Community unites to defeat racism

Stoke-on-Trent, Newcastle-Under-Lyme and Staffordshire Moorlands are places where the diversity of peoples from different backgrounds is appreciated and valued and where there are positive relationships between people from different backgrounds in the workplace, schools and the community. All have a right to live in a just society where racial, religious or cultural differences exist in an atmosphere of mutual respect and where every individual is treated equally and fairly regardless of race, colour of skin or religion, and live together in peace and fellowship based upon a common understanding of security and justice.

There can be no place for those who seek to incite or encourage, blatantly or covertly, racial hatred, prejudice, stereotyping and discrimination between others.

As members of the human family we should show each other respect in our dealings with people of other races, faiths and beliefs. This means:

Respecting differences of race and culture and remembering that these differences between peoples do not indicate their worth;
Respecting other people's freedom within the law to express their beliefs and convictions;
Respecting the rights of others to disagree with us;
Working to prevent disagreement from leading to conflict;
Learning to understand what others believe and value;
Recognising that all of us at times fall short of the ideals of our own traditions, and never comparing our own ideals with other people's practices.

Living and working together is not always easy. Racial, religious and cultural differences harness deep emotions which can sometimes take destructive forms. When this happens we must draw upon our strengths to bring about reconciliation and understanding. We have a great deal to learn from each other which can enrich us without undermining our own identities. Together, listening and responding with openness and respect, we can move forward in ways that acknowledge genuine differences but build on shared hopes and values.

In collaboration with the Evening Sentinel and in the light of recent events PARINS (Partnership Approach to Racial Incidents in North Staffordshire) is calling upon everyone to join a Campaign to eliminate racism in North Staffordshire.

Please also invite your colleagues and friends to sign-up and help us to create a groundswell of public opinion which affirms the right of every individual to be treated equally and fairly regardless of race, colour of skin or religion. Collectively we can make our individual gestures count.

Racial, religious and cultural differences harness deep emotions which can sometimes take destructive forms. When this happens we must draw upon our strengths to bring about reconciliation and understanding.

In April 2005, the Evening Sentinel spear-headed a similar campaign supporting everyone's right to live in a just society where racial, religious or cultural differences can exist in an atmosphere of mutual respect. Over 3000 signatures were obtained and more recently another 271 people have signed. This time we would like to at least double this figure.

If you want additional copies of the Declaration or to speak to anyone, ring Theresa on 01782-407947 or email: theresa@nsrec.co.uk. Alternatively visit the PARINS office at Equality House, 75-77 Raymond Street, Hanley ST1 4DP. You can also sign on the PARINS website www.parins.org or the Sentinel's at www.thisisthesentinel.co.uk/harmony or use FREEPOST MID 19857