Building Bridges, Not Walls: Join Us for United Against Hate Week 2025
In a time of deep division, our community is choosing a different path: one of active solidarity and shared humanity. The Resource Center for Nonviolence, in collaboration with the Santa Cruz County Office of Education, the Santa Cruz Public Library, and other regional partners, is proud to sponsor United Against Hate Week—a national week of action, again this year.
The need is urgent. Recent federal data confirms an alarming rise in hate crimes, with California experiencing a staggering 141.7% increase over the past decade. These aren’t just statistics; they represent our neighbors living in fear.
United Against Hate Week is our collective answer. It’s a week to move beyond polarization and into connection. We’ll raise awareness about countering hate and bias, provide tools for productive dialogue, and, most importantly, express our unwavering support for every resident. Join us in turning the tide from hate to hope, and in affirming that in Santa Cruz, we protect one another.
From Pain to Power: A Photographic Glimpse into a Defining Moment in Santa Cruz History
Date: Sun 10/19 – Sat 10/25; First Friday Open House: November 7th
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Resource Center for Nonviolence
The powerful photo exhibit, From Pain to Power: A Photographic Glimpse into a Defining Moment in Santa Cruz History, will be available for community viewing at the Resource Center for Nonviolence (RCNV) throughout United Against Hate Week (October 19-26).
Viewing Hours:
Weekdays (Oct 19-24): 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Weekend & Evening Events: During scheduled UAHW events at RCNV.
We will also hold a special Open House reception for First Friday on November 7th.
This compelling exhibit by photojournalists Kevin Painchaud and Shmuel Thaler, featuring over 40 images, captures the spirit and resilience of the Santa Cruz community during the summer of 2020 as residents rallied for racial equity and justice.
Exit Project
Date: Mon 10/20
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Resource Center for Nonviolence
Through music & poetry, we’ll explore the roots and consequences of the extraordinary polarization that currently grips our world. This performance will include among other original works the USA premieres of “Split Space” by Maya Barsacq and “There is no city” by Anna Bofill and the world premiere of Julia Barry’s “Finding the Bridge.” The ephemeral art of Gabriel Roca will be recreated on stage at the beginning of the performance.
Photo credit: RR Jones, 2023 Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music
Poster design: Aida de Miguel
Restorative Justice 101
Date: Tue 10/21
Time: 5 PM – 7 PM
Location: Online
Interested in learning more about restorative justice?
Join the Conflict Resolution Center to learn about and discuss the many layers and nuances of restorative justice. This 2 hour introductory workshop will review and discuss the foundation and applications of Restorative Justice. Restorative Justice 101 is designed to be an interactive and engaging experience, so come with your curiosities and share your love for community with others!
This free workshop will cover:
- The basics of what restorative justice is and isn’t
- The different ways it can be implemented
- The underlying principles and foundations
- How it differs from criminal justice
- Who benefits from restorative justice and how
- Ways Restorative Justice is being implemented in Santa Cruz County and more!
Registration: https://forms.gle/Mi7fqHKygmAzMu2q9
“American Aspirations” Community Conversations
Date: Tue 10/21
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Resource Center for Nonviolence
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Speaking Up to Bias Training
Date: Wed 10/22
Time: 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Location: Resource Center for Nonviolence
How do you respond when you hear a prejudicial statement in the workplace and social situations? Afterwards, do you regret what you said or the fact that you didn’t say anything at all? This workshop will explore ways of speaking up against bias as an ally, with the aim of inviting reflection and dialogue, rather than shaming, blaming, or alienating the speaker (who may be your close colleague or loved one). Examples of unintentionally biased statements, culled from actual conversations, will provide material for discussion and practice.
Registration: https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MjM2NTQ4
Rally for Justice: People of the Americas Unite!
Date: Fri 10/24
Time: 4 PM – 6 PM
Location: Santa Cruz Clock Tower
Join us at the People of the Americas Unite rally at the Santa Cruz Clock Tower! Let’s come together in a spirit of unity, compassion, and democracy to shape a more inclusive approach to immigration and foreign policy.
People of the Americas Unite!
Date: Fri 10/24
Time: 6 PM – 10 PM
Location: Veterans Memorial Building in Santa Cruz, CA
Join us at the People of the Americas Unite event at the Veterans Memorial Building in Santa Cruz, CA! Let’s come together in a spirit of unity, compassion, and democracy to shape a more inclusive approach to immigration and foreign policy. This gathering will highlight the importance of respect for vulnerable communities and our neighbors across Canada, Mexico, Central America, and beyond.
