Successful Upstander Training Programs
Upstander Training programs offer hands-on training to help young people become upstanders to address violence and harassment against the LGBTIQ+ community.
What are the characteristics of these programs, based on the literature?
Positive models on upstander role
Successful upstander programs that address either bullying in general or forms of gender-based violence include positive models of upstander behavior rather than focus solely on the negative impact of bullying . Effective programs allow participants to imagine, plan and rehearse positive interventions in responding to a situation of violence against LGBTIQ+ individuals.
Emphasis on Empathy
Empathetic behavior can be taught and young people need to know how empathy looks like. Findings show that opportunities to discuss meaning and the behaviors associated with solidarity, friendship and empathy will help participants to transform their feelings into action.
Community involvement
Results also strongly suggest that the involvement of the whole community that is associated with the educational institution-students, teachers, parents-is an important factor in the success of these programs. Such community approach can address issues of solidarity and support among all the members. The community approach is also part of the idea that bullying and violence against the LGBTQ+ community is systemic and requires everyone's participation and action.
Clarity on rules
Upstander interventions need to allow the community to debate and implement a set of clear rules on what is considered appropriate behavior. A community may rely on a zero tolerance approach but it should nevertheless be clear on the rules. Agreements signed by students or the mapping of clear rules for one's behavior also seem to help young people navigate others' behavior and call it out if necessary.
Upstander approaches need to be intersectional
Finally, addressing violence and bullying against the LGBT+ community should be an intersectional approach and take into account dimensions of race, ethnicity, religion and disability. Furthermore, these upstander trainings need to address the phenomenon of transphobia as there is emerging recognition that the trans community is particularly vulnerable to violent attacks.
