Bystander

Bystander and Upstander Programs

Empower Your Team: Bystander and Upstander Programs

Building a safe, inclusive, and respectful workplace is a shared responsibility. Our Bystander and Upstander Programs equip your entire organization from the boardroom to the front line with the skills to prevent and address harmful behavior. We go beyond simply identifying problems; we empower your people to be part of the solution..

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Bystander Program

This program focuses on awareness and recognition. Participants learn to identify various forms of inappropriate or harmful behavior, from subtle microaggressions to overt harassment. The goal is to build a culture where everyone feels comfortable and confident in recognizing when something is wrong.

Key Learning Outcomes:

  • Recognize subtle and overt forms of inappropriate behavior.
  • Understand the impact of inaction and silence.
  • Identify personal barriers to intervention.

Upstander Program

This program takes the next step, moving from awareness to action. Participants are equipped with practical, evidence-based strategies to safely and effectively intervene. Our training provides a clear framework for becoming an “upstander”—someone who speaks up and acts on behalf of others.

Key Learning Outcomes:

  • Develop a toolkit of safe and effective intervention techniques.
  • Practice how to address challenging situations with confidence.
  • Learn to act as an ally and a positive force for change.

What We Offer

We provide comprehensive training designed to meet the unique needs of different roles within your organization. Our programs are available in flexible formats to fit your schedule and learning preferences.

Our Training Formats:
Online Self-Paced Modules: Flexible and accessible courses that allow individuals to learn at their own pace.
– Virtual Live Workshops: Interactive, instructor-led sessions conducted remotely, perfect for geographically dispersed teams.
In-Person Training: Engaging, face-to-face workshops customized for your specific workplace environment.

Who Should Participate?

Our tiered training approach ensures that every level of your organization receives the most relevant and impactful information.

For Boards & Directors

  • Focus on governance, ethical oversight, and setting the tone from the top. Learn how to foster a culture of accountability and integrity.

For Executives & Managers

  • Focus on leadership responsibility, creating psychological safety, and modeling upstanding behavior. Learn how to lead by example and effectively handle disclosures.

For Supervisors & Staff

  • Focus on everyday interactions, peer-to-peer intervention, and creating a supportive team environment. Learn practical skills for speaking up in the moment.

Why Choose Us?

We understand that a truly effective program goes beyond a one-time training session. Our approach is built on creating lasting change.

  • Customized Content: We tailor our programs to the specific challenges and culture of your organization.
  • Expert Facilitators: Our trainers are experienced professionals with a deep understanding of workplace dynamics.
  • Practical Skills: We focus on actionable strategies, not just theoretical concepts. Participants leave with the tools they need to make a real difference.

FAQs for Bystander and Upstander Training

A bystander is someone who witnesses a problematic situation but may not intervene. An upstander is an individual who witnesses a situation and takes action to challenge or address the harmful behavior. While both terms describe a person who sees something happening, our training focuses on empowering individuals to move from being passive bystanders to active upstanders who take positive and safe action.

This training is designed for a wide range of audiences, including students, employees, community members, and anyone who wants to learn how to create a safer environment. It’s applicable to various settings, from educational institutions and corporate workplaces to public spaces and online communities. The program provides valuable skills for anyone who wants to be more confident in addressing difficult situations.

Our training covers a variety of topics, including:

Learning how to de-escalate conflicts and support those who have been harmed.

Recognizing different forms of problematic behavior (e.g., bullying, harassment, discrimination).

Understanding the psychological reasons why people don’t intervene (e.g., the bystander effect).

Developing and practicing safe and effective intervention strategies (e.g., direct, delegate, distract, document).

We offer flexible training options to suit your needs. We provide a comprehensive online program that is self-paced and accessible from anywhere, allowing individuals to learn at their convenience. Additionally, we offer in-person workshops and facilitated sessions for groups and organizations looking for a more interactive and collaborative training experience. You can choose the format that best fits your goals.