Born out of crisis, the new Grant County Human Rights Coalition seems to be moving into a new phase – one that may seem less thrilling but nonetheless promises benefits for the community.

The group had its seeds in the community response to Paul R. Mullet’s visit to John Day in February. At the time, the self-described leader of the Aryan Nations, pledged to create a white homeland in Grant County. Since then, he’s not been seen in the county and some observers question whether he has the ability to pull off his grand scheme.

But even if he disappears from our horizon forever, the uproar he sparked has not been for nothing. As a community, we were forced to take a hard look at who we are, what we believe and how we are perceived – or misperceived – by others in the outside world.

The tumultuous chain of events brought the realization that it’s not just the Paul Mullets of the world who have some odd notions about us. For example, on a radio program about the neo-Nazi threat, a sociologist from Portland lauded Grant County residents for shattering “the stereotype” about people in Eastern Oregon.” That there is a stereotype is a problem, and even more problematic is the fact that it seems to portray us as rednecks who welcome racist thought.

If that image is widespread outside our borders, we have some work to do. It’s an image that won’t be obliterated by a couple of rallies and public meetings. The Coalition can play an important role in the community by reinforcing the values espoused by the majority of Grant County residents and telegraphing a more realistic, positive image through its activities and events, not to mention its very existence.

Yet while we fight that stereotype, we must also acknowledge that, like every other community, we do have racism here. Remember that Mullet’s contingent included local residents who, even though they later disavowed his organization, voiced their own white separatist, racist views. They live here and have a right to their beliefs, but that presence makes it even more imperative to have a strong public position by the local people who value diversity and respect their neighbors of all colors and religion.

That’s where the Coalition comes in. Although still in the formative stages, the group already has held a showing of a film on diversity, created a website, promoted the green ribbon campaign, and drafted answers to some tricky legal issues facing local businesses and property owners.

The latest meeting of the Coalition drew a relatively small turnout, which may have been discouraging for some participants. We can probably chalk it up to the timing, coming off spring break, or perhaps the fact that incorporation chores are less exciting than rallying against racism. But the organizational work must be done, and the volunteers who are tackling it deserve credit and our thanks for continuing the campaign.