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CAMPAIGN LETTER from WHRTF CHAIR
September 2002

Dear Friend of Diversity:

In the past year, Whatcom Human Rights Task Force has worked hard to maintain our civil liberties and to protect diversity and equality in Whatcom County. We have helped foster compassion and dignity in our community.

Your generous $$ support in the past has contributed to activities like these that were provided over the past year:
* Whatcom Civil Rights Project, a collaboration with Fairhaven College's Law and Diversity Program, Law Advocates and the Task Force, which enhances and solidifies our capacity to provide assistance to victims of human rights violations.
* A newly-formed social justice youth organization [read about B.U.G.]
* Unlearning Racism workshops, along with the development of a team of trainers preparing to offer a variety of workshops in the community.
* Monthly human rights film series, designed to enhance interaction and understanding.[see current month's film]
* Fourth Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Conference [read about it-Jan 2002]
* Sixth Annual Human Rights Awards Banquet [see photo gallery]

After eight years of existence and five years as a nonprofit organization, the Task Force has reached a critical juncture in its evolution. Two events over the summer have brought us to this point.
** First, our low-rent office space on Indian Street ceased.
** Secondly, after three years, VISTA completed their funding of our staff position. Thus, we simultaneously need to generate continuing resources to pay for staffing and for a new office space.

The good news includes:
* New office space in Bay Street Village, a cozy office that keeps us visible/accessible to the public.
* Continued staffing by our former VISTA employee, Robin Elwood. Robin works for Americorps now and has arranged to continue to work 22 hours per week for the WHRTF.
* Completion of a 3-year strategic plan, that provides for continued action, direction and vision.
* On-going fund raising efforts and continued grant writing to sustain us into the future.

In the coming year, your $$ support will help the task force envision the following:
* Continuation of established activities, including those listed above
* Effective advocacy for those facing discrimination
* Expanded Unlearning Racism/Unpacking White Privilege workshops to be offered to more community agencies and organizations.
* Human Rights Book Discussion Group that meets monthly [details]
* Diversity in Schools trainings
* Allies Network, encouraging us all to work together for justice

Presently, communities everywhere need organizations like the Whatcom Human Rights Task Force to defend the rights of individuals and groups who are marginalized or profiled, and to be watchful for the erosion of, and minimizing of human rights. Please assist us in our collective pursuit of educating our community toward acceptance and celebration of our growing diversity.

Your financial contribution means the world to us, and it plays an integral part in our success. This year as we reflect on world events, think about the world we strive to create.
Your gift makes our work possible; please give generously. [easy print donation form]

Thank you!

Lisa Fox
Chair of the Board of Directors, WHRTF