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 that contribute to raising student understanding of the issues surrounding sexual violence.

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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 (BIPOC), and people who identify as 2SLGBTQQIA+). We seek to lift up and center the voices of those most impacted by sexual violence.

• A commitment to sexual violence prevention, anti-oppression, and equity.
• Ideally, some previous experience in peer programs, outreach, facilitation skills or equivalent leadership/community involvement experience.
• A commitment to volunteering for two consecutive terms (Fall and Spring)
• Completion of mandatory asynchronous and synchronous training in August
• To attend one-hour mandatory weekly meetings on Wednesdays (time is to be determined by the team)
• This role requires approximately a commitment to 20-25 hours of volunteer hours per semester, in addition to meetings and trainings

1. This volunteer opportunity is open to all SFU and FIC students, of all identities and experiences, who are interested in making a difference by creating a culture of care and consent on campus.
2. We will be recruiting for the 2023-2024 cohort in April 2022. All applications need to be completed for it to be accepted.

• For SFU students, the volunteer listing will be posted on MyInvolvement. You will be directed to a SurveyMonkey where you will fill out the application form. Please select the Active Bystander Network as the program you are interested in.
• For FIC students, please submit an application form (see below) with an attached resume to paola_quiros@sfu.ca. 

1. We will then connect with you via email to book an interview with us.
2. Successful volunteers will attend extensive volunteer training prior to the start of term. 
3. ABN meetings and activities will start on the first week of classes (Fall Term) and will end on the first week of April 2024.

Have questions? Please email Paola, the Educator of the SFU Sexual Violence Support & Prevention Office (SVSPO) and Coordinator of the Active Bystander Network (ABN) at paola_quiros@sfu.ca. 

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!

• 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 program and event planning, social media strategies, and team building
• Receive recognition on your co-curricular record, and letters of recommendation