Hollaback! Bystander Intervention Adapted for Asian/American Harassment: Free Workshops

Big Heavy World has been a voice for inclusion and respect for diversity since it was founded in 1996 — our music community demonstrates how important every unique voice is to us as a society. This is why it’s natural to share culture-changing knowledge like Shawna Potter’s ‘Making Spaces Safer,’ and the hard work of Hollaback!, who have adapted their bystander intervention trainings to face a new social challenge: Xenophobic harassment of Asian/Americans, a racism that’s manifesting during the COVID-19 crisis. 

Hollaback! is presenting three free intervention workshops starting on April 7. In their words: “The one-hour, interactive training will teach you Hollaback!’s 5D’s of bystander intervention methodology. We’ll start by talking about the types of disrespect that Asian and Asian American folks are facing right now — from microaggressions to violence — using a tool we call the “spectrum of disrespect.” You’ll learn what to look for and the positive impact that bystander intervention has on individuals and communities. We’ll talk through five strategies for intervention: distract, delegate, document, delay, and direct; and how to prioritize your own safety while intervening. We’ll have time at the end for practice, and you’ll leave feeling more confident intervening the next time you see Anti-Asian/American harassment online or in person.”

Find information about the workshops and links to register here.