Many Utahns lack an in-depth understanding of various religious and ethnic cultures. They need a better appreciation and respect for differences in people, say officials of the Utah Chapter, National Conference of Christians and Jews.
"What we need in this state and country is unity, not divisions in people, and more respect, love and compassion for one another - and above all - respect for each other. Those qualities should prevail regardless of race, religious beliefs or color," said Ted Speros, presiding co-chairman of the organization.The group will sponsor another "Anytown, USA" camp beginning Aug. 4 at Camp UTABA, located near Liberty in Ogden Canyon.
Anytown is a leadership training experience for young men and women delegates who will be sophomores, juniors and seniors in Utah high schools during the 1993-1994 school year. Delegate applications are open.
Delegates work to learn to understand themselves and others, bringing rich, diverse backgrounds to the group. Young men and women of all races, religions and cultures become delegates to Anytown, says Joan Smith, a Salt Lake psychotherapist, who has been camp director for the past four years. She is also a member of the NCCJ board.
Smith, Speros and L.K. Abbott, St. George, Utah regional director of NCCJ, discussed plans for the camp and aims of the NCCJ. They said youths interested in attending the one-week camp - some scholarships are available for financially needy youth - may contact Smith at 582-2709.
Abbott shared a copy of a letter written by Nicki Huntsman, an Enterprise, Washington County, teen who expressed her feelings about attending last year's camp.
"I learned so much about different people, their religions, cultures and lifestyles, and I learned to love and respect all of them. I also learned a lot about the real world. I realized how much hate and prejudice is circulating and that just one person can make a difference. I'm glad that I now have the courage and confidence in myself to be one of those people who can make a difference," Huntsman wrote.
She expressed confidence that she can "take the magic of Anytown and give a little bit to my community, family and friends. With everyone pushing together and loving each other, eventually small miracles will begin to happen!"
The Utah chapter of NCCJ was founded in 1968 by Arch L. Madsen, community and civic leader and president emeritus of Bonneville International Corp. The organization, which through the years has honored many community and civic leaders for following its objectives, has a 23-member board.
The national conference, which supports the camp primarily through funds raised at its annual Brotherhood/Sisterhood awards dinner, was founded in 1927 as a non-sectarian civic organization aimed at combating racial and religious bigotry in the United States.
"We want people to realize that diversity is OK. We want our people, and especially youth, to accept cultural differences and differences in beliefs as a strength. Also, we want them to learn from, rather than shutting the door on, people. That just causes hatred, bigotry and discrimination, which all help to divide our society," Abbott added.