Active Bystander Cheat Sheet

How should you respond to the given situation?

First, assess your safety.

If You Feel Safe

  • Disrupt the non-inclusive language and/or behaviour

  • Express your feelings, reaction, discomfort, disagreement.

  • Support the receiver.

  • Help others identify the non-inclusive language or behaviour.

  • Avoid shaming.

  • Others?

  • Follow-up on receiver

If You Feel Unsafe

  • Support the receiver.

  • Ask other witnesses to get help.

  • Approach other witnesses at the scene for support and/or help.

  • (if possible) Disrupt the non-inclusive language and/or behaviour

  • Express your feelings, reaction, discomfort, disagreement (this might just be with the receiver).

  • Help others identify the non-inclusive language or behaviour.

  • Document - helps get it out of your mind/body and might be helpful later

  • Follow-up on receiver