On the evening of April 2nd, a group of 20 residents from Holliston and surrounding towns assembled at Holliston Town Hall for a sold-out evening of active bystander training, presented by a team of three instructors led by Stephanie Hsu of Quabbin Mediation. While the techniques taught were certainly valuable for those wishing to feel empowered in certain situations, the message of the evening was more about how individuals can have a ripple effect on how a community shows up for people in moments of harm.
The evening, which was arranged by the Holliston Democratic Town Committee, was two-and-a-half hours long and began with an ice breaker to create a sense of psychological safety for all in attendance. Next came a discussion of terms, focusing on the concept of targets, harm-doers, and bystanders in many different types of situations, from incidents of public violence to aggressions in our workplaces, schools, or community. The discussion then moved onto the factors and emotions (such as fear and empathy) that either hinder us or encourage us to take action as active bystanders in those situations, with a focus on safety. To be clear, this was not a “how to be a vigilante” seminar, and there was lively conversation about how to show support during and after these events in ways that do not escalate the situations.
But where the training really took root for most attendees was when we were encouraged to share our own experiences and then project how we might be able to respond in the future to similar events. The solutions people shared proved everyone had been listening closely and learning, but it was the support attendees showed one another that got to the heart of why trainings like the one from April 2nd are so important.
Stephanie Hsu repeatedly pointed out that when a small group in a community commits to training like this, and using that training to make their community more safe, inclusive and supportive, it creates the right kind of momentum. In short, when community members see Holliston residents standing up for each other in ways large and small, it makes it safer for others to step up as well.
There is already talk of bringing more of this training to Holliston, both for business owners and for citizens at large. In fact, a Business Active Bystander Training event has already been scheduled for Saturday, May 3, from 5:00–8:00 PM at 24 Water Street, Studio 3–4, Holliston. If you’re interested in attending or learning more, reach out to Diverse Holliston or the Holliston Democratic Town Committee. With enough community interest, this kind of training could become a regular event, helping us all stand up for each other in ways that make our town — and ourselves — proud.