During difficult social conditions, such as economic problems, political upheaval and great societal change, psychological and social processes can lead groups to turn against and victimize others (Ervin, 2016). How do we stop this process and encourage empathy, moral courage and altruism? Ervin Staub, Ph.D. addresses this issue from his years of experience in promoting peace and engaging individuals to become active bystanders. He has found that when individuals have developed an ability to care for the welfare of others who are not members of their own group and have the moral courage to speak out and act according to one’s values and beliefs in the face of potential or actual opposition, we can counteract these destruction forces that lead to harm doing and violence. In this conference, he will outline the ways to teach and foster these skills to reduce violence and promote peace.   

The conference covers the principals of active bystandership, reconciliation after violence, altruism born of suffering, and promoting moral courage. Participants will learn how to help themselves and others overcome barriers and become “active bystanders” to be agents of change in their communities, increase inclusivity and promote peace. The talks will outline the tragic consequences of passivity by bystanders, as in the case of the evolution of hostility and violence that ends in mass killing or genocide and ways to prevent it. 

Additionally, participants will learn the best practices and principles of reconciliation between groups after violence has occurred to help communities heal and prevent future violence. Included in this, is altruism born of suffering. This refers to people who after harm is done to them, do not withdraw or turn against others, but instead try to prevent or stop others’ suffering. The talks will describe experiences that help bring about altruism after suffering, which is crucially important since with many people suffering, without it we would live in an increasingly hostile world. Participants will also learn ways to apply “active bystandership” strategies in clinical practice from renowned expert Donald Meichenbaum, Ph.D.