Bystander Intervention to Stop Anti-Asian/American and Xenophobic Harassment

Poughkeepsie … The Dutchess County Commission on Human Rights will host a series of virtual Bystander Intervention Training sessions to teach people tools they can use to intervene if they witness harassment in the community.. There will be three sessions – each focused on a specific type of harassment: Anti-Asian/American and Xenophonic harassment, LGBTQIA + Community harassment and Online Abuse harassment. All sessions will be held virtually and will teach participants five strategies for intervention: distract, delegate, document, delay, and direct; and how to prioritize their own safety while intervening.

The first session, Bystander Intervention to Stop Anti-Asian/American and Xenophobic Harassment, will be held Monday, April 17th from 12 pm-1:30pm. Learn about the types of disrespect many Asian and Asian American residents are facing— from microaggressions to violence — using a tool called the “spectrum of disrespect.” Participants will learn what to look for and the positive impact that bystander intervention has on individuals and communities. Residents can register for this Zoom event at: dutchessny.gov/BTI4-17

Dutchess County is partnering with “Right to Be” to offer these Bystander Intervention Trainings. All of the training sessions will feature practice scenarios to help participants feel prepared to successfully and safely intervene, if needed.

Additional upcoming trainings include:

Monday, May 22nd from 12pm-1:30pm
Bystander Intervention to Support the LGBTQIA+ Community
One-hour, interactive training will teach the 5Ds of bystander intervention methodology and how these strategies can be used to support the LGBTQIA+ community. communities. Residents can register for this Zoom event at: dutchessny.gov/BITraining5-22

Monday, September, 18th from 12pm-1:30pm
Bystander Intervention: How to Be an Ally When You Witness Online Abuse
Online hate and harassment are on the rise. In this interactive training, participants will learn the necessary tools to intervene safely and effectively in online abuse. Moderators will walk through what online harassment is and how to identify abusive tactics as well as the severe impact online abuse can have – on well-being, livelihoods, and free expression will be discussed. Residents can register for this Zoom event at: dutchessny.gov/BITraining9-18

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

For more information about the trainings, contact 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/humanrights.