MOUNT VERNON - Fighting hate groups is a challenge in virtually every community in America, say organizers of groups dedicated to opposing them.

Without conscious efforts to resist the groups' influences and rhetoric, the opponents say, every community runs the risk of being affected.

"If a community doesn't have a problem, then it's probably a unique community," said Eric Ward, development director for the Seattle-based

Northwest Coalition Against Malicious Harassment.

"We need to utilize our own constitutional freedoms," Ward added. "That is the most powerful thing we can do. It's not magic, but it's the thing that does the most good."

Here is some advice from the anti-militia organizations on how to start similar groups:

Identify the problem. Have a meeting at someone's house. Have there been incidents of racism, violence or militia rumblings in the community? If so, identify the groups behind the trouble. If not, look to neighboring communities to identify potential trouble.

Find outside resources. Ward's group, for example, offers their expertise and helps groups get started.

Consult activists in other communities to see what kinds of events or strategies they develop.

Find out how to get your voice heard. Don't expect the media to find

your group. Expect to work hard to get your message out.

Education is one of the most effective ways of spreading the message, organizers say. Go to schools and churches. Speak about tolerance and diversity.

Enlist the arts community. Bring ethnic exhibits and shows to town. Give people a sense of cultural diversity.

Stay aggressive. Don't only react to hate groups or militia meetings.

Stay ahead of the game and get your message out first.

Get started.

"You're not going to go head-to-head and change the mind of someone who has espoused racism as their personal philosophy," said Brenda Hammond of the Bonner County Human Rights Task Force in Sand Point, Idaho.

"It's important to make a beginning. "Have a meeting. Just begin and then let it go from there."

For more information about opposing hate groups contact:

The Northwest Coalition Against Malicious Harassment in Seattle at (206) 233-9136. Email: NCAMH@aol.com

Klan Watch, a project of the Southern Poverty Law Center in Montgomery, Ala., tracks hate and militia groups. Their hotline is (334) 265-8335.

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