The deadline is next week for employee volunteers to sign up to become certified trainers for the College’s bystander intervention program.
Begun last year, the program trains members of the campus community to intercede in situations where sexual harassment or sexual violence appear imminent.
To date, hundreds of members of Union’s athletic teams, Greek organizations, resident advisers and others have participated.
The workshops were led by College administrators and employees who conducted training that incorporates elements of the national Green Dot bystander intervention curriculum. Green dots are characterized as a moment in time when someone chooses to use their words or behaviors to try to stop a red dot – or aggressive action - from happening.
The organization’s mission is to reduce power-based personal violence (including sexual violence, relationship violence and stalking). A recent study funded by the Centers for Disease Control said Green Dot’s approach has helped reduce the rates of violence by as much as 50 percent.
Last winter, seven administrators volunteered and underwent training to become certified for the bystander program.
The upcoming session will be held over four full days, March 21-24. It is funded with a special grant from the Planning and Priorities committee (P and P), which supports the College’s Strategic Plan.
The bystander program is a key component to reducing the rates of sexual assault and violence on campus.
Interested volunteers should contact Amanda Tommell-Sandy, assistant director for Health Promotion and Student Wellness, at tommella@union.edu or Gretchel Hathaway, Union’s chief diversity officer, at hathawag@union.edu.
The deadline is Friday, Jan. 22.