Active Bystander Network

The Active Bystander Network (ABN) is a unique opportunity for students to influence positive change by engaging in sexual violence prevention and education at Simon Fraser University. Coordinated through the Sexual Violence Support & Prevention Office (SVSPO), this is an opportunity to raise awareness on sexual violence and create a culture of care and consent at SFU. 

Active Bystander Network members are trained in how to recognize and intervene appropriately in situations that may trivialize or lead to sexual violence. They also educate the campus community on topics such as how to be an active bystander, consent, rape culture, and sexual violence resources at SFU. ABN members provide outreach initiatives, events and workshops that contribute to raising student understanding of the issues surrounding sexual violence.

An Active Bystander is someone who: 

• Works to build a community that does not allow sexual violence
• Looks out for others: supports those impacted by harmful comments, jokes, and behaviour
• Intervenes in an appropriate way considering their own circumstances and the situation
• Considers their own safety 

To learn more, check out this blog by one of our ABN members!

Why join the Active Bystander Network?

• Meet other students who are committed about towards creating a culture of care, consent and respect at SFU
• Develop unique initiatives to create awareness, and education on sexual violence prevention
• Gain knowledge understanding systems of oppression and how they relate to sexual and gender-based violence
• Enhance your knowledge of sexual violence prevention, intervention and how to support survivors of sexual violence
• Develop leadership skills such as facilitation training, program and event planning, and team building
• Receive recognition on your co-curricular record, and letters of recommendation

Who can join us?

This volunteer opportunity is open to all SFU and FIC students, of all identities and experiences. There are many communities whose voices have been historically left out of these violence prevention peer education spaces and conversations (for example, people with disabilities, Black, Indigenous and People of color (PoC), and people who identify as LGBTQIA+). We seek to lift up and center the voices of those most impacted by sexual violence.

What is required?

• ABN members are required to commit to volunteering for two consecutive terms (Fall 2021 and Spring 2022)
• All ABN members must complete a mandatory training 
• Volunteers are expected to attend one-hour weekly meetings on Wednesdays’ afternoon from 4:30pm to 5:30pm
• This role requires approximately a commitment to 15-20 hours of volunteer hours per semester (in addition to meetings and trainings)

Do you want to make a difference on campus?

1. Complete and submit the ABN Volunteer application form by March 8^th 2021 together with your resume to paola_quiros@sfu.ca before March 8th 2021.
2. Deadline for applications is March 8th 2021. Interviews are scheduled from March 15^th to March 19th. We will connect with you via email to book and interview with us. 
3. Successful volunteers attend extensive volunteer training in August 2021.

For any other questions, please email paola_quiros@sfu.ca - Educator of the SVSPO and Coordinator of the Active Bystander Network.

To keep updated on events, info, giveaways, and more, follow the Active Bystander Network on Instagram, Twitter, and like us on Facebook!