TEACHING TOLERANCE

Is it possible to teach tolerance? Yes. Particularly if you start the process early. That's the time-tested conclusion of the experts at the non-profit organization Teaching Tolerance and tens of thousands of teachers, parents, and schoolchildren with whom they have worked. Here's some basic information about this wonderful initiative from its website, www.teachingtolerance.org:

Founded in 1991 by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), Teaching Tolerance is dedicated to reducing prejudice, improving intergroup relations and supporting equitable school experiences for our nation's children. To us, tolerance is an ethic. We provide free educational materials to teachers and other school practitioners in the U.S. and abroad. Our self-titled magazine is sent to 400,000 educators twice annually, in September and January, and tens of thousands of educators use our free curricular kits. More than 10,000 schools participate in our annual Mix It Up at Lunch Day program. Web-exclusive offerings include downloadable curricula, other classroom curricula and materials for youth and parents/guardians.

Our teaching materials have won two Oscars, an Emmy and more than 20 honors from the Association of Educational Publishers, including two Golden Lamp Awards, the industry's highest honor. Scientific surveys demonstrate that our programs help students learn respect for differences and bolster teacher practice. The best way to stay in touch with us is by subscribing to our free e-newsletter.

If you are a teacher, parent, student, or have an interest in knowing what you can do to foster tolerance, check out the website. I confess that I am prejudiced. I count SPLC Center founder Morris Dees and Center President Richard Cohen as good friends. Please be tolerant of me. Friendship aside this is a great endeavor.