Role-Play Rescue Activity

Overview:
Students practice allyship strategies in realistic scenarios by taking on roles of the intervener, target, and bystander. They’ll rotate roles through three short role-plays, applying the Notice-Name-Act framework and reflecting on challenges.

Materials Needed:
• Printed scenario cards (see prompts below)
• Role labels or name tags: Intervener, Target, Bystander
• Timer or stopwatch
• Reflection journal or scratch paper for notes

Roles (per group of three):
• Intervener: Practices noticing the issue, naming it respectfully, and acting to support the target.
• Target: Portrays the student experiencing unfair treatment or harm.
• Bystander: Observes and then offers feedback or supports the intervener.

Instructions:

1. Arrange students into groups of three and assign initial roles.
2. Distribute one scenario card to each group and give a brief moment to read.
3. Set a 5-minute timer for the first round.
4. Round 1 (5 min): Groups enact the scenario using the Notice-Name-Act steps:
   • Notice cues (tone, body language, language)
   • Name the concern with respectful language
   • Act to support/defuse (direct, indirect, or get help)
5. When the timer ends, spend 1 minute debriefing within the group:
   • Intervener reflects: What felt most natural? What was challenging?
   • Target shares: How supported did you feel?
   • Bystander offers feedback: One strength and one suggestion.
6. Rotate roles clockwise, distribute a new scenario card, and repeat for two more rounds.
7. After three rounds, reconvene for the whole-class debrief.

Scenario Prompts (print and cut into cards):

1. At lunch, a peer mocks another student’s accent to make classmates laugh.
2. In a group chat, someone spreads a false rumor about a friend’s behavior.
3. During a project meeting, one student is repeatedly excluded from decisions.
4. A peer makes a hurtful comment about someone’s appearance in front of others.

Intervention Plan Worksheet

Use this worksheet to plan a clear and effective intervention for a scenario you observed or selected from the Role-Play Rescue Activity.

1. Scenario Description
In your own words, describe the situation or scenario you’re responding to.

2. Identified Risk or Harm
What risk, harm, or unfair treatment did you notice?

3. Notice (Step 1)
What specific cues or behaviors made you aware something was wrong?

4. Name (Step 2)
How will you clearly and respectfully name the issue or concern?

5. Act (Step 3)
Which intervention strategy will you use? (direct, supportive, indirect, bystander, or a combination)
Why did you choose this approach?

6. Draft Supportive Language
Write out exactly what you plan to say or do to intervene and support your peer.

7. Anticipated Challenges & Preparation
What might feel most challenging when you intervene?
How can you prepare or practice to address that challenge?

Debrief Circle Discussion Guide

Total Time: 8 minutes

Objectives

• Reflect on role-play experiences as intervener, target, and bystander
• Identify challenges and successes in using the Notice-Name-Act framework
• Commit to at least one real-life allyship action this week

Setup (1 minute)

• Arrange students in a circle so everyone can see one another.
• Review ground rules:
  • Confidentiality: what’s shared here stays here.
  • Respect: one speaker at a time, no interruptions.
  • Active Listening: give nonverbal feedback (nodding, eye contact).

Facilitator Tip: Model respectful listening by summarizing a student’s point before moving on.

Discussion Prompts (6 minutes)

1. What felt most challenging about intervening? (2 minutes)

   • Invite 2–3 students to share briefly.
     
     
     
     

2. Which step (Notice, Name, or Act) seemed most effective, and why? (1.5 minutes)

   • Look for concrete examples: tone, words, body language.
     
     
     
     

3. As the “target,” how did it feel when someone intervened? (1.5 minutes)

   • What did the intervener do well? What could be stronger next time?
     
     
     
     

4. What allyship action will you try this week in real life? (1 minute)

   • Encourage a quick turn-and-talk or one-word share.
     
     
     
     

Facilitator Tip: If a few students dominate, invite quieter voices with: “I’d love to hear from someone who hasn’t spoken yet.”

Closure (1 minute)

• Summarize key themes: noticing cues, naming concerns respectfully, taking supportive action.
• Go around the circle and ask each student to state one allyship action they’ll try this week.
• Remind students of support resources (counselor, trusted teacher) if they need help intervening in real situations.

Facilitator Tip: End on a positive note—thank everyone for their honesty and courage in practicing allyship.