Western H.E.R.O.E.S. is a bystander intervention program that encourages members of the Western Michigan University community to step up and create a safe and inclusive campus environment. The program empowers participants to overcome the bystander effect when they find themselves in situations where unhealthy behavior can lead to harm.
Bystander effect: The more people there are around a situation or crisis, the less likely someone is to help.
We counteract the bystander effect when we:
Notice what is Happening
Evaluate the situation
Take Responsibility to be the one to do something
Obtain the Education to know how to safely intervene
Stepup and make a difference
Become a Western Hero
The bystander intervention program offers training to the campus community upon request.
During training participants discuss the bystander effect, examine the obstacles that get in the way of people intervening, create strategies to get around their own obstacles, and practice and develop specific intervention skills that increase confidence, motivation, and the frequency of stepping up!