CIAAH | 3/23/17 FOCUS GROUP REPORT 1
Central Indiana Alliance Against Hate:
Community Focus Group: Follow up report
March 30, 2017
Purpose:
Approximately 30 members of the community gathered on Thursday, March 23, 2017 from 6-8pm, to
gain a wide-range of perspectives form those actively involved in issues to reduce hate to be used to
create a coordinated community response to incidents and prevention of hate crime and hate
incidents in Central Indiana. Open invitations for this focus group were disseminated broadly via
direct email and social media (Facebook, twitter) and the session was open to all members of the
community.
Attendees were given a brief overview of the purpose of the focus group and then asked to commit
to engaging in thoughtful, open, and respectful discussion to ensure inclusivity and collaboration
during the session. Attendees unanimously agreed. We asked all attendees to form groups of 5-6 to
answer several questions and as discussions progressed, all attendees had an opportunity to share
their thoughts and responses to these questions with the full group.
For a complete list of attendees please refer to the attendee sign-in sheets.
Summary:
The purpose of this report is to capture the outcomes of the structured exercises and open-ended
questions given to the group. This information should be used to inform decisions for defining
strategic priorities and outcomes for the Central Indiana Alliance Against Hate (CIAAH) in the first 6 –
12 months of operation. The work can also inform decision making for the CIAAH over the course of
its existence beyond the scope of this grant should the community-will exist.
Planningplus+
|PROFESSIONAL & ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT|
This Planning Report has been prepared by Planning Plus, LLC. in conjunction with the Fair Housing Center of
Central Indiana. Information contained in this document is intended solely for use for the 2017 CIAAH as a
resource tool in making informed decisions over the course of this project. Further dissemination of this
information is determined by the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana as the grantee.
CIAAH | 3/23/17 FOCUS GROUP REPORT 2
Small Group Discussion Question 1:
What do you identify as the 3-5 most critical issues we need to identify to adequately address hate-based
crimes or incidents in Central Indiana?
Group 1 Group 2
Clearly defined comprehensive and inclusive
Hate Crimes law.
Affected groups need to come together for
mutual support and to organize.
o Race, gender, disability, ethnicity,
sexual orientation, etc.
More opportunities for integration to build
understanding and dispel stereotypes.
Education of people about similarities,
differences, and extremism as well as how to
respond to radicalism in groups.
o Medial impact.
o Speakers.
“Selling the idea” of hate crimes to
conservatives.
Education (lack of) and economic inequality.
Access to resources.
Lack of representation.
Desire to change – be compassionate,
empathetic, and inclusive.
Group 3 Group 4
Inclusion of disability as a targeted group for
hate.
Recognition that HATE includes more than a
physical attack – verbal, terror, psychological
threats both tangible and intangible.
Early intervention to create a culture of
civility and sensitivity.
o Education, tools, alternatives.
Different is not bad!
Education.
Policy (reform or creation).
Race/demographics (what are the incidents
and statistics around these, pull data).
Cause (understanding the source).
Response “power of dialogue”.
Group 5
Identify why a Hate Crime Bill has not passed, including what pieces of it – words, ideologies - are
barriers towards getting it passed.
Work to understand key elements of these crimes and attitudes of hate to take educated action –
change the narrative. Understand we have inherent biases.
Create a database to track these incidents and crimes and use as an awareness tool/initiative so
people can take data-informed action.
Training programs to help victims, build allies, break barriers.
Intersectionality – use our circles to connect communities and build allies.
Common Themes
Data base of crimes and incidents.
Education and awareness tools, resources.
Gather support and information for Hate Crimes Law ahead of next session.
Continue dialogue in communities across Central Indiana to “change the narrative”, build allies and support.
CIAAH | 3/23/17 FOCUS GROUP REPORT 3
Small Group Discussion Question 2:
What are the top 3 safety concerns we need to consider when addressing these critical issues and the safety
and/or inclusion of diverse populations facing hate crimes or incidents in Central Indiana?
Group 1
Underreporting crime due to various factors.
o Distrust of police/government.
o Fear of deportation.
o Language barriers.
o Cultural and religious differences.
o Fear of retaliation.
