Applying “Bystander Effect” to Local Social Services Emphasizes Need for Support

An article in The Record on January 17th got me doing some serious thinking. I decided to write a letter to the editor, which appeared in The Record on January 21st.

My comments, which I'll repeat here, are in response to Michelle Tait’s article entitled “Police warn of ‘bystander effect’ in mall robberies.” 

The article suggests that police may have narrowly missed catching those involved in a recent Conestoga Mall jewelry store robbery due to the “bystander effect”, whereby witnesses to a crime or accident neglect to call 911 because they assume someone else already has.

 

Particularly for those not directly involved in a situation, calling 911 can be perceived as a decision to be made at their discretion rather than a dire necessity. One could easily assume that someone more closely linked to the incident has already sought help. Likewise, bystanders might assume that because they didn’t witness the whole event, what little they do know doesn’t warrant a 911 call.

 

The “bystander effect” can also be applied to our local social services sector. It would be easy for many individuals, particularly those not personally affected as of yet, to assume that failing to support those in need in our community – perhaps neglecting to lend their contribution “just this once” - won’t have a negative impact. After all, everyone else will continue to lend their support, right?

 

Remember, the next time someone in our community decides not to call 911 - or decides it’s not important to support local social service needs - it may be you or someone dear to your heart in dire need of assistance. How will you feel about the “bystander effect” then?

I invite you to join the United Way team in making a conscious effort to not be a bystander!

Jan

 

KW Counselling 60th Anniversary Speaker Series

There is excitement in the air about the final two installments of the 4-part “Celebrating Change” speaker series hosted by KW Counselling in honour of the organization’s 60th anniversary. Some very celebrated Canadians will be sharing their experiences with the powerful and positive effects of change, both in their lives and the lives of others.

Speaking on February 3 will be Rosemary Thompson, a veteran political correspondent for CTV news and the Director of Communications and Public Affairs for the National Arts Centre, along with Karen Redman, former long-time Liberal MPP for Kitchener Centre. Talk about your powerful female role models!

Then on May 17th, Stephen Lewis, former United Nations' special envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa and a former NDP leader and broadcaster, will be joined by international bestselling author Barbara Coloroso, whose effective parenting and teaching strategies have helped so many throughout the years.

Both evenings will be held at Bingemans in Kitchener. For further information about these two must-see events, please visit www.kwcounselling.com.

Last November, we at United Way KW were thrilled to partner with KW Counselling in bringing celebrated Olympian Clara Hughes to town, not only as part of the “Celebrating Change” speaker series, but also as a thank you to our Leadership donors – those who generously support our community with gifts of $1000 a year or more. Clara shared the inspiring story of how she overcame many obstacles in her youth to become the only Canadian ever to win medals in both the summer and winter Olympics. This well-received evening wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of our Leadership sponsor, Manulife Financial.

The moral of this blog? Change is good!

Jan