The proclamation, signed by San Francisco Mayor Edwin M. Lee, was presented to Not In Our Town Executive Director Jonathan Bernstein at a special Human Rights Commission meeting last night. The City and County of San Francisco's Human Rights Commission had called the meeting to explore hate crime trends and anti-bullying efforts.

 

The proclamation states that: "Not In Our Town has motivated thousands of people to develop their own initiatives to overpower hateful actions and voices in our communities" and "the City and County of San Francisco is proud to recognize Not In Our Town's Week of Action, which takes place from September 18-24, during which time people across the country are taking action to build communities that are inclusive for everyone."

 

For Bernstein, the proclamation will encourage others to speak out against hatred.  

 

"With the endorsement of the mayor and collaboration of the city's Human Rights Commission, more San Franciscans will be empowered to declare 'Not In Our Town' whenever a hate crime happens," said Bernstein as he accepted the plaque from Mayor Lee's Deputy Chief of Staff Paul Henderson.

 

Click here to read the full proclamation and see sample Not In Our Town proclamations from across the county [2]. Take action in your community—here's six ways to get involved [3].

 

Image: Not In Our Town Executive Director Jonathan Bernstein and San Francisco Mayor Edwin Lee's Deputy Chief of Staff Paul Henderson.