(October 26, 2001) -- In the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks, the issue of tolerance has surfaced. To combat hate among young people, the Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations (LACCHR) has introduced a new youth education program. It will form a Youth Advisory Council Team and launch a media campaign to promote tolerance.

According to the LACCHR, 50 percent of all felony hate crimes committed in 1999 occurred among youths. To promote interaction between young people, the LACCHR will hold art workshops where youths create anti-hate images and messages. Celebrities will also appear on billboards and make public service announcements in an effort to spark dialogue between groups. The campaign’s slogan “No Haters Here” will be sent out along with anti-hate posters during Diversity Month in November.

Junior Jennifer Turcious said, “There is a lot of hatred out there right now because of what happened and I think [the program] would be a good idea.”

Another part of the program is the Youth ACT, which consists of 15 people between the ages of 14 and 30. The Youth ACT will help the Commission “be more in touch with the youth,” said Assistant Executive of LACCHR Terri Villa-McDowell. The team will attend Commission meetings four times a year to offer input on creating campaigns and programs that are more youth-oriented. It will also provide leadership training for the team to help it recruit other youths in participating in the programs.

Those who wish to join must turn in a completed application form, a letter of recommendation and a 500-word essay, in which they must address issues concerning youths today. Anyone between the ages of 14 and 30 from different racial, gender, and religious backgrounds can apply and turn in their application forms by Nov. 15.