Being an upstander

I recently was introduced to new curriculum addressing bullying situations.  The language and way the scenarios are explored certainly address our modern times.  It is very impressive.  It calls for our young people to become upstanders.  People who speak up against injustices with poise and grace.  Like the known saying goes, "It is not what you say but how you say it."

This message among other messages stand out in this new approach.  Now, I notice the language everywhere including the slogan for the recent Global Citizen Festival, it read, "We are not a generation of bystanders, we are global citizens."  I see a lot of people promoting the transition from bystander to upstander.  This is what we are inviting young people to do.

The word Upstander itself is inspiring.  I see stand up, get up, be up just in the word.  As an upstander myself, I do have to choose my battles.  I let go of those that are already being taken up by other fellow upstanders, thank you!  Bullying goes beyond the physical realm.  Now there are ways of hurting people without them even being physically present.  We have the internet and cell phones to do the trick.

Being an upstander calls on us to be compassionate.  Compassionate with those who are having a bad day.  Call upon these feelings when you get upset and remember that you have a piece of that person's bad day recorded on your phone.  Compassionate with those who decide to share a photo you don't like of yourself and you think about one that you know they will not like.  Let's treat others the way that we would want to be treated.  How do you practice being an upstander?  How do you engage in difficult conversations?