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Upstander Toolkit

Be An Upstander

Bystanders are those who witness injustice and do or say nothing. By not intervening, they send a message that injustice is acceptable. It is not. 

Stand up to injustice. Be an upstander.

An Upstander is someone who:

  • is a defender, advocate, and supporter of human rights and human dignity
  • acts when witnessing inequality, injustice, or oppression
  • recognizes the need for empathy, dignity, and compassion
  • recognizes, engages, and empowers others to confront injustice

Be an Upstander and A.C.T.

A = ASK: When you hear someone tell a joke that belittles others or use a word that is demeaning, ask, “Do you know what that word means? Did you intend to be hurtful?”

C = CHOOSE: Being an upstander is a choice, just like being a bystander is a choice – but doing or saying nothing in the face of injustice implies that you agree.

T = TEACH: Teach by example of how you live your life. Upstander is a verb as well as a noun. I cannot call myself an upstander if others do not witness me as such.

Upstanders are those who recognize a wrong and take action to make it right.

Upstander Toolkit

Designed to support classroom instruction in grades 5-12, the Upstander Toolkit includes educational resources and materials produced by the Wassmuth Center for Human Rights to foster a school culture that respects human dignity and diversity. 

The Toolkit includes one classroom poster, a lesson plan with handouts that integrate with the “Be an Upstander” video. A downloadable student pocket-size brochure, and 30 “I am an Upstander” notebook rulers. For more information or to order an Upstander Toolkit, please submit the request form.

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©2024 The Wassmuth Center for Human Rights | All rights reserved | Website by 116 & West