Upstander Strategies Handout

This handout describes three core approaches to intervene as an upstander: Direct, Distract, and Delegate. Use the definitions, examples, and reflection prompts below to practice each strategy and plan your response.

1. Direct Intervention

Definition:
Directly addressing the harmful behavior by speaking up or confronting the person causing harm.

Example:
“Hey, that comment isn’t OK. We treat everyone with respect here.”

Reflection:
Think of a time you spoke up directly—or wished you had. What stopped you or motivated you in that moment?

Role-play Prompt:
Write out what you might say in a real situation when you choose a direct approach:

2. Distract

Definition:
Redirecting attention away from the situation to diffuse tension and create space for change.

Example:
“Oh, look at those balloons over there!” or asking the person affected a neutral question to shift focus.

Reflection:
Recall a moment when a distraction strategy could have helped. What could you have said or done?

Practice Prompt:
Describe an opening distraction you could use in a community setting:

3. Delegate

Definition:
Seeking help from another person or authority to address the situation safely.

Example:
“I’m going to find the park supervisor” or asking a nearby adult for assistance.

Reflection:
Identify who you could delegate to in your community (e.g., teacher, coach, neighbor). Why would you choose that person?

Planning Prompt:
List two local contacts you can delegate to and describe how you’d approach them:

Strategy Application Plan

Choose a real-life scenario you might encounter in your community. Select one of the three strategies above and draft a step-by-step plan for how you'll respond, including what you'll say or do and any follow-up actions.

Scenario Description:

Chosen Strategy (Direct, Distract, or Delegate): ______________________________

Response Plan:

Confidence Check:
On a scale of 1 (Not confident) to 5 (Very confident), how confident are you in using this strategy? _____

Use this handout during role-plays and in your own reflection to build confidence and clarity in becoming an effective upstander. Good luck!

Community Scenario Cards

Use these scenario cards during the role-play activity. In groups of 2–3, take turns reading your card aloud, role-playing an upstander response, and observing strengths and areas to improve.

Scenario 1: Playground Exclusion
You notice a group of kids repeatedly ignoring a new family’s child at the playground. The child sits alone and looks upset.

Scenario 2: Sidewalk Harassment
A teenager is being teased by passersby for wearing clothing representing their culture. The comments are loud and hurtful.

Scenario 3: Market Microaggression
At a community market, you overhear a vendor making an insensitive joke about another shopper’s accent.

Scenario 4: Carpool Criticism
During carpool pickup, one parent publicly criticizes another parent’s choice of school based on income or neighborhood.

Scenario 5: Neighborhood Gossip
You hear neighbors spreading a rumor that a family moved in with “bad intentions” without any proof.

Scenario 6: Bus Stop Bullying
A child at the bus stop is being called mean names by two older kids. The younger child looks scared and alone.

Scenario 7: Community Event Bias
At a local fair, an announcer makes off-color remarks about a cultural group waiting in line for a food demonstration.

Scenario 8: Online Neighborhood Group
On a community social media page, a parent posts negative stereotypes about families who speak a different language at home.

Confidence Reflection Worksheet

Use this worksheet to reflect on your past experiences, identify your strengths, and build confidence as an upstander.

1. Reflect on a Past Experience

Describe a specific time when you either spoke up (as an upstander) or stayed silent (as a bystander). Where were you and what was happening?

2. Feelings & Outcomes

What feelings did you experience in that moment? What was the outcome of your action (or inaction)?

3. Identify Barriers or Motivators

What stopped you from intervening—or motivated you to step in? Consider fears, uncertainties, or supports you had.

4. Recognize Your Strengths

List three personal strengths or skills you can leverage to be an effective upstander (e.g., calm voice, empathy, problem-solving).

5. Confidence Scale

On a scale of 1 (Not confident) to 5 (Very confident), how confident are you in using your identified strengths to intervene?

Confidence Level: _____

6. Action Plan

Based on your reflections, write one specific upstander action you will commit to taking in the next week. Include when and where you’ll practice it.

Keep this worksheet as a reminder of your strengths and commitment. Revisit it before you encounter situations where you can step up as an upstander. Good luck!