
Heroes and Villains: Moving Beyond the Bystander Intervention Framework
To create attitudinal and behavioral change, we need to find ways of having meaningful, honest, and critical conversations about the harm we observe and – often unconsciously and unintentionally – engage in. In this framework, this program moves the conversation beyond traditional bystander intervention programs and teaches participants simple skills to address harmful behavior they witness, but also open themselves up to feedback when they have caused harm to others. Questions such as, “What can I say when I observe a classmate, a friend, or a family member engaging in harmful language, behavior, or attitudes?” and, “What does an appropriate reaction look like when I get negative feedback about something that I have said or done?" will be addressed. This program aims to build skills of participants to express emotions and needs, to identify the differences between reactionary and responsive feedback that translate to more successful listening.