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.

Follow us on Instagram and like us on Facebook to stay updated on events, campaigns, giveaways, recruitement, and more!

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 2SLGBTQIA+). We seek to lift up and center voices from groups that are disproportionately impacted by 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!

• ABN members are required to commit to volunteering for two consecutive terms (Fall and Spring)
• All ABN members must complete mandatory training before the start of term
• Volunteers are expected to attend one-hour weekly meetings (day and time to be determined by the team)
• A commitment of ~20-25 volunteer hours per semester (in addition to meetings and training)

• 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 in 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

1. This volunteer opportunity is open to all SFU and FIC students, of all identities and experiences. 
2. To apply please visit My Involvement. Our applications will open at the beginning of the Spring 2022 term.  Make sure to attach your resume when sending your application. 
3. Interviews will take place in March 2022. We will connect with you via email to book and online interview with us.
4. Successful volunteers will attend an extensive volunteer training on the third weekend of August 2022. 
5. ABN meetings and activities will start on the first week of the Fall term.

We are not currently accepting volunteers. Applications open in the Spring term.