Carnegie Mellon University

Culturally Responsive Bystander Intervention (CuRB) at CMU

CMU community members were introduced to the concept of bystander intervention to disrupt power-based personal violence (dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking) through Green Dot training from 2018-2023. Building on that foundation, the CuRB curriculum was developed in response to a need for evolving our existing bystander intervention program to be more responsive to how power, bias, and privilege impact our ability to support others. After holding pilot sessions with students, staff and faculty throughout 2023, CuRB is now live and available to the CMU community for those interested in bystander intervention training. 

The CuRB training covers how identity, power, and privilege impacts our role as bystanders and provides space to explore how we arrive at our understandings and perceptions of others. This focus on group reflection and discussion sets the stage for collaboratively unlearning harmful biases that might negatively impact our ability to help loved ones or community members experiencing power-based personal violence. Through open discussion, scenario exercises and actionable tools, CuRB empowers participants to intercept different forms of harm and provide culturally responsive and person-centered support. 

Additional CuRB Resources

A People's History and Response to Sexual Violence

Disability Justice On Campus: Non-Carceral Approaches to Policing and Bystander Intervention

Request a CuRB Session

Request a Program for Your Group

CuRB has two session options: a 5 hour session and a 1.5 hour session. We can come to your student group, department, or residence hall! For groups of 10 or more, we can accommodate special requests for virtual and in-person programs.

 

Request a CuRB program.

CuRB Training Options

There are two CuRB training options: one full length 5 hour session and another 1.5 hour session. Each version of CuRB centers identity and power and provides opportunity for participants to practice skills. Although both trainings offer opportunities for participants to practice, share with the group and engage with the material, the full length training features more space for discussion and scenario practice. While the 1.5 hour session doesn't offer as much room for open discussion, participants still have the opportunity to share their thoughts with others and practice key skills. 

Wondering which session is the right one for your group? Email gbirdmun@andrew.cmu.edu!

 

 

Special Events 

Check back here for upcoming events!