WENHAM — The Town of Wenham Human Rights Committee, in collaboration with the Town of Hamilton Human Rights Commission and Hamilton-Wenham Human Rights Coalition, will offer free active bystander training for community members.
WHEN:
Saturday, April 29, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
WHERE:
The Hamilton-Wenham Public Library, 14 Union St, South Hamilton, MA 01982
WHAT:
Active bystander training teaches participants to either directly or indirectly insert themselves into any incidents of harassment that they see. The training helps participants overcome the common instinct to feel frozen or unsure of what to do in such situations.
The training will be provided by Sharon Schiffer, a facilitator and educator who has provided active bystander training to workplaces, schools and community groups. Schiffer has a master’s degree in international relations and a master’s certificate in conflict resolution, both from the University of Massachusetts Boston.
“Everyone, at some point in our lives, will experience a situation where being an active bystander will help de-escalate a situation safely, or provide support to someone in need,” said Schiffer.
“Being an active bystander can make a world of difference for someone who is being actively harassed, so we hope community members will take this free opportunity to learn and become more prepared to intervene in incidents of harassment,” said Town Administrator Poulos. “I am grateful for the work of the Wenham Human Rights Committee and all their community partners to make this training available to our communities.”
