Participants at the National Leadership Gathering in Billings, MT

"The NIOT National Leadership Gathering was one of the most diverse conferences I've ever attended, not only ethnically, but geographically, across age groups, perspectives, occupation and experience. I've seen the Not In Our Town films and resources, but I finally was able to witness the impact of NIOT on the ground, and it was phenomenal."

—Nazmia Comrie, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, U.S. Department of Justice

In June 2014, 200 local leaders from around the country came together in Billings, MT for three amazing days of storytelling, idea sharing, and action planning. Representing 46 cities and 21 states, their common goal was simple: Let’s build safe, inclusive communities for everyone.

A day before the Gathering, at the Not In Our School Pre-Conference, educators and students from around the nation convened for an inspiring day of stories, tools, and strategies for promoting school safety and inclusion.

Learn more about the Gathering:

• Video: Leaders Across the U.S. Gather to Stop Hate, Together: 3-minute video with highlights from the Gathering. 
• What Was Your Favorite Moment at the National Leadership Gathering? A member of the NIOT team reflects on the Gathering with responses from across the NIOT network. 
• Taking NIOT Home: Hometown newspaper coverage of NIOT groups at the Gathering 
• Recognizing Differences: College student Luke Grabski writes, “If I learned anything from the NIOT National Leadership Gathering and the people there, it’s that I can personally make a difference.” 

Keep the Momentum Going:

• Get your Not In Our Town T-shirt 
• Download a Quick Start Action Guide for Communities and Schools
• Get a Free DVD to screen Waking in Oak Creek in your town or school

We thank the participants of the Not In Our Town National Leadership Gathering for making the journey and sharing their stories. And a big thank you to our event sponsors for helping to make it all possible! Together, we can stop hate. Together, we can build safe, inclusive communities for all.

Click here to see the impact of the Not In Our Town National Leadership Gathering.
Click here to see the impact of the Not In Our School Pre-Conference.