Community Care.
A few weeks ago I checked out a new trail. At the head of the trail there was a sign posted to a tree. “Watch out for coyotes.” This is community care. We look after us. This wasn’t an “official” sign – whatever that is. This was someone who knew there was a hazard and took action to protect others. Community care. We’re all we got. I don’t want to go off on the many reasons I – or anyone – might be feeling some despair. There’s plenty.
I know that community care can help.
I had the opportunity recently to take a training in Bystander Intervention. In a year of webinars where the presenters wifi was unstable, where they hadn’t bothered to collect themselves or practice, where the information served up was useless this was without question the best training I have done (perhaps ever) and definitely since the pandemic began. Julie S. Lalonde is without question the most accomplished workshop leader I have ever met (virtually). Bystander training gives you tools to use when someone is at risk.
This is a free, 1 hour, camera off, mic off training that can benefit everyone. It is my – ineptness – that means I am just posting about it now. I have spent the past month and a bit since I took the training telling people personally to sign up. Now I am telling you. This training is community care. It is trauma informed and what I particularly appreciated is that it centers the victim of the abuse. The training focuses on what you can do to make sure that they are ok. Not on punishing the harasser, not on you being the big hero.
Community care.
We often think that taking action means we have to get involved directly. Not everyone feels safe doing this. This training focuses on the 5Ds. Direct action is but one. I found that my superpower might be diversion. Feigning obliviousness is 100% in my wheelhouse.
I’m a child of the 80’s and that clip speaks to me. We don’t even have to take on bandits! Is there a pop culture moment that says diversion to you? You can take action to the extent that you feel comfortable. How many times have you heard about an incident and thought – why didn’t someone do something? Maybe no one took action because they did not have the tools for community care. This worksop gives you tools.
I can’t recommend it enough.
Ever tried to snap a stick? Not too hard right? What about a bundle of sticks? Much harder. When we come together as a society about what is acceptable we can be like the bundle of sticks – unbreakable.
These trainings will end shortly – sign up today so you don’t miss out.