS film of that name, community members gathered to view and discuss the half-hour film about anti-discrimination efforts in Billings, Montana. Community activist Mike Matjka shares some stories from the intervening 25 years.
Blog
December 17, 2020 - 11:27am
The broadcast launched the first "Not In Our Town" week, as communities across the country examined their own experience with hate, racism and intolerance, and strategized together about how their actions could mirror the impact they saw in Billings.
November 23, 2020 - 7:22am
This Virtual Conversation features Cynthia Miller-Idriss and Pete Simi, national experts whose work deeply explores the threat and examines how to counter the recruiting methods of white nationalist movements. The panelists share a deep connection to the topic and a horrific act of hate. Standing up to hate starts with our communities. Watch now!
November 18, 2020 - 6:10am
After being wrongfully accused of harassment by their neighbors, Art and Camille Taylor turned the painful incident into a teachable moment, using it to launch a book drive so that all students can feel safe to be who they are. The community of Bloomington Normal showed their support with a drive-by rally and donation drive for Not In Our School.
November 5, 2020 - 8:50am
How do we support our young people in the face of political divisions? Students in Bloomington Normal, IL are sharing core values on how to interact. This election is affecting Americans on a personal level perhaps more than any election in our lifetimes. Young people on both sides of the political divide are taking the rhetoric and the election results to heart. In Bloomington-Normal, Illinois, the Not In Our School chapter is helping students navigate post election conflict