Community Organizations Hold Bystander Training

In the wake of the May 26 stabbings of three men who came to the aid of two young Black girls on a MAX train in Portland, several community organizations are holding workshops to train participants in bystander intervention and de-escalation. The Immigrant and Refugeee Community Organization will host a bystander intervention workshop, described here, June 14. The Skanner has learned of two more bystander intervention workshops in the month of June.

June 17 Bystander Intervention Training at Oregon Peace Institute

The Oregon Peace Institute, in collaboration with Students United for Nonviolence will lead a three-hour introductory bystander intervention training to help community members address potential violence in public spaces. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 17 at the Oregon Peace Institute, 3315 N Russet St. in Portland.

Trainers will teach participants how to de-escalate situations using proven methods that give support to individuals who are being targeted by hate, oppression, and even violence.

If you do not know what to do when you see others being targeted, or you are being targeted yourself, this will be a great opportunity to learn strategies and share ideas.

For more information, email [email protected] or visit the event's Facebook page.

June 25 Bystander Intervention Training at Living Room Realty

Living Room Realty will host a bystander intervention workshop facilitated by Teressa Raiford of Don’t Shoot Portland from 2 to 5 p.m. June 25 at 1401 NE Alberta.

The goal of this workshop is to learn how to be an ally when encountering threats to others, and how to reduce danger for the most vulnerable while keeping ourselves and others safe. Organizers are asking for a suggested $5 to $20 sliding scale donation to benefit Don't Shoot Portland, with no one being turned away for lack of funds. Space is limited to 70 people. Please RSVP at the event's Facebook page.