Our Mission
 

Hate Free Zone's mission is to advance the fundamental principles of democracy and justice at the local, state and national levels by building power within immigrant communities, in collaboration with key allies.
 

Our Vision

Hate Free Zone envisions a peaceful world where every person’s human rights and dignity are respected, where communities appreciate differences and stand together for justice and equality, and where each person contributes to the common good. 

Our Values

Justice: Ensuring equal access to power and opportunity, supporting and defending the rights of all people, and eliminating discrimination and oppression.

Courage: Standing up to power, speaking truth, challenging injustice, and acting with conviction and integrity.

Respect: Listening to, acknowledging and valuing multiple perspectives and positions, and fostering understanding and empathy through dialogue.

Collaboration: Providing opportunities for diverse groups to come together, be heard, and take collective action.

Accountability: Adhering to our mission, vision and values, in an adaptable, approachable, inclusive and transparent way.

Our History
 

Hate Free Zone was formed directly after September 11, 2001 in response to the hate crimes and discrimination targeting Arabs, Muslims and South Asians. Our work has since expanded to serve many diverse immigrant communities of color. We have grown into a leading force for immigrant and civil rights.

Our work today addresses five critical areas that, when combined, become the catalyst for systemic change: (1) empowering families and communities; (2) increasing participation in the democratic process; (3) sharing messages of equality and justice; (4) building unusual coalitions; (5) influencing local, state and national policy.

Our Work
 

We operate under the fundamental premise that we speak more loudly together as we strive to unite immigrant communities with more mainstream communities. Although the burden of policies that erode constitutional and civil rights post-9/11 is falling primarily on immigrant communities, we know that all communities are affected.

Washington State is a re-emerging gateway where more than 10% of the 5.89 million residents are foreign born and approximately 17% of Seattle/King County residents are immigrants and refugees.  We act against the injustices perpetuated in schools, workplaces and in society against immigrants.  We bring immigrant communities and allies together to build a strong voice for rights and justice. 

We also play a leading role nationally in the movement to develop a comprehensive national campaign for restore and protect civil liberties and human rights, regardless of citizenship status.