In the fall of 2016, three Arlington residents, working independently, began to look into how to combat the rise of hate-related incidents across the country. They felt that one necessary step was to train community members in how to speak out when they witnessed an incident. So they started looking for Bystander Intervention workshops. When they became aware of each other's interests, they decided to pool their resources and efforts. And thus the coalition was born.

The initial "coalition" consisted of individuals from several faith-based organizations (Temple Shir Tikvah of Winchester, The Islamic Center of Boston in Wayland, and the South Acton Congregational Church, UCC) along with one training organization - Quabbin Mediation of Orange, MA. But the number of interested people and organizations grew as knowledge spread about the workshops. The name Boston Active Bystander Coalition was coined to help promote the workshops and to publicize activities.

The Coalition now consists of several training organizations, trainers, and individuals representing a number of religious and community Social Justice organizations.

How To Join

Individuals and organizations that are currently promoting or giving bystander workshops can ask to join the coalition. Send an email request to boston.activebystanders@comcast.net .

Membership Statement

THE BOSTON ACTIVE BYSTANDER COALITION

MISSION

We are concerned citizens of the greater Boston area, and our mission is to build a more inclusive community by providing and promoting workshops on how to respond when we witness bigotry and intolerance.

MEMBERSHIP

Our members include representatives from local Social Justice community and faith-based organizations, along with a number of organizations and individual instructors who provide Bystander Intervention training and workshops.

WHAT WE DO

• We spread the word about upcoming workshops using word-of-mouth and Social Media.
• We reach out directly to local organizations and companies that we think will be interested in hosting a workshop.
• We grow the number of trainers and workshops available in our area, currently by scheduling “Train the Trainer” classes taught by Quabbin Mediation in Orange, MA
• We run a website where training organizations can describe their programs, and where various Bystander Intervention resources, links, and stories can be shared.
• We provide opportunities for training organizations and trainers to share information, techniques, and strategies.
• We maintain mailing lists of our membership for use by our members.

HOW TO JOIN

We welcome people who share our mission to join our coalition.

Trainers may join our coalition if their workshops meet these criteria:

• The goal of the workshop is to make our communities more inclusive by combating hate
• The workshop covers multiple types of harm-doing, including less-than-violent forms of oppression which lead to a culture of disrespect
• The workshop advocates taking action in a way that promotes safety for all
• The workshop acknowledges that there is no fixed template for intervention. Trainings aim to help participants develop situational awareness.
• The workshop asks participants to think about and understand what is motivating them to become an active bystander.

Community leaders who wish to join should indicate what organization(s) you are associated with and how you would like to promote Bystander Intervention.

LEADERSHIP

The Boston Active Bystander Coalition is led by a 3-person steering committee comprised of the original members of the coalition.