On June 20, 2020, Love Lives Here Sandpoint, was launched in Sandpoint. The campaign is sponsored by Bonner County Human Rights Task Force, the Human Rights Education Institute, Love Lives Here CDA and Western States Center to bring a kindness campaign to North Idaho businesses and organizations.
Love Lives Here Sandpoint will offer business owners in the Sandpoint area the opportunity to visually express that all are welcome to stores and service locations. By making a firm commitment to the program's human rights declaration, owners will be presented with a "Love Lives Here SDPT" six inch sticker to display at their front entry as a sign of acceptance of all people regardless of race, gender, nationality, sexual orientation, religion and more.
The program hopes to counter the negative light cast on the community from the racist phone calls and hateful literature distributed in Sandpoint in the last couple of years. "Our message to visitors is Sandpoint welcomes diversity".
Additionally, a hate incident rapid response guide will be given to every participating organization, outlining the important steps one can take if they observe or experience a hateful incident.
In support of the "Kindness Campaign", Mayor Shelby Rognstad made an official proclamation at the June 17,2020 City Council meeting.
Any business owner or organization interested in learning more about participating can send their request to LoveLivesHereSdpt@gmail.com . The program is free of charge to participants. Any community members wishing to make a donation to help offset material costs, may send it to The Bonner County Human Rights Task Force, P.O. Box 1463, Sandpoint, ID 83864.
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