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Upstander Week

bystander intervention campaign

Student bystanders can be the difference makers in preventing harm and lives lost on our campuses.

But too often, even the most well intentioned individuals are ill prepared to intervene and offer help in the moments that matter most.

UPSTANDER WEEK IS ABOUT PREPARING FOR THESE MOMENTS.


Take Part in Upstander Week

Remembering Carson & Others We've Lost

On December 2, 2008, Carson Starkey lost his life to a senseless and preventable tragedy.

Upstander Week is a time to remember Carson and honor those who have been harmed or lost to preventable tragedies where bystanders could have done more.

Join our movement to empower communities of proactive bystanders and create safer campuses.

1. Diagnose the Situation

Not all flags are red
What is an Upstander?
Day: 
1
Introduction to Upstander Week and what it means to be an Upstander.
Mental Health
Day: 
2
How Upstanders can make a difference in preventing suicide by recognizing signs of depression with Prevention Partner Active Minds.
Hazing
Day: 
3
Spotting situations that perpetuate hazing to know when to intervene, with resources from Prevention Partner Stop Hazing.
Alcohol & Other Drug Misuse
Day: 
4
On the anniversary of Carson's passing, we're calling on Upstanders to know the signs with our Prevention Partner the Gordie Center.
Sexual Violence
Day: 
5
Empowering Upstanders to recognize when to step in to prevent gender-based violence with Prevention Partner One Love
Bias & Exclusion
Day: 
6
Learning how to diagnose situations of racism and hate in our communities with our Prevention Partners at Hollaback!.
Be an Everyday Upstander
Day: 
7
Closing out Upstander Week with a pledge to embrace the intentional practice of being an Everyday Upstander.

2. Take the Upstander Pledge

Inspired by Carson’s standard, the Upstander Pledge is a commitment to be an active bystander: someone that will trust their instincts, overcome fear, and take action to help others.

I pledge to be an Upstander
among my friends, family,
and community by living out
the following commitments:

I will trust my instincts and have the courage to help others.

I will overcome the fear that keeps me from taking action to intervene.

I will speak up for others and hold my peers accountable.

I will stand up and embrace responsibility for the wellbeing of those around me.

I will live with urgency and be a role model in upholding this commitment.

3. Keep the Conversation Going

Download the Upstander Week Campaign Promotion Materials, Social Media Content, and Resources.

4. Support our Month of Giving

Help us amplify our Upstander movement by supporting our Month of Giving throughout the month of December. Your gift will directly fund research and the development of our lifesaving education programs and awareness campaigns.