Philanthropy Friday: The Anti-Defamation League

Anti-Defamation League Regional Director Nancy Baron-Baer

Who are you? Nancy Baron-Baer, regional director of the Anti-Defamation League.

When was The Anti-Defamation League founded? 1913.

What is The Anti-Defamation League‘s shining moment, to date? The Anti-Defamation League has a longstanding commitment to combating hate. The unemployment and economic distress following World War I led to the scapegoating of Jews and discrimination in education, employment, and housing. The Ku Klux Klan, dormant since the end of the Civil War, was revitalized. ADL’s model legislation to unmask the KKK became the basis for state laws, which were upheld as constitutional by the Supreme Court in 1928. By working to unmask the Klan during that time, ADL became widely known as a leader in the fight against hate.

How is any of your work LGBT-related? ADL has long been in the forefront of national and state efforts to deter and counteract hate crimes. Criminal activity motivated by bias is different from other criminal conduct; in a hate crime, the perpetrator attacks the victim against the victim’s actual or perceived status, such as the victim’s race, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability. Now, 45 states, the District of Columbia, and the federal government have enacted hate crimes laws based on (or similar to) ADL’s model statute.

If a check for $1 million found its way to my doorstep … We would have the means to expand our No Place For Hate™ program into every school. We could enhance our advocacy efforts for Hate Crimes Laws, and expand the creation and dissemination of resources that promote community security and challenge bullying and cyber-hate.

Walk Against Hate

Special events coming up? ADL’s WALK Against Hate brings together people from across the region to reject bigotry and celebrate diversity. The WALK, sponsored by Teva and 6ABC, is intended to underscore that whether it takes the form of bullying within our schools, disparaging remarks on the Internet, harassment in the workplace or intimidation and ridicule in a sports arena, hate must be opposed by all of us. Join us, RAIN OR SHINE, for our fifth annual 5K WALK Against Hate, Diversity Expo and Entertainment Showcase on Sunday, May 17th, from 11 am to – 2 pm, on Martin Luther King Drive in Philadelphia.

This year’s event also features Diversity Expo, sponsored by Independence Blue Cross. It celebrates the wonderful diversity of the Greater Philadelphia Area. Organizations representing various cultural and community groups will be represented, and each will offer family activities, fascinating insight and friendly conversation. Multicultural Entertainment sponsored by Janney, on stage, throughout the crowd, and along the physical walk path. Dancers, singers, a fire breather, a DJ, ice sculpting, bands, drummers, and bagpipers — we’ll have something for everyone to enjoy. Artist’s Circle – Kids’ activities, including face-painting and balloon animals, hair painting, removable tattoos and more.

The registration fee for the WALK is $10 for adults and $5 for youths. Funds raised through the WALK Against Hate will be used to support ADL’s mission, to “secure justice and fair treatment to all.” For more information click here.

Equality PA at Walk Against Hate

Are there ways I can contribute without giving money? Take part in the WALK Against Hate, attend the diversity expo and learn about the people from various backgrounds that are our neighbors in the Philadelphia area. Stand together with ADL to embrace diversity! This is an opportunity for you to make strides against bigotry and hatred in our community. Also, advocate! Register at our action center and tell your members of Congress where you stand on ADL issues. Click here for more information.

I’m short on time, how can I donate money? You can make a tax deductible donation online by visiting here and simply click on the donate button or mail your donation to: Anti-Defamation League, 1500 Market Street, Suite 2415, West Tower, Philadelphia, PA 19102