Or Zarua and St. Albans are partnering to host a “Bystander Training” put on by the Council on American Islamic Relations.

Many Muslims and allies have been asking about the role bystanders can play in protecting targets of hate crimes since the election. The tragedy in Portland, where two heroes were killed while protecting two women who were being attacked, really brought that question to the forefront again.

The bystander effect is a psychological phenomenon that often prevents people from intervening on behalf of victims of harassment, assault, or other criminal activity. Through training in non-violent intervention methods and role playing in practice scenarios, trainees learn the methods and techniques to circumvent the powerful social pressure to stay silent.

This is a great opportunity to learn vital skills for intervening in harassment situations at this important time, as well as a chance for our community to get to know St. Albans’ community better, too.

Please sign up here: https://goo.gl/forms/cM6OWhvMhXHZoHR23.