Upstanders

One of the many projects we lead and facilitate with students is our annual Upstander Training. Proven leaders from middle schools and high schools participate in our 6 hour training. DOUBLE CLICK ON the picture below to see the video of some of our rock star Upstanders in 2022.

Upstanders 2022

Upstander Defined

An Upstander informs themselves about the experiences of others, respects diversity and actively promotes and initiates inclusion in any way that can find the courage to do so. An upstander recognizes when someone is being targeted with hate, when something doesn’t feel right in a discussion due to microaggressions or stereotypes and takes some form of action to be inclusive, understanding and empathetic.

Upstander Strategies

Listens Up - Learn, read, ask questions, immerse yourself with information about other people’s lived experience

Shows Up - Attend, engage with people from different and diverse backgrounds and cultures

Speaks Up - When you get the chance to say something when someone is being treated poorly or is being targeted say something.

Talks Up - Uplift people who are apart of marginalized communities.

Steps You Can Take To Be A Better Upstander

Interrupt - Stop people from being offensive by calmly interjecting to divert to another topic or ask a question “Do you think that’s ok to say?”

Ask Questions - Be curious, dig deeper, learn more about where the offensive comments or actions are coming from.

Educates - Shares their knowledge (not opinions) briefly dispel misinformation with accurate information

Echo - Repeat what you have heard. “What I heard you say was…” Repeat comments to show support for the views of the person(s) being targeted or silenced.

Go to our home page to register for the 2023 Upstander Training