What can individuals do to promote tolerance and reduce prejudice in their towns and cities?
You can start in your own school. One of the most segregated places in the country is the school cafeteria. You can sit with people who are different from you and get to know them.
Here are some sites that might be helpful
http://www.members.cox.net/dagershaw/lol/PrejudiceCauseSolution.html
http://www.members.cox.net/dagershaw/lol/PrejudiceReduce.html
I hope this helps a little more. Thanks for asking.
"What can individuals do to promote tolerance and reduce prejudice in their towns and cities?"
Speak UP! When you hear someone denigrating another person, speak up. If the gossip is cruel, tell the speaker that you don't listen to such gossip, then say something good about the gossipee.
Example: "Boy, look at Jancie's hair! Did you ever SEE anything so stupid?Maybe she's got bugs!" "I don't like to hear people talked about that way. I like her style most of the time. Maybe she just had a bad hair day."
Champion the wall-flowers. Talk to one. Say something nice. Maybe just "I like your sweater. The color suits you." Even if it doesn't, it makes the person feel more real.
Speak UP when someone is bullying another person.