Have you ever considered becoming a Bystander Intervention Training (BIT) program peer trainer? We are hiring, and all eligible applicants are encouraged to apply by Friday June 18, 2021.
Here are four reasons to apply to become a BIT trainer.
You can also jump straight to the job description, or the application.
BIT trainers impart useful and applicable skills during sessions, resulting in measurable positive impact on the community. The sessions are run in small, peer–led groups, which has been shown to be one of the best ways to influence community change.
Our data corroborates! Drawing from surveys over the past year, before completing BIT only 27.84% of participants felt “extremely confident” when asked, “how confident you are that you could talk to a friend who [you] suspect is in an abusive relationship.” After the training, 52.74% of students participants felt “extremely confident.”
Since all new students are required to attend the BIT program, trainers have the opportunity to impact the campus norms around GBV on a large scale.
Again, our data shows the success of the work trainers do.
When asked, “People who identify in the LGBTQIA+ community experience sexual violence and intimate partner violence at the same rate as those who do not identify in the LGBTQIA+ community,” 28.25% of students “strongly disagreed” prior to completing BIT. After completing BIT, 59.63% “strongly disagreed.”
Prior to completing BIT, when asked, “If someone doesn’t verbally say no, it can’t be considered an assault,” 77.94% of students “strongly disagreed.” After completing BIT, 90.02% “strongly disagreed.”
Prior to completing BIT, when asked, “how confident you are that you could get help and resources for a friend who tells me they have experienced sexual violence or intimate partner violence.” 35.67% of students felt “extremely confident.” After completing BIT, 56.80% felt “extremely confident.”
These changes in perceptions and in confidence to respond to instances of violence have real-world implications and serve to make out community safer, more inclusive, and accessible to all.
“I joined BIT to be part of a group of people that are dedicated to creating the Hopkins community that I want to live in, a community that is inclusive, safe, and with no more occurrences of gender-based violence,” said Danae Baxter, a rising KSAS senior who has been a trainer for two years. “I learn so much from my fellow peers and Alyse and now feel more equipped to step in as a bystander.“
Trainers earn $15 per hour. They typically select their own schedules, and can choose to work from three to eight hours a week.
The BIT retreat allows trainers to get to know each other and forge strong connections.
“Every member of the BIT team shows up to support their peers, and will always have each other’s back,” Karnika Mehrota, a rising KSAS senior who has worked with the program for three years.
Kinsey Tyler, a KSAS Class of 2021 graduate, said being a BIT trainer was her most rewarding college experience.
“It has allowed me to explore issues I have struggled with myself, as well as help to improve the culture at Hopkins,” Tyler said. “It is an opportunity I would recommend to anyone with a passion for advocacy, community, and support.”
This position will facilitate BIT for undergraduates, JHU’s bystander intervention and gender-violence prevention training.
Prior to start, trainers will gain knowledge about gender violence and in-depth facilitation/training skills. Trainers will teach peers to be effective bystanders against GBV, including sexual and intimate partner violence, stalking, and sexual harassment.
Previous knowledge of and experience with gender violence prevention is preferred but not required.
Positive energy, flexible schedules, good communication skills, and desire and willingness to train large and varied groups of peers required. This position complements studies in psychology, sociology, public health, anthropology, and gender and women’s studies but any undergraduate student can apply.
Since this is a paid position, trainers will be expected to work three to eight hours per week, which includes fulfilling program requests and attending an initial 24-hour intensive training (spread o multiple days, depending on availability).
Applications close on Friday June 18, 2021. Use this form to apply.
Please contact the author, Alyse Campbell, with any questions about the program or the trainer application process.