Program Activity Guide 2nd Edition: Helping Youth Resist Bias and Hate, Middle School

• NCJ Number: 239720
• Author(s): Deborah A. Batiste; Michael Wotorson
• Date Published: December 2003
• Length: 104 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2000-JN-FX-K005
• Agencies: OJJDP-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Instructional Material; Curriculum

Annotation

This publication provides parents, educators, and other adults with the tools and strategies to engage middle-school aged children in constructive discussions and activities about the causes and effects of prejudice and bias-motivated behavior, as well as to intervene with youth who engage in such behavior.

Abstract

This resource is a key component of Partners Against Hate, a comprehensive program of outreach, education, and training that addresses youth-initiated violence motivated by hate. Generally, the program activities are intended to increase awareness of bias crime and its effects and to share information about promising education and counteraction strategies for community professionals who work and interact with children of all ages. This publication contains five major sections. One section, "Background Information," provides information on the scope and nature of hate crimes and bias incidents, including bullying and violence at school. The second section, "Proactive Tools and Strategies To Help Youth Resist Prejudice and Hate," contains recommended practices, approaches, and programs for use in a variety of settings. The third section, "Interaction With Children and Youth on Issues of Diversity and Bias," includes information on how children ages 2-12 develop racial and cultural identity and attitudes, the role of parents and educators in helping children and youth resist prejudice and hate-motivated violence, along with ways to create environments that promote diversity. The fourth section, "Guidelines for Intervention and Outreach," includes frequently asked questions by teachers and administrators about how to respond effectively to bias incidents, bullying, vandalism, and hate crimes. Also included are tips for working effectively with parents, law enforcement, and other members of the community following such incidents. The fifth section, "Bibliographies," lists resources grouped under various subject categories. In addition, recommendations are offered on how to interact with children and youth constructively in addressing issues of prejudice.