Police training and education.
Educating public on how to interact with police/government to properly report and address these
crimes and incidents – solve problems and find services.
Building connections to community to end isolation.
Group 2 Group 3
Safe and affordable transportation.
Isolationism, grouping with like
people/cultures.
Fear and how it is addresses.
The media and false messaging.
Protection for the people reporting the
crimes/incidents and the victims.
Lack of reporting to law enforcement or
other advocacy groups.
o Disability emphasis for people with
guardians or in institutions.
Confidence by person reporting that action
will occur and there will not be retaliation for
reporting.
Resources available for caretakers.
Establish safe ways to report hate.
Interventions to de-escalate groups.
Group 4 Group 5
Lack of rapid-response team when reporting.
Self-harm might occur after reporting.
Gun laws.
Coercing public disclosure for those that feel
“outside” the circle can often expose them
and makes them a bigger target for these
incidents.
o Being undocumented
o Trans individual.
Racial profiling – law enforcement vs.
immigrants, religious groups.
“Safe spaces” are being infiltrated and
targeted for attack.
Harm against children.
Common Themes:
Fear when reporting that reports will go unanswered or will be retaliated against by police or perpetrators.
Ensure there are not only effective but safe ways to report incidents and crimes.
Isolationism is occurring out of self-protection further dividing communities.
CIAAH | 3/23/17 FOCUS GROUP REPORT 4
Small Group Discussion Question 3:
What would you identify as three action steps to improve the safety and inclusion of those groups facing hate
crimes or incidents in the Indianapolis area?
Group 1
Don’t defund PBS and have a PSA developed.
Building trust and relationships between different communities, and communities and government.
Encourage cross-cultural exchanges to build understanding between groups.
Develop sound political strategies to change public policy.
Challenge peoples’ assumptions through positive engagement.
Train people on how to do by standing intervention safely.
Group 2 Group 3
Visibility: encourage people to share stories
and experiences.
o Reframe the narrative.
Building support networks and confidence.
Spreading facts and educating in safe places.
Breaking down silos of oppression.
Hate law.
Review and change policies that could
perpetrate hate.
Build education – have dialogues cultural
exchange.
Use media to spotlight hate.
Educate First Responders.
Group 4
Use the media to spread positive stories happening.
Preventative mental health endeavors.
Cultural awareness training/workshops.
Police training.
Group 5
Visibility: campaign presence to combat false narratives being pushed by media – presence with a
purpose.
School personnel/administration be required to publish anti-bullying policy and evidence to show that
action is begin taken to enforce it.
Law of the Land – Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948 U.N. Declaration).
Enforcement Value…Accountability.
Shift focus of discussions from civil rights to Human Rights.
Common Themes:
Building trust across communities.
Visible campaign to encourage cross-cultural communication and decrease feelings of isolation.
Work with law enforcement and other government agencies to engage in training and develop channels of
communication and breakdown barriers.
Break through with facts and data.
Partner with schools to educate early.
CIAAH | 3/23/17 FOCUS GROUP REPORT 5
Small Group Discussion Question 4:
What resources (education, communication network, reporting mechanism/database, people, etc.) are needed
in the community to address hate crimes or hate related incidents?
Group 1
Speakers bureau to push message and do interactive exercises to build understanding.
Require that hate crime incidents be reported to develop a data base (Indianapolis Ordinance) and
promote to other cities – eventually take state-wide.
Address social media hate speech.
Build relationships with state legislators and other elected officials.
Group 2
Create a common language and understanding.
Money.
All viewpoints at the table and get corporate support.
Training to disarm and to engage opposing viewpoints – not everyone has the skillset.
Media attention and ad space - leverage social media.
Elevator speech.
Group 3
Data.
Political capital.
People willing to advocate and share – including former perpetrators.
Money.
Education about intersectionality, inclusion of all groups (like disability) using the CIAAH
Group 4
Positive media agencies
o YouTube, Netflix, where people are watching.
Better healthcare – esp. mental health focus.
Community organizers/leaders, elected representatives who have training on preventing and
addressing hate crimes.
Group 5
Database – use as a tool for changing legislation, responses, and minds.
