Not In Our Town

Media Production - Storytelling and media are central to NIOT's mission, not only to build awareness about the dangers of bigotry and bias, but more vitally, to provide communities with inspiring models for action and the possibility for change. Through documentary filmmaking, NIOT captures the stories of real-world community action in response to hate crimes. These films are then used to build awareness and spark positive change, providing living examples of how communities can stand up to hate. NIOT films provide a road map for communities who are seeking ways to respond to and prevent hate and bullying. Our organization has built vital outreach partnerships for our films with national organizations and governmental agencies. In 2022, NIOT completed post-production and premiered Repairing the World: Stories from the Tree of Life, a feature documentary for public television and community engagement project that chronicles the courageous response of the Pittsburgh community in the aftermath of the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history at the Tree of Life synagogue in 2018. The film follows the families of the victims, Pittsburgh residents, and civic leaders as they examine their vulnerabilities and the impact of anti-Semitism, racism, hate speech, and gun violence. The film will be utilized domestically and internationally by community groups, activists, and schools. The theatrical version of the film was completed in Spring 2022, premiered at four film festivals, and won the Audience Award for best documentary at three festivals. NIOT began developing the plan for an engagement campaign for communities and schools that would accompany a public television broadcast in 2023. NIOT.org offers over 100 free films and action guides for anyone seeking advice about how to stop hate and bullying. Specialized resource centers were created for educators and law enforcement groups at Notinourschool.org and NIOT.org/cops.

Not In Our School is an integral part of NIOT's community engagement program, but offers unique resources for teachers, students, school leaders and parents. In 2022, NIOT offered a series of workshops for teachers on addressing hate and bias in schools and creating identity safe environments for all students. One national workshop was offered through AFT's Share My Lesson program. NIOT began offering Not in Our School workshops for teachers in Fall 2022.

Community Engagement - Not In Our Town takes an inherently collaborative approach to civic action, grounded in the belief that when different sectors of a community unite around their core values, they can create a powerful response to hate-fueled bigotry and create a safer, more inclusive atmosphere for everyone. Not In Our Town (NIOT) is a movement to stop hate, racism and bullying, and build safe, inclusive communities. NIOT's goal is to foster thriving, diverse, and equitable communities where all residents feel safe, accepted, and encouraged to participate in public life. Our programs and proven strategies - comprised of grassroots film screenings, town hall meetings, coalition building, creation and distribution of organizing tools, fostering collaboration across key institutions, and evaluating impact - inspire and sustain broad and diverse community-based movements. As a result, NIOT currently serves a national network of over 150 communities that are standing against hate and inequality and working to bridge differences to advance inclusion. NIOT's fundamental conviction is that working at the local level - where innovative methods can be tested, evaluated, shaped, and shared - is critical to developing solutions.