Would you like to help combat the perceptions of fear and terrorism in your community or the world? Are you ready to make a difference in society - even walk into the face of hate groups - standing up for what you believe? How can you make the "hope" real in your life on these issues?

There are a number of nonprofit and religious organizations that have resources to help you make a difference in your community. Some of the resources include:

• In the April 1996 edition of New World Outlook the United Methodist Church suggested ways to combat hate violence both prior to an event and afterward. The list is extensive and worth reviewing for use by local faith communities.

• How prepared is your organization or community to respond to an act of terrorism? The Federal Emergency Management Agency urges Americans to be prepared and provides specific guidance.

• Discover sources of funding or ways that you get involved in stopping the violence in your community. Pavnet Online is an Internet resource "created to provide information about effective violence prevention initiatives" resourced by seven different federal agencies. "Pavnet Online is a "virtual library" of information about violence and youth-at-risk."

• Buy and book and help continuing relief efforts following the bombing in Oklahoma City. The royalties of And the Angels Wept..From the Pulpits of Oklahoma City (1995 Chalice Press) are being donated to continuing pastoral counseling services.

• Also in Oklahoma City, a number of organizations are still involved in assisting those injured or impacted by the bombing. A list of at least 15 programs still seeking donations is available.

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