Active Bystander Training

What is Bystander Training?

Bystander Training is a strategy that teaches onlookers to either directly or indirectly insert themselves into harassment incidents, overriding the common instinct to feel frozen or unsure in such situations.  

What is an Active Bystander?

An Active Bystander is a person who takes action or intervenes if they see or hear about harassing behavior, either at that time or afterwards.

Who will benefit?

Everyone.  At some point in our lives, we have or will experience a situation where being an Active Bystander will help de-escalate a sitution safely or provide support to someone in need. 

Three Options to Attend

All sessions are identical, choose the date and format that works best for you:

March 22 (Wed) 7-9pm

The Community House

March 30 (Thurs) 7-9pm

Zoom Meeting

April 29 (Sat) 10:30am-12:30pm

HW Public Library

Meet the Trainer:  Sharon Schiffer

Sharon Nambudripad Schiffer, MS is a facilitator and educator and has hosted many workplaces, schools, and community groups in Bystander Training Education, Responding to Disclosures of Sexual Assault, and Anti-Oppression Training. Her methodology is to engage a group based on their individual needs, while producing material that has been effective in communities,

workplaces, and schools. Sharon holds a Master’s degree in International Relations and Master’s certificate in Conflict Resolution, both from the University of Massachusetts Boston, awarded in 2013.

Program Partners

This Bystander Training series is a joint and collaborative effort by:

Town of Hamilton Human Rights Commission

Hamilton-Wenham Human Rights Coalition

Town of Wenham Human Rights Committee