This initiative was developed by students and Student Affairs staff to inspire all Western Michigan University members to join in to encourage healthy, ethical, and responsible behavior and a safe, healthy, and inclusive campus community. have the knowledge, awareness, and confidence to step in safely when they see potentially harmful behavior. The program aims to counteract the Bystander Effect, which holds that the greater the number of people present during an emergency, the less likely it is that any of them will actually intervene. program calls us all to:
• Notice what is Happening
• Evaluate the situation to see if there is a problem
• Take Responsibility to be the one to do something
• Obtain the Education necessary to know how to intervene safely
• Step up and make a difference. The Bystander Intervention Committee offers two, 1-hour training sessions to students, faculty, and staff to increase awareness of intervention in a variety of situations, from serious health risks to dehumanizing language. Part One is a knowledge based training that explores the bystander effect and why people don’t step up. Part Two is a skills based training that helps participants develop specific skills to help gain confidence to step up. After accepting the Western H.E.R.O.E.S. pledge, all participants will receive a card to post in their office or home and student participants will receive a free t-shirt. Over 1,300 Western H.E.R.O.E.S. have already been trained! The Bystander Intervention Committee is a collaboration of students and staff from the Division of Student Affairs, Office of Health Promotion and Education at Sindecuse Health Center, Residence Life, Student Activities and Leadership Programs, Western Wellness, G.A.M.M.A., and peer educators in the Theatre for Community Health. The committee is chaired by Cari Robertson, Director of Health Promotion and Education at Sindecuse Health Center. All students, staff, and faculty are invited to join us to be trained on how NOT to be a bystander. To register for a training session or request additional training dates check our website, email shc-heroes@wmich.edu, or call (269)-387-3263.