Visibility – access to community (social just event, coalitions) #accessibility.
o Be part of the voices present.
Community agents.
Training opportunities for the perpetrators.
Law enforcement training (regarding the reporting of hate crime and next action steps).
Send local data base info to national database.
Common Themes:
Create data base to track hate crime occurrence.
Develop relationships with key thought leaders, local representatives and elected officials.
Training – for law enforcement, with law enforcement, school-based, and community based messaging.
Marketing materials with strategic messaging.
CIAAH | 3/23/17 FOCUS GROUP REPORT 6
Small Group Discussion Question 5:
Of everything that has been said tonight, what are the top three “strategic issues” for our long-term responses to hate crimes or incidents in Indianapolis
that you would like the Alliance to address in the next 6 months? What do you see as the most significant barrier to working together to achieve these
goals?
Group 1: Top three in 6 months Barriers
Work with bill sponsors and stakeholders to get a summer study
committee and develop strategies to pass a hate crime law.
Develop promotional campaign with social media strategy, print
materials, PSAs, for awareness and support of issues.
o Use celebrity to endorse PSA.
o Pass bill in 2018.
Develop resources on safe spaces and work with other.
o Use similar slogan/pitch – “We welcome everyone/we serve
everyone”.
Develop methods to get prosecutors and other governmental
agencies to support movement.
Enforce strict policies and sentence for hate crimes
Reaching legislators and voters.
Get past the noise and get the right message to the right person to
bring on board.
Group 2: Top three in 6 months Barriers
Inclusive, broad-based bi-partisan focus through group and
community discussions.
Clear messaging using a common language.
Frame the narrative about hate and dismantling the hate.
Build on existing alliances and coalitions and share resources and
best practices to achieve goals.
Reluctance to change
Cutting through and quieting the noise.
Breaking through territorial strife.
Group 3: Top three in 6 months Barriers
Gathering data.
Gather stories.
Grow the Alliance.
Answer WHY it matters.
Encourage conversations in our networks – in a safe space.
Toolkit – curriculum, fact sheets, messaging, “How to” guides.
Where do we begin?
Where will we get the data?
CIAAH | 3/23/17 FOCUS GROUP REPORT 7
Small Group Discussion Question 5 continued:
Group 4: Top three in 6 months Barriers
Counteracting negative/biased media.
Creating rapid-response strategy.
Putting pressure on representative to get bill passed against hate
crimes.
Getting community leaders on the same page.
Group 5: Top three in 6 months Barriers
Focus on awareness, information, and public relations campaign –
hate crime alert, marketing materials.
Identifying community stakeholders, organizations, and groups
(gate keepers) to assist with communication and long-term strategy.
Training programs (law enforcement, allies) with action steps.
Community/support network for survivors of hate crimes.
Develop strategic plan for stability and maintaining established
database.
CIAAH | 3/23/17 FOCUS GROUP REPORT 8
Next Steps and Recommendations:
Based on the input provided from the March 23, 2017 focus group we recommend the Alliance focus on (4)
Strategic Priority Areas over the next 6 months. We have also recommended the (3) work groups and aligned
goals to achieve the outcomes desired. You may find that you need to realign goals under a different work
group or change work group titles.
1. STRATEGIC PRIORITY AREA 1: POLICY AND ENGAGEMENT WORK GROUP
CONDUCT COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT WITH KEY PARTIES TO ENSURE PASSAGE OF HATE CRIME LAW
IN 2018.
2. STRATEGIC PRIORITY AREA 2: COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING WORK GROUP
GARNER SUPPORT FOR AND BUILD THE NETWORK OF THE CENTRAL INDIANA ALLIANCE AGAINST HATE.
3. STRATEGIC PRIORITY AREA 3: EDUCATION AND AWARENESS WORK GROUP
CONDUCT COMMUNITY EDUCATION AND TRAINING TO REDUCE AND ADDRESS HATE CRIMES AND
HATE-BASED INCIDENTS OCCURRING IN CENTRAL INDIANA.
