Task Force Gets Boost For Rights Nonprofit Corporation Formed To Back Scholarships, Host Of Diversity Projects

North Idaho’s largest human rights organization now will be able to raise more money and provide more educational programs.

Calling it “a major day in the evolution of the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations,” task force member Tony Stewart announced Thursday the formation of a nonprofit corporation, the Human Rights Education Foundation Inc.

The new foundation will be led by former state Sen. Mary Lou Reed.

“There should be a way for corporations to give more easily,” Reed said. “We know we can’t dictate tolerance. … The way to do this is through education.”

The foundation, which hopes to raise $10,000 in its first year, will support scholarships, diversity workshops and camps and research programs. To keep its nonprofit status, the foundation must steer clear of political activities undertaken by the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations, such as supporting legislation. That won’t prevent the foundation from focusing on education, Stewart said.

“If we’re ever going to eradicate prejudice and bigotry, it’s in education,” he said. “The younger you start, the better.”

In addition to the new foundation, Stewart also unveiled the schedule for the 29th annual Popcorn Forum.

The forum, which runs April 5-9 at North Idaho College, will focus on the history of the Western world during the past 1,000 years. Scholars will portray historical figures of the era to discuss advances in science, economics, religion, philosophy, art and civil rights.

More than 40 outside experts, NIC faculty members and students will serve on panels during the forum, which works to bring the humanities to life.

“It’s really important the students support it,” said NIC student government President Ben Toews, whose group supplies much of the funding for the forum. “Too often when we come to college, students think about money. … It’s a time for developing a philosophy and answering some questions. By looking at history, we can always better ourselves in the future.”

The second annual human rights banquet will be held in connection with the forum and will raise money for the new education foundation. It will be at 7 p.m. April 8 at the Coeur d’Alene Inn and will feature presentations from scholars portraying Thomas Jefferson, Eleanor Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln.

All of the Popcorn Forum events are free and open to the public, except the human rights banquet. Tickets are available for the banquet by calling (208) 769-3325.

This sidebar appeared with the story: IF YOU GO For more information on the Popcorn Forum, call the NIC College Relations office at (208) 769-3316.