Featured speakers include Dolores Huerta (via pre-recorded video, co-founder of the United Farmworkers Union), Camila Chavez (executive director of the Delores Huerta Foundation, daughter of Dolores Huerta, and niece of Cesar Chavez), Daniel Sheehan (Chief Counsel of the Romero Institute), and Chase Iron Eyes (Executive Director of the Lakota People’s Law Project). To close the evening, renowned Brazilian musician Poranguí will share his powerful music.
The day begins with a free, public rally at the Clock Tower in downtown Santa Cruz at 4 PM. Talks begin indoors at 6 PM, with music starting at 8 PM, and the event concluding at 10 PM.
This in-person gathering is a unique opportunity to celebrate community, build cross-border solidarity, and envision a healthier, more connected future for all peoples of the Americas. Together, we can create a more welcoming and inclusive continent! This event is being brought to you by the Romero Institute, the Lakota People’s Law Project, the Dolores Huerta Foundation, the Resource Center for Nonviolence, and Heart Tribe Presents. The Resource Center for Nonviolence is offering 20 scholarship tickets to organizers in the community for whom the purchase price presents a financial hardship! Please reach out to Gail Valker if you’d like to apply for free entrance! Gail is at: gail@rcnv.org.
Gratitude to our promotion partners: University of California at Santa Cruz Community Studies Department, Barrios Unidos (Santa Cruz), Coastside Hope (San Mateo), Santa Barbara Student Housing Network, Border Angels (San Diego), Raíces y Cariño (Watsonville), Marin Rapid Response Network, Planned Parenthood Mar Monte (Santa Cruz County), Al Otro Lado (Los Angeles), Your Allied Rapid Response for Santa Cruz County, Santa Cruz Recording Studios.
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/people-of-the-americas-unite-ft-porangui-dolores-huerta-via-recording-tickets-1545467156869
United Against Hate Week School Toolkit
Available: Throughout United Against Hate Week
Access: Online at sccoe.link/uahw24
Discover our digital toolkit full of resources for educators and families to integrate United Against Hate Week themes into classrooms and homes. This comprehensive guide ensures that the spirit of this week resonates beyond our events into daily learning and interaction.
About United Against Hate Week
United Against Hate Week (October 19-26, 2025) is a call to action for communities across the nation to stand against hate and bigotry and to build safe, inclusive environments for all. Santa Cruz County joins this national movement with a series of local events designed to educate, inspire, and mobilize our community towards greater solidarity and nonviolence.
United Against Hate was created by civic leaders in direct response to the sharp rise in expressions of hate in our communities. We want to empower local residents to take action in their local communities and alter the course of this growing intolerance.
When cities and their residents work together against hate, we can restore respect and civil discourse, embrace the strength of diversity and build inclusive and equitable communities for all.
Join us! You can post signs, host events, share stories, attend rallies, and connect with schools and neighborhood civic institutions. Nothing is too small, because working united in each community is what will defeat hate in all communities.
Learn more about United Against Hate Week
Who We Are
Santa Cruz County United for Safe and Inclusive Communities (SCCUSIC) is an informal but robust countywide collaborative group that works to reduce hate and bias across Santa Cruz County and strengthen our response when incidents do occur. Those involved come from all walks of life, including representatives of diverse racial and ethnic groups, the homeless, elected officials, law enforcement, religious leaders, and many others. The group was started in honor of Taliesin Namchai Meche, who was killed in a hate crime in 2017.
SCCUSIC receives invaluable advice and encouragement from Not In Our Town (www.niot.org), which spearheads the national movement to stop hate, address bullying, and build safe, inclusive communities for all.
We started out by organizing countywide activities to mark United Against Hate Week in fall 2021, which was very successful. We have been educating ourselves about how hate and bias incidents are currently handled across the County, where there is a need for improvement, and how SCCUSIC might help fill those needs.
What We Do
Education — Organize activities and events that raise community awareness about hate and bias incidents;
Referrals — Point victims of hate and bias to existing community organizations, programs, and services that may be able to help them deal with hate and bias directed at them; and
Advocacy — Advocate for specific improvements in how hate and bias incidents are handled in Santa Cruz County and its incorporated cities (Watsonville, Scotts Valley, Capitola, and Santa Cruz).
What We Don't Do
As a group of volunteers, we are not able to intervene in specific incidents. At this time, we are not in a position to mediate such incidents, to represent or speak for victims of hate and bias, nor to advocate on behalf of individual victims.
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