Date: May 28, 2013
Name: Sandy Dinger
Community: Staten Island, NY
Occupation: Conflict Resolution Teacher, P.S.22
ADL Role: No Place For Hate Coordinator
What is your earliest memory of ADL?
I don’t have one distinct memory of the ADL from childhood, but I know I became aware of the mission of the ADL in my early teens. From watching the nightly news as a teenager, I saw that if a hate crime was committed, a representative from the ADL was always present, standing up for the rights of the targeted. I remember their passion and commitment as they spoke during these news reports. Growing up in NY during the 60’s and 70’s, these events were all too frequent, and I became aware that the ADL was a steadfast champion for the victims of hate and bias.
How did you first become involved in ADL?
Again, it was the nightly news that brought the ADL into my life, but this time, as an adult. I am a NYC public school teacher, and was beginning a new position as a Conflict Resolution teacher. I was watching NY 1, and the featured NYer of the week was Justine DeVoll, a teacher who had just won the Alexander Bodini Prize for Diversity for her work bringing ADL’s No Place For Hate initiative to her school. No Place For Hate was profiled in the news report, and I couldn’t believe that I had found something that could help me structure my new Conflict Resolution program in the fall. I contacted Justine, and she spoke so highly of the support that educators receive from the ADL, that I knew I would build my new program as a part of the ADL’s NPFH initiative.
How do you envision ADL’s Centennial Theme “Imagine a World Without Hate™”?
As a teacher, a big part of my day is spent looking at the world through the eyes of children. My students spent time this year on lessons built around the theme of “Imagine a World Without Hate”. I think the sentiments of these young students can speak for people of all ages – They want a world where differences are not just tolerated, but are appreciated and celebrated. They want everyone to feel respected and safe. They want their life to be free of the fear and sadness caused by bullying and name-calling.