Not In Our Town  (NIOT) profiled how the town of Billings,Montana successfully ended a rash of hate crimes by refusing to remain silent.  White supremacists’tactics of fear and intimidation were met with and defeated by the infinitely more powerful forces of individual and community action. The public television broadcast of NIOT inspired many of its viewers to realize their own potential to make a difference.  The NIOT audience didn’t just react…they acted!  NIOT took on a life of its own,resulting a groundswell of response to intolerance,prejudice and hate crimes.  Not In Our Town proved that television can move beyond entertainment and information,inspire public dialogue and contribute to positive social change.  Not In Our Town II is the inevitable result of the countless,inspiring new NIOT events that came to our attention. Our work as documentary filmmakers is driven by the incredible stories of ordinary people who cast aside apathy and dosomething positive:volunteer to paint over Back to Resources Section racist graffiti,attend a unity event or organize a discussion group at their workplace or church.  Everyone can do something and no action is too small to be of value. NIOT II offers hope and provides proof that the spirit of freedom and tolerance on which our nation was founded continues to be a vital force today. Thanks for bringing these stories to your students.  We hope you find them as inspiring as we do. From THE WORKING GROUP “Hate crimes are acts ofviolence directed against people because of their racial,religious,ethnic,gender or sexual identity.  They are also acts of violence against the American ideal:that we can Leadership Conference Education Fund Cause for Concern: Hate Crimes In America