Being an Upstander means to stand up – especially for others and for our values. It implies that there is a need for an opposing force – perhaps to bullying behavior or to a practice or communication that is keeping or pushing someone down. Acting as an Upstander is putting our more theoretical concepts into practice in the real-world:
- Scout Oath: “to help other people at all times”
- Scout Law: “loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, brave” – Moral courage is needed to advocate for someone and overcome inhibitory forces such as conformity and peer pressure.
Bullying behavior often targets perceived differences and tries to “other” and ostracize its intended victims. It is a common challenge to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA values). Having someone else stand up for you can make a huge difference, and we rightfully often think of the bullied target and what they experience. However, bullying situations also can present an opportunity to redirect the individual bullying and perhaps reshape some of their future behavior. Supporting a group culture where individuals are encouraged to speak up when noticing behavior that is not Scout-like and addressing such issues promptly cultivates a sort of a competing model of positive peer pressure. Immediate tactics dealing with bullying or harassment might look like the general principles deployed in the example scenario below contending with Islamophobia.
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In more general terms, an Upstander supports IDEA values for all individuals, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, economic situation, physical or other abilities. In all societies, including our current context, there are powerful individuals and forces arrayed against these values. These values do not speak up for themselves, but instead require our active efforts to maintain and advance them.
Over the course of many years on staff at Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan Scout Reservation, I (Alice) have seen countless examples of Staff and Scouts alike being Upstanders for others. Teaching merit badges and being on the other side of the classroom puts into perspective the amount of microaggressions and bullying that goes on. As the person in authority, it often falls upon the Counselor to be an Upstander. With the proper training, however, we can often nip these scenarios in the bud, such as by reframing and redirecting. Being an Upstander for a Scout who may not be standing up for themselves is incredibly important for the development of the Scout and their experience in Scouting, and it also models to them ways to stand up for themselves in the future. I’ve witnessed many fellow Staff who will not hesitate to stop a dangerous situation or put a stop to bullying.
Our challenge to you as fellow Scouters is to speak up where you can for IDEA values in your spheres of influence: personal, family, work, school, and most pertinently here, in Scouting. Doing so will strengthen our shared commitment to bring the values and lessons of Scouting to ensuing generations. Let’s be Upstanders rather than bystanders. In the words of two champions of human rights:
- “What hurts the victim most is not the cruelty of the oppressor but the silence of the bystander.” – Elie Wiesel
- “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
By Alan Sanders (T916 ASM) and Alice Sanders (East Camp Program Commissioner)
The Northeast Illinois Council’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) Committee shares information and experiences that support the council’s commitment to bringing in and including Scouts and Scouters from diverse backgrounds and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to belong.