Have you ever been concerned about a situation and wanted to help, but didn’t?

You’re not alone.

This situation is more common than you might think, and it’s known as the bystander effect. Step UP! is a comprehensive bystander intervention program that helps students feel empowered to help their peers. Step UP! covers a variety of situations and teaches attendees:

  • The 5 Decision Making Steps
  • Other Factors that Affect Helping, including Perspective Taking
  • Strategies for Effective Helping
  • The S.E.E. Model: Safe, Early, Effective
  • Warning Signs, Action Steps and Resources

Thanks to funding from the Mid-America College Health Association’s Chris Labyk Award, representatives from Illinois State University, Illinois Wesleyan University, Heartland Community College, and Lincoln College-Normal were recently trained on the Step UP! program. Step UP! is facilitated at Illinois State by individuals from Health Promotion and Wellness. Training is offered for free to small groups and has been utilized by athletics, intramural teams, Greek organizations, and registered student organizations.

Interested groups can request a workshop by contacting Health Promotion and Wellness by phone at (309) 438-WELL (9355) or by email at wellness@illinoisstate.edu.