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County to Offer Bystander Intervention Trainings
Three virtual sessions to focus on different forms of harassment

Published: 12/5/2022

Poughkeepsie … The Dutchess County Commission on Human Rights will host a series of virtual Bystander Intervention Training sessions this month, providing attendees the tools to intervene if they witness harassment. Each of the trainings will discuss a specific type of harassment – in the workplace, in public spaces and antisemitism, respectively – and participants will learn how to be an effective bystander in different contexts using five intervention strategies.

In addition to discussion of each individual form of harassment, each training session will feature practice scenarios so attendees will feel more prepared to successfully and safely intervene, if needed. Sessions take place on the following dates:

Friday, Dec. 9th, Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Bystander Intervention Training in the Workplace

Presented by Brooklyn-based Right to Be, a non-profit organization which teaches people to stop harassment, this training aims to reduce instances of workplace disrespect and harassment by giving employees the tools needed to disrupt those perpetrating it. Attendees will be presented with tools to be effective bystanders in the midst of workplace disrespect or harassment by using Right to Be’s proven bystander intervention methodology: distract, delegate, document, delay and direct. Ninety-eight percent of employees who have taken this training with Right to Be leave committed to intervene next time they witness disrespect or harassment at work. Residents can register for this Zoom event at: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJItfuGgqT4rGtD8brNc-aqp7ZVKG1aMXxpn

Wednesday, Dec. 14th, Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Bystander Intervention Training in Public Spaces

Right to Be will equip attendees with the right information to be an effective bystander in the midst of public space harassment using its proven methodology, including five strategies for intervention. Participants will then take part in practice scenarios to they can leave the training feeling more prepared to successfully and safely intervene. Residents can register for this Zoom event at: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMud-qvqj8rHtaeZLX41yi2tI17Sjc6_pqa

Friday, Dec. 16th, Noon to 1 p.m.
Bystander Intervention to Stop Antisemitic Harassment

A collaboration between Right to Be and T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights, this training will discuss the forms of antisemitism currently facing the Jewish community— from microaggressions to violence — using a tool a “spectrum of disrespect” tool. Participants will learn what to look for and the positive impact bystander intervention has on individuals and communities. Organizers will discuss their five strategies for intervention how to attendees can prioritize their own safety while intervening, with the goal of participants feeling more confident intervening the next time they see antisemitic harassment online or in person. Residents can register for this Zoom event at: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEvcumqrDgoGNxPP5oMjrF6EbR68_CgNWnW

After registering for any or all of the trainings, residents will receive a confirmation email and information explaining how to join the online event.

Additional information about these trainings is available by contacting Jody Miller, Executive Director of the Dutchess County Commission on Human Rights, at (845) 486-2836 or DCHumanRights@DutchessNY.gov.

Dutchess County is committed to ensuring the local community is inclusive and respectful for all, with the human rights of every individual protected and championed. The mission of the Commission on Human Rights is defending human rights, bridging differences and embracing diversity. Residents can learn more about the commission at dutchessny.gov/Departments/Human-Rights/Human-Rights-Commission.htm.

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Dutchess County is offering this training for educational purposes, to expand opportunities for positive impact on the safety of those confronted by harassment or discrimination. This training is provided by an independent contractor, who is not a County employee. The views, statements, and strategies expressed in this training are those of the presenter. By registering, you agree to hold the County harmless for any actions you may choose as a result of this training.