What is Bystander Behavior?

Why is it a problem? A minority of members cause most of the problems in our organizations and community. Most of us aren’t the ones causing the problems, but we are the ones who are not standing up against them. The majority of us are allowing the offenders to get away with it.

Bystander Behavior plays a part in…. Hazing Eating disorders Bullying Discrimination (racism, sexism, homophobia, etc.) Drug abuse Current issues on your campus? Alcohol abuse Sexual assault Others? Domestic violence

Making It Real Think of a time that you were a bystander Share with a partner Why do you feel the behavior you saw was wrong, inappropriate and/or problematic? How do you wish you would have responded?

Stages of Bystander Intervention Notice the event Interpret it as a problem Feel responsible for dealing with it Possess the necessary skills to act

Barriers to Intervention Social Influence Fear of Embarrassment Fear of Retaliation Diffusion of Responsibility Pluralistic Ignorance

Intervention Technique - Confrontation Express concern and caring Share specific basics of your concern Share how it makes you & others feel Ask other person if they understand your perspective Brainstorm what can be done Offer support for change Have a plan for follow-up

Intervention Technique – Shifting the Focus Ignore the remark Leave Non-participation Shift attention away from the comment Deflection Reframe the remark in a more positive way Reframing

Intervention Technique – Shifting the Person Take care of yourself Always give respect Listen for the upset Notice defensiveness Engage in open talk

Can one person, intervening in one situation, truly make a difference? The Power of ONE Can one person, intervening in one situation, truly make a difference?

“The legacy you leave is the life you lead” Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner

Questions Contact me or CAMPUSPEAK if you have any questions. CAMPUSPEAK: 303-745-5545 or workshops@campuspeak.com Facilitator: NATALIE SHAAK nds37@drexel.edu