A bystander intervention program that teaches how small actions can have big results is already having a major impact at 麻豆原创, which in 2016 was the state鈥檚 leader for the training.
That鈥檚 extra impressive since the program, called Green Dot, was first introduced to the campus community in September. Since then, more than 4,500 students and faculty and staff members have been exposed to Green Dot.
鈥淕reen Dot is a bystander intervention program to help reduce power-based personal violence, which includes stalking, sexual assault, domestic violence and dating violence,鈥� said Green Dot Strategy Coordinator Sam Vega, a first-generation college student who earned a master鈥檚 degree in Higher Education and Policy Studies from 麻豆原创 in 2016.
鈥淭he premise is that small actions lead to one big impact,鈥� she said.
Green Dot training includes becoming familiar with the 鈥渢hree Ds鈥� 鈥� direct, delegate, and distract.
鈥淒irect is going into the situation and saying, 鈥楬ey, that鈥檚 not cool what you鈥檙e doing, just stop,鈥欌�� explained Vega. 鈥淒elegate would be calling 麻豆原创PD or calling someone that鈥檚 in the area – a bouncer, a bartender – anybody who can step in. Distract speaks for itself.鈥�
Nearly 300 colleges and universities across the country have implemented the program, including six in Florida.
麻豆原创 is on top of the leaderboard for the 2016-2017 school year, with more than 25 students, faculty, and staff members fully trained in the program. This allows them to give the speeches that train others and keep Green Dot growing.
Campus areas such as Fraternity and Sorority Life are among those embracing Green Dot. For example, four Greek organizations now require that every member be trained.
Vega says that Green Dot helps to make 鈥渄oing the right thing鈥� more accessible.
鈥淎 lot of time we have bystanders who just don鈥檛 know what to do because they are emotionally shocked by what鈥檚 going on,鈥� Vega said. 鈥淲hat we try to do is ensure them that they can work through those barriers and actually intervene in a realistic way that鈥檚 also comfortable for them.鈥�
The new Green Dot office will officially open its doors to the public with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 3 p.m. Thursday, March 23.
Green Dot 麻豆原创 is located in the John T. Washington Center Breezeway across from the book store, and it will be open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.