Impact Stories

Testimonials That Demonstrate the Impact of the Step UP! Bystander Intervention Program

What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.
Jane Goodall

Students

Confidence Building

The Step UP! training was very educational and taught me different ways in which I can intervene. After the training, I feel more confident in my role as a member of my community wanting to step up and help.
- Christina,
Peer Educator,
Northern Michigan University

Administrators & Facilitators

Implementation Success

When we first started looking for a bystander training program, it didn’t take long to see that Step UP! was the right fit. The curriculum is engaging, flexible, and grounded in research. We’re excited to build this into a long-term initiative and see the positive impact on our campus.
- Christine Galatis,
Senior Director, Title IX,
Endicott College

Workplaces & Organizations

Professional Development

THANK YOU for such a comprehensive and more importantly RELEVANT presentation and discussion!
- Laura Chandler,
Department of Commerce,
International Trade Administration

View a selection of testimonials below:

Impact on Students
Impact on Administrators & Facilitators
Impact on Workplaces & Organizations

For additional testimonials or a list of references, please contact us.

Impact on Students

Changed My Thinking

Step UP! has stayed with me over time and it changed my thinking. When I was faced with basic, everyday decisions it impacted how I handled them.
- Male Student-Athlete, The University of Arizona

Accessible and Respectful

The Step UP! bystander training program taught me a multitude of intervention methods. I loved the accessibility—an individual doesn’t necessarily need to be confrontational or assertive to effectively help another person. Becky focused on teaching bystander intervention skills across a broad range of topics, and touched on more sensitive ones in a respectful, trauma-informed way.
- Emma, Peer Educator, Northern Michigan University

Confidence and Knowledge

I never had the courage to try to step up and help [teammates] with their situations. I was always afraid that I might make the situation worse or lose the friendship… so I didn’t do anything. I know now that the next time I am put into a situation where I can help that I will intervene with confidence and knowledge.
- Female Student-Athlete, University of Virginia

User-Friendly and Beneficial

Of all of the programs we have done, this was by far the most user-friendly and beneficial. The fact that we felt we were involved in conversation and interaction as opposed to being lectured was very appreciated.
- Lucky Scott, Fraternity Chapter President

Effectively Handle the Situation

After I completed my Step UP! training I found myself in an unfamiliar situation. One of my best friends was in a verbally abusive relationship. My Step UP! training allowed me to approach her in a way that helped make her responsive and accepting of the help I offered. Step UP! gave me the skills and confidence I needed.
- Female Student-Athlete, The University of Arizona

Impact on Administrators & Facilitators

One of the Best Programs I Have Ever Seen

I was totally floored when I saw the ‘Step UP!’ program. This program is one of the best I have ever seen in that it really spoke to the students on their level, in terms they would understand and in situations to which they could definitely relate.
- Victor Boschini, Chancellor, Texas Christian University

Welcoming, Thoughtful, and Interactive

Becky is an exceptional trainer. She creates an environment that is welcoming, thoughtful, and interactive, allowing participants to engage in honest conversation while feeling respected and supported. Her ability to present complex and sometimes sensitive topics with clarity and authenticity makes the learning experience impactful and accessible. She was able to clearly share how we would be able to implement it at our college and I am very grateful for her time and positive energy!
- AJ Andreucci, Associate Dean of Students, Endicott College

Dynamic Learning Experience

The Step Up! program exceeded my expectations, especially because Becky made herself so available and encouraged us to adapt the training to our school’s needs. The combination of videos, open discussion, research, and evidence-based methods created a dynamic and engaging learning experience. It felt personalized, relevant, and truly beneficial for our St. Olaf community.
- Andrea Marshall, Director of Wellness and Health Promotion, St. Olaf College

Fun, Engaging Facilitation Style

Becky’s fun, engaging facilitation style made the session highly interactive, and our peer educators were not only receptive to the information but actively participating throughout. This training lowers the barrier to being an active bystander by offering multiple, accessible ways to intervene across a range of scenarios. Our peer educators and I are excited to bring this training to life on our campus.
- WellBeing Promotions Coordinator, Northern Michigan University

A Positive Difference

Since many problematic behaviors happen in group settings, bystander intervention skill training is essential. What I like about Step UP! is the fact that it applies to many different situations. I believe one approach makes it more powerful and sustainable. Becky presents this material so well, that the message and delivery in itself empowers individuals. The presentation easily lends itself to follow up conversations and discussions in leadership groups, or chapter houses. Having Becky share this information with our student population has made a positive difference. I highly recommend the Step UP! program!
- Theresa Fagouri, Coordinator, Campus Alcohol and Drug Education Center, Chico State University

Valuable Addition to Any Institution's Programming

The Step UP! program provides students with the conceptual framework and tools to make a positive difference. The Step UP! program would be a valuable addition to any institution’s programming, and the Pac-12 Conference supports this effort to enhance the leadership ability of our student-athletes.
- Chris Dawson, Associate Commissioner for Olympic Sports and Student-Athlete Programs (Retired), Pac-12 Conference

Inspiring Students to Change

Our team has been very impressed with Step UP! It opens a dialog with students that says, “We can’t improve health and safety on this campus without your help.” Inspiring students with the skills that let them be the change they—and we all—want to see has great potential. We are looking forward to working with the Step UP! curriculum to deliver a comprehensive violence prevention program.
- David Salafsky, Campus Health Service, The University of Arizona

This Training is Amazing

Much of the research currently says bystander intervention is one of the best forms of prevention concerning violence prevention. This training is amazing and I have used it with my peer educators as well as Greek students. They are very receptive to the information and really want to know more.
- Jenny Rabas, Prevention Specialist, University of Central Missouri

Flexibility, Resources, and Support

When given the task of finding a bystander training program for our students, I was excited to see this curriculum. In Residential Life we use experiential education with all the methodology evidenced in this program. We were looking for a long-term initiative to bring to our campus, and this is it. I love the flexibility of the materials and the resources and support available.
- Shelly Fickau, Director of Residential Life, Johns Hopkins University

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