CARBONDALE – The Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR), in partnership with the City of Carbondale, invites the community to participate in “From Bystander to Upstander: Preventing Harm in Public Spaces,” an interactive training session taking place on Tuesday, Aug. 26, beginning at 3 p.m., at the Carbondale Civic Center.
Grounded in the “5 Ds” of bystander intervention, this training is designed to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools to safely intervene in incidents of harassment and conflict. The presentation explores the impact of harassment, offers strategies for safety, and introduces practical de-escalation techniques grounded in empathy, active listening, and situational awareness.
Participants will also engage in real-world scenarios and learn how to access support networks, report incidents effectively, and promote systemic change. Attendees will leave with confidence and competence to foster safer, more inclusive public spaces.
This event is free and open to the public. Please contact the City of Carbondale’s Director of Violence Prevention Programs, Dianah McGreehan, at dmcgreehan@carbondaleil.gov for more information about this training or to register. You may also click here to register. To learn more about IDHR and how they serve Illinois residents, please visit dhr.illinois.gov.