Empowering Action: Bystander Training & Anti-Human Trafficking Awareness for Library Staff
Date: Friday, February 28, 2025
Time: 9:00am - 4:00 pm
Location: NWTC Corporate Conference Center - 2740 W Mason St, Green Bay, WI 54307 (map & directions)
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM Check In and Breakfast
- Arrive after 9:00. Check in, grab coffee or tea and a pastry to start the day. Training will begin at 9:30.
9:30 AM - 12:00 PM Bystander Training for Library Staff with InnerShift
- Participants will gain the confidence and skills necessary to intervene safely and appropriately in challenging situations. The facilitators will guide staff through understanding how to assess circumstances, de-escalate conflicts, and address harmful behaviors or language in real-time. Interactive discussions and role-playing exercises will help staff practice how to:
- Assess potentially harmful or unsafe situations
- De-escalate conflicts in a respectful and effective manner
- Promote a culture of inclusion and respect in the library environment
- Stand up against discrimination, injustice, and harmful behaviors
- This session empowers library staff to foster a proactive, supportive community that prioritizes safety and respect for all.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Lunch Break
- Lunch will be provided for all attendees. NWTC catering will provide a "Tailgate" featuring beef burgers, black bean burgers, and chicken, roasted potato salad, homemade chips, fresh fruit and vegetables, and dessert. Water and lemonade will be provided. You are welcome to bring your own beverages. There are a number of restaurants near our venue, if you'd like to have lunch on your own.
1:00 PM - 3:30 PM** Anti-Human Trafficking Training
The afternoon session focuses on gaining a deeper understanding of human trafficking and the role libraries can play in identifying, responding to, and supporting victims. We will also learn about ways that we can build community awareness and provide education to help with prevention. The training will begin with an informative presentation, followed by a panel discussion featuring community experts from 5-Stones of Appleton, Awaken Justice and House of Hope of Green Bay, and the Brown County Sheriff’s Office. Key topics include:
- What human trafficking is and how it impacts communities
- How and when library staff can safely offer support to those at risk
- Available community resources and how to connect victims to them
- How libraries can help educate the public to raise awareness about trafficking and prevention
Staff are encouraged to bring their questions for the panel discussion.
**A snack break is schedule for 2:30-2:45
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM Putting It Into Practice
Following the panel, Brown County staff will meet to review their response procedures (3:30-4:00) with Al Hughes. All non-BCL attendees are invited to stay and participate in this portion if they are interested and able. Sample procedures will be shared.
NEWI will reimburse library staff for mileage to this event. Free parking is available next to the NWTC Conference Center.
This workshop is sponsored by the Northeastern Wisconsin (NEWI) continuing education partnership – Manitowoc-Calumet Library System, Nicolet Federated Library System, Outagamie-Waupaca Library System, and Winnefox Library System.
Continuing education contact hours for the full day: 5.5