Omaha, Neb., February 4, 2005 ... The Anti-Defamation League's Plains States Region is proud to announce the publication and free distribution of the first edition of a community resource guide, Making our World No Place for Hate®.  This colorful brochure is being circulated across eastern Iowa and the state of Nebraska in the Sunday, February 6 edition of the Omaha World-Herald newspaper.

"We are very proud of this community resource guide," said ADL Regional Director Bob Wolfson. There has been an alarming increase in recruitment activity among competing white supremacist and extremist groups in the Midwest in recent months.

"We have seen a very bold and a highly visible push on the part of groups like the National Alliance, the National Socialist Movement and Panzerfaust Records in our communities," Wolfson explained. 

"Their vulgar efforts to increase their ranks and spread their messages of hate and fear are offensive and have left many people angry, wondering if there is anything that can be done.  The community-based No Place for Hate® campaign is a powerful, proactive response that unifies communities and individuals."

The No Place for Hate® community resource guide offers suggestions and proven activities and programs that can be used by families, businesses, houses of worship, schools and community groups.  It also offers a Glossary and Calendar of Observances, responses to bullying and hate in schools as well as definitions and information on how to identify hate crimes and hate incidents and who to contact. 

Community groups or individuals simply need to read the guide's suggested activities, identify three activities or projects they are adopting for the year and sign and return the Resolution of Respect.  The guide is enhanced by an interactive website, www.noplaceforhate.com, which features more information, a printable version of the guide and encourages individual and community action involvement.

"We hope that people will not only read the guide, but that they will take action as well."  Wolfson added.  "This community-based initiative sends a strong message to those people who wish to divide our community and propagate their messages of hate. There is so much we can do to demonstrate that we reject bigotry, respect differences and celebrate our diverse community.  This is an opportunity for everyone to fight hate, build hope and work toward making our community No Place for Hate®."

Additional copies of the guide for businesses, schools and community organizations can be obtained by contacting the ADL's Plains States Region office.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.