Bystander Intervention Training 101
Thursday, February 2nd, 7:00 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.
Learn how to come to the aid of someone who is being harassed without endangering yourself or anyone else.
A free workshop on how to be a bystander who doesn't stand by will be presented by Occupy Kensington and The Accompany Project (an initiative of the Arab American Association of New York), with training by Rachel Levy, LMSW.
A donation of $10 is requested, but it isn't required. Registration, however, is required. Register here.
Workshop Location
M.S. 839
713 Caton Avenue
between E. 7th and E. 8th streets
Windsor Terrace - Kensington, Brooklyn
From the organizers
Why this workshop?
Hate crimes are on the rise across the country, and in NYC there have been multiple incidents of harassment or aggression since elections.
In times like these, it is important to know how to successfully and safely disrupt a hostile or aggressive situation you may witness, and to ensure your actions are more helpful than harmful. This introductory workshop will also explore the role of race and gender during an intervention, and will help provide a space for participants to evaluate their role in high risk situations.
More about bystander intervention:
Bystander intervention involves a series of tools that can be consciously employed to defuse volatile situations. In this interactive workshop, bystander intervention and de-escalation will be presented in the context of harm reduction and self-defense.
Participants will identify verbal and non-verbal techniques and tactics to de-escalate conflict. Participants will also learn the four Ds of bystander intervention – direct, distract, delay, and delegate. This is an introductory level workshop intended to be a survey of strategies and tactics.
What is the format of this training?
The training is a combination of instruction as well as participant interaction. Participants will be asked to act out scenarios of intervention, using the skills they have learned.
Is this training free?
Suggested donation is $10 for those who are able to contribute - donations will be collected at the session. No one will be turned away for lack of pay.
What is the The Accompany Project and the Arab American Association of New York, and why are they offering this session?
AAANY is a social service and advocacy agency that serves the largest Arab community in NYC.
Leading up to and since the election, our community members - Muslim women in particular, are often the victims of these attacks of aggression and hostility. We want to encourage as many people as possible to safely and successfully intervene in a volatile situation, and catalyze folks to take action in their neighborhoods to protect their neighbors.
We launched the Accompany Project to help engage volunteers who are interested in security, protection, and defense work on behalf of their neighbors.
Who is welcome to participate?
The trainings are open to all - they are not intended exclusively for allies. The training will help us to understand how our race, gender, religion, and other elements of our identity inform how we intervene.
Please note: this workshop is open to all, but attendance is capped to ensure the session remains safe and interactive. You *must* RSVP via EventBrite in order to attend.
Please note, additional sessions will be scheduled throughout the city at least weekly for the next few months. Contact kayla @ arabamericanny.org if you would like to arrange a training in your neighborhood, or for any questions you may have.