Empowering Change: The Stand-Up Project

 
 
 

Written by The Stand-Up Project

The Stand-Up Project is a comprehensive training program designed for primary and secondary school students, teachers and families. It addresses how young people experience and respond to poor behaviours. The program is unique because it is peer-led and prioritises student leadership, agency and voice. The program empowers students to take charge and become Upstanders who can contribute to a positive school culture.

The Founder: Dr. Zach Greig

Dr. Zach Greig, the visionary behind SUP, brings a wealth of expertise and passion to the program. His work is grounded in peer-reviewed research and program evidence, ensuring that SUP is both effective, sustainable and fun. Dr. Greig’s commitment to empowering students and fostering inclusive school cultures is the driving force behind SUP's success.

Why SUP Works

SUP stands out because it taps into the power of peer education. Research indicates that students are more likely to change their behaviours and attitudes when learning from their peers rather than adults. The program teaches students about the bystander effect, the drivers and impacts of discrimination, and equips them with practical skills to support victims and address poor behaviours. The program then invites students to develop their own program, which they teach to their peers, teachers and families.

Key Components of SUP

  1. Peer-Led Education: Students learn to identify and address poor behaviours and then teach these skills to their younger peers, teachers and families.

  2. Bystander Effect Education: Using research from Latane and Darley (1969) and others, students understand the drivers and impacts of poor behaviour and how to intervene safely and effectively.

  3. Collective Responsibility: SUP frames poor behaviour as a cultural issue that all students are responsible for addressing, fostering a sense of agency, legacy, and ownership.

  4. Community Development Approach: The program builds a sense of collective agency throughout the entire school community, positively influencing school norms and culture.

Benefits and Outcomes

SUP offers numerous benefits, including:

  • Increased self-confidence and feelings of empowerment among students.

  • Development of leadership, teamwork, public speaking, and communication skills.

  • A reduction in the occurrences of discrimination, harassment, and bullying.

  • Improved collaboration and understanding between students, teachers, and families.

  • A suite of resources to support students to deliver the program.

  • Detailed data evaluation of the program’s engagement and impact.

  • Certificates of Leadership and Completion for students, outlining how the students’ program aligns with school priorities (i.e., Respectful Relationships, Positive Behaviour, etc)

Program Structure

SUP consists of multiple training sessions, delivered in-person and onsite, tailored to school priorities, issues and strengths:

  • Foundational Training: Senior student trainers learn about discrimination, harassment, bullying, and the bystander effect.

  • Train the Trainer: Students develop training plans and learn to deliver these to their peers, teachers and families.

  • Teachers and Families: Students co-facilitate sessions alongside SUP staff to their teachers and families on the program the students have developed and how adults can support students in their role as Upstanders.

  • Evaluation: Students evaluate the data collected from their training sessions. Determining what went well and what can be improved.

Real Impact

SUP’s approach has been shown to be more effective than traditional, adult-led initiatives. By involving students in the design and delivery of the program, SUP ensures that the training is relevant, relatable, and impactful.

Join SUP at the National Education Summit

The Stand-Up Project will be featured as a Spotlight Sponsor at the National Education Summit in Melbourne, from 14-15 June 2024. This summit is an excellent opportunity to learn more about SUP and how it can benefit your school community.

For more information about SUP or to register for the National Education Summit, visit The Stand-Up Project and National Education Summit.

Through SUP, Dr. Zach Greig and his team are making significant strides in creating safer, more inclusive school environments. By empowering students to take the lead, SUP is fostering a generation of young people who are not only aware of social injustices but are also equipped to stand against them.

 
 
 
Darshana Amarsi