United Against Hate: A Community Engagement Initiative by VA Providence
VA Providence recently held a workshop titled "United Against Hate," organized by Kimberly Ferrante, the VA Providence Community Engagement and Partnership Coordinator.
The event featured a line-up of notable speakers aimed at addressing and combating hate crimes and discrimination effectively within the community.
Speakers included Amy Romero and David Neill, both representing the United States Attorney’s Office District of Rhode Island, who shared their legal expertise on the matter. Additionally, Shane Lee from the Nonviolence Institute contributed insights on reducing hate and improving community responses to such incidents.
The diverse expertise of the speakers provided a comprehensive overview of the issues at hand, from legal definitions and protections against hate crimes to practical advice on reporting and reducing these incidents. Attendees engaged with these experts, gaining valuable knowledge on how to address hate effectively in their environments.
This event is part of VA Providence’s commitment to actively participating in broader community issues and promoting a safe, inclusive environment for all, reflecting its ongoing dedication to service and community engagement.
Special thank you to our Community Partners: Department of Homeland Security, Thrive Behavioral Health, Newport County Mental Health CCA, Family Service of Rhode Island, The Providence Center, and The Mental Health Association of RI for attending this event.