A Unique Opportunity

Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center understands that as communities grapple with the realities of religious intolerance, racial discrimination, and various forms of inequality, community-based professionals require help on the front lines to overcome exclusion and inequity. We are pleased to offer a unique opportunity for Canadian education and law enforcement professionals to participate in the acclaimed Tools for Tolerance® for Professionals Programs at the world-renowned Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles.

Powerful Learning Environment

The only museum of its kind in the world, the Museum of Tolerance (MOT) is dedicated to promoting mutual respect and social justice through educational outreach, community partnerships, and social action. The Museum exposes the dynamics of prejudice and discrimination in both historical and contemporary contexts. Through the use of technologically advanced interactive exhibits, the Museum engages visitors' hearts and minds, while challenging them to assume personal responsibility for positive community change. Established in 1993, the MOT has welcomed almost four million visitors.

Tools for Tolerance® for Professionals

Tools for Tolerance® for Professionals is an interactive, experiential program designed to help professionals enhance their personal and professional growth while learning practical, solutions-oriented approaches to the challenges in the workplace and beyond. The program works towards breaking down barriers to participation and building inclusive communities.

Innovative Program

The Tools for Tolerance® Program moves participants from dialogue to action. Each customized program assists professionals, as front-line service providers, to explore their evolving role in an increasingly complex and diverse society. The program is set in the immersive learning environment of the Museum of Tolerance, utilizing innovative and impactful approaches in order to introduce new paradigms toward building capacity for safe and respectful communities.

All programs include:

• Museum experience that exposes the dynamics of prejudice and discrimination, past and present, through state-of-the-art exhibits;
• Presentations of personal testimony from history-makers, including survivors and former perpetrators of organized hatred and intolerance;
• Opportunities for discussion and reflection led by experienced facilitators; and
• Customized workshops designed to enhance skills and cultivate 'tools' for anti-bias decision-making.

What is the cost?

The program is subsidized by Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center, including the cost of tuition, airfare (from Toronto or equivalent) lunches at the Museum of Tolerance and accommodation in Los Angeles.

Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center requires each participant to purchase All-Inclusive cancellation insurance and a $50 administration fee (plus GST) payable to the travel agent. Upon acceptance to the program, FSWC’s travel agent will administer these costs and book ALL travel arrangements.

Who can apply, and what is the application procedure?

For educators: educators are invited to participate in school leadership teams comprised of at least three formal and informal leaders. Teams may include teachers, principals, superintendents, trustees and other stakeholders.

For International Institute for Equity in Education: Canadian educators currently involved in university faculty education and research.

For law enforcement professionals: programs are open to all law enforcement personnel within Canada at all levels, unless otherwise specified (for example: the Senior Officers program is available to officers holding the rank of Inspector or above).

For Partnership (LPS) program: involved individuals may apply to be included in a team of 3-6 participants consisting of both educators and law enforcement personnel.

NOTE: PARTICIPANTS MUST ATTEND THE COMPLETE PROGRAM.

What is the cancellation policy?

Participants who cannot attend must notify Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center in writing as soon as possible. If a substitute participant can not be arranged, a $100 charge will be applied to the individual applicant's credit card, provided as security. This is due to the stipulations of the air carrier.

All applications will be reviewed and those accepted will be sent an Acceptance Letter Return Form.

What are the follow-up requirements?

Tools for Tolerance® is designed to enhance an organization's ongoing commitment to professional development and the implementation of new strategies. Each participant is required to complete a 1-Month Planning Sheet as well as a 1-Year Anniversary Follow-up Plan which are to be submitted to FSWC.

Participants will stay connected with program staff and faculty via an internet-based virtual network for periodic review of best practices and challenges. The resources of the Simon Wiesenthal Center and Museum of Tolerance provide continuing support.

In Canada, stay connected with invitations to special events, screenings and various workshops offered at our Resource & Leadership Training Centre located in Toronto, Ontario.

For information on dates, courses and to obtain an application form, please click on the appropriate link: Tools for Tolerance® for Educators or Tools for Tolerance® for Law Enforcement.

Susan Kendal

Project Coordinator, Tools for Tolerance®
Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center

The MOT is an independent, not-for-profit organization affiliated with the Simon Wiesenthal Center in Los Angeles, California.