Bystander Intervention Training 101

Bystander Intervention TrainingThe Accompany Project and The Arab American Association of New York are hosting a Bystander Intervention Training crash course at Q.E.D. Astoria on January 26th from 2pm-4pm.

The Accompany Project is an initiative that aims to train thousands of New Yorkers to disrupt violence – particularly against Arab, Muslim and undocumented residents – and to organize for stronger, safer neighborhoods.

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 inability to pay.

What is 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. The training sessions aim 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. The Accompany Project was launched to help engage volunteers who are interested in security, protection, and defense work on behalf of their neighbors.

Who is welcome to participate?

These training sessions 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 session in your neighborhood, or for any questions you may have.

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1 Response

  1. January 25, 2019

    […] the Blogs • Two groups will be hosting a bystander intervention training event at Q.E.D. Astoria on Saturday […]

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