4. STRATEGIC PRIORITY AREA 4: EDUCATION AND AWARENESS WORK GROUP (DATABASE SPECIFIC)
BROADEN CONTRIBUTION OF DATA TO A CENTRAL DATABASE TO CAPTURE ALL HATE CRIME AND
INCIDENTS OF HATE REPORTED.
CIAAH | 3/23/17 FOCUS GROUP REPORT 9
STRATEGIC PRIORITY AREA 1: CONDUCT COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT WITH KEY PARTIES TO ENSURE PASSAGE OF HATE CRIME LAW IN 2018.
Work Group: Policy and Engagement Work Group
GOALS/ACTION PLANS TIMELINES METRICS LEAD
RESPONSIBILITY
Work with the Pass a Hate Crime Law Coalition and any other existing groups and coalitions to
garner additional support of a Hate Crimes Law.
Identify current local/state policies that are contributing to the perpetration of hate.
Hold community round tables and/or panel discussions in at least (3) of the (11) MSA counties
to bring additional support and close the gap for those “sitting outside” the table.
Conduct “Lobbying 101” training for non-profit members of Alliance to demystify regulations
surrounding lobbying efforts.
Identify any additional lobbyist needs to pursue additional hate crimes bill co-sponsors and
supporters.
Identify additional key leaders to pursue passage of Hate Crime Law during the 2018 legislative
session.
CIAAH | 3/23/17 FOCUS GROUP REPORT 10
STRATEGIC PRIORITY 2: GARNER SUPPORT FOR AND BUILD THE NETWORK OF THE CENTRAL INDIANA ALLIANCE AGAINST HATE.
Work Group: Communications and Marketing Work Group
GOALS/ACTION PLANS TIMELINES METRICS LEAD
RESPONSIBILITY
Partner with public affairs and communication firms to:
Develop a case statement to garner support for CIAAH and its mission.
Develop communication strategy linked with social media.
Design promotional campaign and print materials.
Capture earned media and PSAs.
Identify a “local face” of the strategy and key messaging.
Identifying community stakeholders, organizations, and groups to assist with communication and long-term strategy
Develop white papers and case studies to support messaging and appeal to future donors and
key philanthropic leaders for ongoing support.
CIAAH | 3/23/17 FOCUS GROUP REPORT 11
STRATEGIC PRIORITY 3: CONDUCT COMMUNITY EDUCATION AND TRAINING TO REDUCE AND ADDRESS HATE CRIMES AND HATE-BASED INCIDENTS
OCCURRING IN CENTRAL INDIANA.
Work Group: Community Education and Awareness
GOALS/ACTION PLANS TIMELINES METRICS LEAD
RESPONSIBILITY
Partner with law enforcement to build on current training programs used to address hate
crimes, cultural diversity, and de-escalation with action steps and rapid response strategies.
Develop community-based training programs used to address hate crimes, cultural diversity,
and de-escalation with action steps and rapid response strategies.
Develop youth tool kits comprised of curriculum, fact sheets, messaging, “How to” guides for
schools experiencing incidents of hate or hate crimes or that want to proactively address hate
crimes and incidents of hate.
Work with school personnel/administration to understand current anti-bullying policies and what additional needs schools have.
Conduct community round tables and/or panel discussions to bring additional support to bring
in additional voices and understand individual community needs on the issue.
Gather stories for anecdotal data to be used in marketing and legislative testimony.
CIAAH | 3/23/17 FOCUS GROUP REPORT 12
STRATEGIC PRIORITY 4: BROADEN CONTRIBUTION OF DATA TO A CENTRAL DATABASE THAT CAPTURES ALL HATE CRIME AND INCIDENTS OF HATE REPORTED.
Work Group: Community Education and Awareness
GOALS/ACTION PLANS TIMELINES METRICS LEAD
RESPONSIBILITY
Develop partnership with area Police Depts to gather all pertinent and accessible data.
Identify additional groups within the Alliance that current have access to/track data and gather for database.
Identify additional organizations outside of the Alliance that currently track this information and build what has already been done.
Engage local higher education institutions to develop “white papers” and/or research to be used for Alliance.
Advance communication of database to ensure broad community use and input by those that witness and are victims of hate crimes and those that experience incidents of hate.