Bismarck Mandan Green Dot

No one has to do everything, but everyone has to do something.

What Is Green Dot?

Most people process information based on what they see.

Now, imagine a map of our community where people can place a colored dot to represent where they either made or experienced a specific kind of action. Red dots represent actions of harm. Green dots represent actions of help and empowerment.

It’s hard to avoid the hurt in our community when you can see it. Similarly, it’s easier to find hope. Being able to see both is equally important. The question is, what color will your dots be?

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Red Dot

Someone uses words or actions to harm another person.

Some examples:

  • Hitting
  • Sex without consent
  • Using threatening words
  • Stalking
  • Neglecting or abusing a child
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Green Dot

Someone uses words or actions to make a red dot less likely.

Some examples:

  • Intervene in a situation
  • Attend bystander intervention training
  • Share info on social media
  • Acknowledge someone who does something positive or hopeful

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.

Margaret Mead

Everyone will be a bystander at some point. Most people want to help, they just don’t know how.
Read through the four steps below to learn creative ways to intervene.

How to Be a Green Dot

Take action and ask someone to stop if you’re concerned they’re likely to cause harm. Here’s how you can choose to react:

Reactive Green Dots

Take it upon yourself to check on someone you’re worried about.

Reactive Green Dots

Ask others to get involved by reaching out to your friends, neighbors, coworkers or even law enforcement.

Reactive Green Dots

Diffuse a potentially harmful situation through distraction: Accidentally spill a drink, ask to borrow something or start an unrelated conversation.

Proactive Green Dot

There are actions we can take to stop Red Dots from ever forming.

 

Proactive Green Dots communicate two things:

Violence is not okay.

Everyone plays a part in making their community safer.

 

Proactive Green Dots can be a simple conversation about bystander intervention, sharing on social media or acknowledging when someone takes positive helpful action.