HAZING PREVENTION

Positive Organization Expectations Adapted by the University of Virginia from “Hazing Hurts: What you Probably Haven’t Considered” by Travis Apgar, Cornell University

GOALS Recognize a continuum of hazing behaviors Understand the impact of hazing Learn effective intervention skills Be aware of hazing prevention & response resources Increase motivation to intervene

Tradition ADD PHOTOS OF YOUR CAMPUS

Why did you join this group? W HY IS IT IMPORTANT TO YOU ? ADD PHOTOS OF STUDENTS ON YOUR CAMPUS – ATHLETES, FRATERNITY/SORORITY MEMBERS AND OTHER GROUPS

How do you define hazing?

Hazing is... any action taken or any situation created intentionally that causes embarrassment, harassment or ridicule and risks emotional and/or physical harm to members of a group or team, whether new or not, REGARDLESS of the person’s willingness to participate Source: Hazing Prevention.org

Hazing Spectrum High Risk Mod. Risk Low Risk

Hazing…. Team Building… Humiliates and degrades Tears down individuals Creates division Shame and secrecy Power trip Shared, positive experience Supports and empowers Promotes respect and dignity Lifelong memories Pride and integrity Creates real teamwork Party Skit night Scavenger hunt Athletic activities costumes Source: Queens University

Ask yourself if the activity… is an educational experience promotes and conforms to the organization’s ideals and values increases feelings of friendship between new & initiated members has new and initiated members participate together is one you would want your parents to watch. –or the local newspaper –or your campus president/chancellor Is one that you could defend in court Meets the spirit AND letter of hazing policy (If you answer "no" to any of these questions, it is probably hazing) Source:

Effects of Hazing What do the 55% of college students who have been hazed say? Feel more like a part of the group Feel a sense of accomplishment Feel stronger Do better in classes 31% agreed 22% agreed 18% agreed 15% agreed 78% did NOT 69% did NOT 82% did NOT 85% did NOT Source: Hazing in View: College Students at Risk. Initial Findings from the National Study of Student Hazing (2008) Allen & Madden

How well do we know our members? ADD PHOTOS OF YOUR STUDENTS

Source: Hazing Prevention.org

young people has some form of diagnosable mental illness. important-discuss-post-college-marilia-wyatt

Now that you know this information, what do you think about hazing a student you do not know very well? rockangelreika.deviantart.com/art/Something- Beautiful-Once-Here-Now-Dies

What Can You Do?

1. Notice the event 2. Interpret it as a problem 3. Assume personal responsibility 4. Know how to help 5. Implement the help - Step UP! The Step UP ! Model Latane and Darley

BYSTANDER EFFECT: People are less likely to offer help when they are in a group than when they are alone.

Pluralistic Ignorance #1 reason students don’t act in hazing situations I’m the only sheep who has no clue where we’re going

Nearly 90% of students believe problems can be avoided if someone intervenes

If you’re concerned about any negative activities in your organization: Adapted from University of Texas-Dallas “Managing the Risks” Proactively share your concerns with other members that you trust. Discuss the concept of hidden harm. Consider other activities that could promote group bonding

If you suspect a friend is being hazed: Adapted from University of Texas-Dallas “Managing the Risks” Share the specific concerns directly with your friend. –Why did the behaviors bother you? Ask “What are the good things about the group?” followed by “What are the not so good things about the group?” Remind your friend of your support. Provide information on campus resources to explore options.

If you think YOU are being hazed: Adapted from University of Texas-Dallas “Managing the Risks” Stay connected with friends outside the group. Talk with others about what you are going through. Check in with other new members to see if they are concerned too. Use an excuse to get out of an activity (“I’m sick” or “I need to go home this weekend.”) Talk confidentially with someone at the Counseling Center Leave the group and look for another group to join that is more in line with your values.

Finding support and advice CONFIDENTIAL RESOURCES LIST CAMPUS OFFICES Anonymous reporting option: REPORTING OPTIONS If you are aware of or are subjected to hazing, please report the incident to any of the following –LIST CAMPUS OFFICES

Positive Organization Activities 1.What are your group’s values? 1.What do want to teach your members? 2.Which current positive activities are effective in meeting these goals? 3.What new events could be started?

RESOURCES ADD CAMPUS RESOURCES HERE Hazing Prevention.org Gordie’s Call Campaign & HAZE film gordiescall.org

Scenario You are on social media and see some of your group’s members posting about upcoming “initiation,” as well as pictures from last year. You’re not comfortable with what they are planning. You want to say something but feel intimidated and don’t want them to think less of you. What do you do?

Discussion 1.What are some of the values your organization shares? What do you value about your group/members? 2.What are some of the practices/traditions your organization has to integrate members into the group? 3.How can you ensure that all members feel safe, welcomed, and have a voice to share things that they do not like/make them uncomfortable?

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