NORTHBRIDGE — Unjust hatred and bigotry of any type were targeted for elimination here last week.

Alternatives joined thousands of other organizations across the country Friday, April 30 to “Stand Against Racism,” a YWCA-sponsored campaign now in its third year. Staff, volunteers and clientele of the Whitinsville-based human services agency signed a pledge against discrimination, listened to inspirational music and discussed how to combat a problem they said is still quite present in America.

Approximately 1,900 such events took place nationwide last Friday, with an anticipated 250,000 people signing the pledge, according to Kelly Seddiki, Alternatives’ director of recruitment.

“Racism is alive and well in the United States,” she said.

“Although we have made progress, people are still judged by the color of their skin, their level of ability, their nation of origin — any number of different characteristics can separate people. Today we took the opportunity to bring people together to remember that we are all the same. Alternatives stands for embracing the diversity of all community members.”

Indeed, people with developmental disabilities, such as those served by Alternatives, still deal with prejudice, both subtle and overt, on a regular basis. Whether the focus is on a person’s color, ability, sexual preference or religion matters not; what’s important is that intolerance is still a fact of life for too many people, Seddiki said.

“It’s important to remember that racism isn’t inborn; it’s taught,” she said. “Empowering people to challenge others’ racist or ignorant thoughts is a good place to start fighting it.”

Close to 100 people signed the YWCA’s pledge last week at Alternatives. They were also given a bookmark that contained suggestions about how to reduce discrimination against those who are in some way not the same as most others.

“I certainly have [witnessed racism],” Seddiki said. “I have talked with people who are from all over the world and have heard the experiences they’ve had — whether it be here in the United States or in their home country, or whether it be living here in the Northeast or in the South. As a person of color it can be very different from place to place. I’ve heard a number of terrible stories.”

The bottom line, she said, is Alternatives’ mission is ultimately linked with the YWCA’s “Stand Against Racism.” “Alternatives truly stands for creating opportunities for everybody to feel valued and to feel like an equal part of the community,” she said.

“This is our vision. Additionally, half of our staff members are people of color. This [event] gives us an opportunity to demonstrate that to people who may not know us and to show the people who work for us that we recognize they face struggles that some of us may not. We appreciate that and think it is worthy to take a day out of the year to think about that.”

Volunteer Alex Panagopoulos said “it’s kind of sad” that there are still people who hate others simply because they are a minority of some type.

“And they’re trying to spread that hate, rather than just living together in equality and peace,” he said. “It’s 2010 and times are changing: We have a black president and let’s roll with it.”

Panagopoulos emphasized the plight of the hundreds of people served by the agency.

“Even today, there are still individuals with developmental disabilities who are discriminated against,” he said.

“People don’t understand the situation they are in and look at them like they are freaks, rather than taking the time to get to know them as people. I’ve been here eight months and it has been great. Alternatives’ message is to make a change and build bridges. Today was a great opportunity to express that.”

Alternatives Executive Director Dennis Rice echoed that sentiment, explaining the organization’s focus is about integration and opportunity for all.

“Alternatives is committed to bringing people together across communities,” he said. “This event focuses on the elimination of racism. There is a great deal of stigma attached to the people with disabilities who we serve. This stigma is just another form of discrimination. Events such as this bring these problems into focus and allow us to begin to move toward a more inclusive and tolerant community for everyone.”