Michele Cotton advised that the Committee would be divided into two breakout groups to facilitate discussion regarding hate crimes. Ms. Cotton stated that each group would focus on the following discussion points:
- How do hate crimes impact individuals, families, and the broader community?
- What strategies, resources, or education campaigns can help create safer spaces for marginalized groups?
Members of the Committee engaged in a brainstorming session and presented ideas regarding impacts of hate crimes and strategies to create safer spaces which included:
- increased anxiety, divisions within the community, isolation among targeted groups, and negative effects on mental and physical well-being;
- focusing on establishing best practices for communicating hate crimes, including context for social media posts, and developing policies for safer community engagement;
- establishing a task force, including diverse community leaders and Town Council members, to address hate crimes and support inclusive solutions;
- promoting consistent government policies on human rights, and encouraging education, resources, and awareness through Town publications and community programs;
- encouraging community-building through initiatives like open dialogues, cultural celebrations, and supporting organizations that connect diverse groups; and,
- creating a proactive, Whitby-focused approach to combat hate, including providing context in social media, fostering inclusivity in Town facilities, and establishing an action committee to implement sustainable change.