Discussion List for campus-based and allied personnel working to end gender-based violence on campus.

[Jennifer M. Sayre <>]

As we all work collectively to reduce violence on our campuses, many have
begun to step more fully into engaging bystanders in prevention efforts.
Though there are several face-to-face educational programs that have been
developed with a bystander emphasis, there is little by way of online
training modules with the same emphasis. As such, Green Dot, etc. is in
development of an online module that will be ready in time for Fall
semester 2013 (and available for preview by May). While including the
necessary content required of many funders as well as VAWA – we choose to
focus most attention on inspiring and equipping bystanders to act. Though
the module reinforces the Green Dot curriculum – it is NOT Green Dot
specific. It was designed to stand alone and/or to complement bystander
messages contained in any of the current programs available.

The content and structure of the module is heavily informed by research.
One key finding that we have taken into consideration is the reality “that
programs that included more than one topic appeared to be less effective
than more focused programs, which may indicate that more in-depth
programming produces better outcomes than sessions that cover multiple
topics more superficially” (Anderson & Whiston, 2005, p. 383).
Additionally, Coker et al. (2011) found that a one-time program (Green Dot
Persuasive Talk) that concentrated singularly on inspiring and equipping
bystanders (versus trying to cover a wide array of traditional content)
had a significant impact on decreased acceptance of rape myths, increased
positive bystander behaviors by participants, and increased reports of
observing positive bystander behaviors in others. In sum, instead of
trying to “do it all” in 60 minutes, we are focusing on what we believe
are realistic, actionable objectives for a one-time online program. Our
intention is to move beyond knowledge and attitude change – and to create
immediate and enduring behavior change.

The program we’re envisioning has three primary goals: (1) To engage
students in a new, positive way with the issues of sexual assault  (SA),
domestic/dating violence (DV), and stalking prevention. We know the vast
majority of students never fully buy into these kinds of programs - and
this program is intent on changing that. (2) To provide an opportunity for
students to reflect on the legacy they want to leave and the connection
between their choices and their impact - particularly as they relate to
SA, DV and stalking. This program will use real stories, motivational
interviewing techniques, humor, and inspirational/persuasive messages to
help students "connect." (3) To equip students with realistic, actionable
bystander intervention tools that will allow them to walk away from the
program more able to act in situations of potential DV, SV and stalking.
Through skill-building exercises, video vignettes, and ongoing interaction
– students will learn to recognize warning signs, understand what might
keep them from acting, and develop intervention strategies that feel
realistic and manageable to them.

As part of the development process, I’d love to get your input to help
shape the program. For example, I would like to know things like:
• What kinds of educational material you feel can be successfully moved to
an online format;
• What supplemental materials would be helpful;
• What kind of data and reporting you’d find necessary/useful in terms of
pre/post tests;
• What obstacles you face in bringing this kind of program to your campus.

If you’d be willing to share your thoughts and opinions, please send me a
quick email at . We’ll send you a description
of the program, as well as a short survey.

Thanks,

Dorothy Edwards

Jennifer Messina Sayre, Ph.D.

Director of Training & Development

Green Dot, et. cetera, inc.

Phone: 540.319.0913

www.livethegreendot.com

No one has to do everything…everyone has to do something. What's your Green Dot?