WHY I VOLUNTEERED FOR SHARE TOLERANCE

My name is Joe Efflandt and I am a lieutenant with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.  I have been a peace officer within the State of California for over 30 years, 25 of those with my current Department.  It’s been a long road and fantastic ride.  One of the highlights of my career has been the opportunity it affords me on a daily basis to meet new people, witness different cultures and experience positive diversity in Los Angeles County.  Unfortunately, not everyone accepts diversity, which can lead to intolerance, acts of hate and in some instances violence or crime.

I have volunteered to be a facilitator for the newly conceived and very promising S.H.A.R.E. Tolerance program.  I accept this responsibility as one of the most significant contributions I can make while working in law enforcement.  The overarching goal to promote tolerance and stop hate, while learning to respect everyone who makes a positive contribution in our society, is needed now more than ever because of current events shaping our world.

I have a personal stake in this movement of S.H.A.R.E. Tolerance.  I have witnessed negative prejudice, discrimination and hate, as well as having been the subject of these acts, both as the accused and the victim.  I find it distasteful when someone because of a personal agenda labels another as intolerant, prejudiced, discriminatory or hateful.  I find it even more disturbing when accusations such as these, whether or not it involves a police officer, are found to be true.

At different times and after certain events in my life, I have given pause to evaluate my own beliefs.  I admit I have prejudices and believe everyone does.  I can say I don’t like everyone and know that not everyone likes me.  There are certain cultures and their ideologies I disagree with, and know they may not share my beliefs.  As long as we can agree that there will be times we disagree, and still exhibit respect and tolerance for one another, there is no reason we cannot co-exist.  In our country, our society, every citizen is guaranteed the right to pursue life and happiness.  We have the right to speak out and effect change.  We must subscribe to the constitution, certain laws and court decisions.  We assimilate to codes enacted by the majority but this does not mean we abandon our heritage, beliefs or character.  Our strength is in the sum of our citizens and we must respect each other. 

Hate and intolerance are destructive forces.  The ideal world is one without conflict, hurt or crime.  I am not naive enough to believe I can change the world.  I do, however, think I can make a difference where I work and live, by interacting with young adults and generating discussion that leads to respect and tolerance.

Joe Efflandt, Lieutenant
S.H.A.R.E. Tolerance Program

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