Poughkeepsie, NY … The Dutchess County Commission on Human Rights will host a series of virtual Bystander Intervention Training sessions in October and November focusing on stopping harassment and teaching resilience in the face of challenges. The Commission has partnered with Right to Be – a nonprofit organization working to end harassment in all its forms through bystander intervention trainings, storytelling, and grassroots initiatives – to offer the trainings, which are free to attend. Sessions will be interactive, including practice scenarios on how to successfully and safely intervene, if needed.
County Executive Sue Serino said, “Whether online or in person, in Dutchess County, we know the value of kindness and respect. These trainings are a great way for us to help support each other and feel confident in our ability to help intervene to stop harassment if we see it. We are grateful to the Commission on Human Rights for their dedication to bringing trainings like this to Dutchess County and encouraging tolerance and acceptance within our community.”
Registration is required to attend any of the three trainings and is available online at dutchessny.gov/HumanRights. After registering, attendees will receive a confirmation email with details on how to join the online event.
The schedule of sessions is as follows:
Bystander Intervention to Stop Hate-Based Harassment covers different types of harassment that many people are subject to, from verbal abuse to violence, and will empower bystanders with strategies to defuse tense situations.
Bystander Intervention to Stop Online Harassment teaches participants how to be an ally to a victim of online abuse and focuses on the hate against people of color and the LGBTQ+ community. The session’s intent is to make the internet a safer, more diverse, and more equitable place.
Resilience: This Moment and Beyond Session will teach how to demonstrate resilience by creating your story, making your own choices and not enabling others to decide your identity.
Learn more about the Dutchess County Commission on Human Rights at dutchessny.gov/HumanRights.
