Nonviolent Owensboro (NVO) aims to empower people to act as allies and promote a safer, more inclusive environment for everyone. As part of that effort, the nonprofit is hosting a Bystander Intervention Training on Saturday, teaching individuals how to recognize and safely intervene when they witness harmful or inappropriate behavior, such as harassment or discrimination.
The training will take place from 1-3 p.m. at First Christian Church, 700 J.R. Miller Boulevard. Those interested are asked to register in advance by phone or email by contacting Peggy Wilson at 270-685-0924 or [email protected].
Wilson is a founding member of NVO, is on their Steering Committee, and is a Bystander Intervention Training Facilitator.
“Bystander intervention training is crucial because it empowers people to step in and prevent harm, fostering safer communities, which is one of the main objectives of NonViolent Owensboro,” Wilson said. “One of my favorite quotes is from Martin Luther King Jr. ‘The time is always right to do what is right,’ reminding us that there is never a wrong moment to act with empathy and accountability. This type of training is always timely and necessary.”
Attendees will be taken through a few different scenarios and will learn the best ways to respond to the situations, according to a release from NVO.
“The goal of attending bystander intervention training is to equip participants with the knowledge and confidence to take action when witnessing harmful behavior,” Wilson said. “There are specific skills and tactics that are taught. Our hope is that our attendees internalize these skills should they find themselves in a position to help someone in our community.”
Nonviolent Owensboro hosts ZOOM meetings at 6:30 p.m. on the first Monday of each month. All are welcome, and those interested can contact Wilson for the link to the meeting.
NVO was established in 2016 as a chapter of Campaign Nonviolence and Nonviolent Cities. Their mission statement says they are Owensboro-area citizens “committed to practicing and promoting nonviolent living and direct action through education and community partnerships.”
Among other activities, the group has provided nonviolent action trainings through Pace e Bene; participated in local Faith Fests with book studies, children’s activities, and an overview of the Poor People’s Campaign; contributed to the Week of Nonviolent Action activities in September; sponsored film screenings and decorated a peace crane tree each December at the Daviess County Public Library; and set up booths at Juneteenth, the Owensboro Multicultural Festival, and Stand Against Child Abuse.
For more information, visit nonviolentowensboro.org or follow them on Facebook.
