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.
