Research has shown that bystander training can actually change a community's culture over time. In particular, voluntary bystander trainings within a close-knit community such as ours allow those who are most likely to benefit from such a training to learn together and hold each other to higher standards. If you’re interested in reading more about the evidence, here is one review from the UK Dept of Health.

This bystander intervention training is provided through MIT’s Violence Prevention and Response (VPR) office. It is an interactive workshop with the goal of creating an inclusive and welcoming culture. We will

• Explore individual and group values
• Develop understanding of culture creation and disruption using public health theory
• Practice intervention skills
• Improve our communities

This training is for you if any of the following apply!

• You have ever been in a situation that you thought was problematic, but didn’t know the best way to handle it
• You are a new or veteran MITOC leader who wants to improve social/mental/emotional safety on your trips
• You want to learn ways (big and small) that you can prevent harassment and discrimination
• You want to help mold the culture of the MITOC community to be more supportive for all

Time and Location

The workshop is 7-9 pm on Wednesday, Dec 11 in room 2-105 on MIT campus. If you cannot make this training, there is another one offered the same week.