ADL Texoma's work encompasses a robust agenda of initiatives that are critical to maintaining safety and security for the Texoma Region (North Texas and Oklahoma). Educating our community at large, investigating incidents of hate, and advocating on a broad range of civil rights issues, ADL fights antisemitism and all forms of bigotry, bias and discrimination, defending democratic ideals and civil rights for all.
ADL is deeply committed to making schools inclusive spaces for all young people. There is a consistent increase in bullying incidents against students of all ages and students do not always report when they are being bullied. In a time when more students are online, cyber-bullying is prevalent and it is imperative for schools to have anti-bias and anti-bullying programs to combat it. This is why it is imperative to have anti-bias and anti-bullying programs in our K-12 schools. ADL's No Place for Hate program, which helps students to actively challenge bias and work together to make their schools more inclusive environments, continues to be in high demand and is growing exponentially. The program is on an increasing number of campuses in the Texoma Region, currently impacting 80,000 students and educators annually. ADL launched a new program this year - Awareness to Action, a student course on antisemitism which includes an interactive digital learning experience filled with stories, photos, videos, checks for understanding, reflections and scenarios. The course can support school communities in responding to bias or antisemitic incidents or as a proactive education tool.
ADL provides critical investigative resources and support to anyone in our community who experiences or witnesses an antisemitic or hate incident and is a voice for fair treatment to all. In the Texoma Region incident reporting has risen at an alarming rate, including cyber incidents experienced by teenagers in our community. By tracking the data, ADL is able to identify trends and share information with regional law enforcement agencies to respond to these incidents and provide resources to the impacted communities.
ADL advocates both federally and within state legislatures to combat hate crimes and bullying both online and on the ground, for immigration reform and refugee rights, advancing LGBTQ rights, safeguarding the right to vote, and promoting racial justice and religious freedom. We analyze hate crime data‚ track and expose online hate, educate law enforcement and community leaders across the country on notable trends. This year, ADL hosted a virtual ADL Lobby Day so U.S. Senators could hear from their own constituents on ADL priorities, including the Countering Antisemitism Act, Antisemitism Awareness Act, Nonprofit Security Grant Program and the Protecting Students on Campus Act. During Lobby Day, ADL hosted 53 meetings, connecting hundreds of volunteers from the ADL communities in 31 states with their Senators. With your support we can do more.
Your support through North Texas Giving Day will empower our efforts to continue providing our programs and services throughout the community.