“First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out –
Because I was not a socialist.
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out –
Because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out –
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me –
and there was no one left to speak for me.”
—Martin Niemöller
Can one person really make a difference?
Yes! History has shown that the actions of individuals can have an enormous positive impact on the lives of others. The enduring lessons of the Holocaust include not only stories of human cruelty, but also of the differences made by ordinary people who chose to do good in the world and who helped their fellow human beings.
Five Things You Can Do
Here are five things you can do to help prevent racism and discrimination, and make a difference.
1. Stay Informed
- Know what is going on locally, nationally and globally.
- Understand the causes, signs and consequences of prejudice, racism, antisemitism and stereotyping in society.
- Stay in touch with us. Join our email list, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.
- Visit Genocide Watch for current updates.
2. Engage
- Engage your family, friends, classmates, teachers and community in the discussion.
- Get inspired and join a campaign related to anti-genocide and human rights advocacy by visiting the following websites:
- Connect with a local team of like-minded young adults who share your interest in human rights and social justice issues:
3. Speak Up
- Find and write your local MLA (Member of the Legislative Assembly) and local MP (Member of Parliament) to address social injustices.
- Speak up about or report an experience of discrimination or harassment against you or your fellow human.
- Report an antisemitic hate crime
4. Bring a Program to Your School
- Bring a Holocaust education program to your school.
- Consider planning a Holocaust-related program at your school on one of the following commemorative days:
- International Holocaust Remembrance Day (IHRD), January 27
- Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day (Israel), date varies
- World Refugee Day, June 20
- Canadian Multiculturalism Day, June 27
- Kristallnacht / International Day Against Fascism and Antisemitism (Europe), November 9
- Remembrance Day, November 11
- International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime, December 9
- International Human Rights Day, December 10
5. Support the VHEC
- Become a member. Becoming a member of the VHEC (or renewing your membership) supports Holocaust-based anti-racism education that makes a difference in your community.
- Donate. Whether it’s a one-time donation, a monthly contribution or a legacy endowment gift, supporting the work of the VHEC helps empower young people in your community to become engaged citizens.
