Basically, people need different things, and we as bystanders are usually not equipped to be good at handling every individual issue presented. As an ally, don't set yourself up for failure by thinking you can do it all. Please take the time to learn about bystander intervention.

Also, deescalation is a skill, and there's a reason why a lot of people in political action/protesting take classes on it.

Find out what kind of bystander intervention *you* can do and practice it so that you can help out in a situation when you least expect it.
righttobe.org/guides/bysta...

This is also why I believe more in the power of organizations, set-out rules, and political action than single individuals, because organizations (ideally) have been vetted, and that's harder to do for individuals, which is how I've seen "Con Moms" at anime cons do more harm than good for strangers.

I'd vouch for several of the people in the Splatoon scene who have volunteered to be people's buddy if they need someone in light of politics in some states. And I would also absolutely get my Karen on for people.

But we should recognize that no one person can be every person's safe ally.

As always, celebrate today, back to the work tomorrow. The best way you can help us right now is by reaching out to your favorite non 6/6 convention and asking them to update their policy and procedures! We'll update in future if & when we have capacity for more volunteers. Take care 'til next time!

It may feel like what we do is "pointless" in a world with so much suffering, but as a very astute colleague reminded us: right now, policy is THE tool we have in the convention community, so we're gonna use it.
Plus, 1K is a significant milestone for us. We're proud of the work we do!

AHHHHHH

MOM HOLY FUCK PART 2??!??!?!!!!!!!

I was catching up on internet connection and Guidebook and researching tomorrow's panel and WE ARE MENTIONED IN THEIR PDF???!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHAT!!!! @cosplayer-ssn.bsky.social THIS IS SO COOL 😭🙏

Oh, goodness gracious 😂 That's a new internal hall of shame for us. Good luck to 'em, though!

END OF "NARUTTO" CRISIS INTERVENTION MNEMONIC

Thanks for reading and we hope this can help just a little if you don't know where to start with providing support for your friends and family during these times and in the future! Please prioritize safety above all. We believe you, and we NEED you.

O: OFFER

This is a continuation of the above; always offer multiple options the person can choose between. It can help them feel empowered and feel that they are in control. It doesn't matter if they don't choose your choices; let them guide you, but provide them the torch to light the way.

TT: THINK THROUGH

Guide the person to imagine next steps they can take in the next few minutes, hour, rest of the day. They will know best what sounds right. Give them options to choose between if they're having trouble coming up with something; "do you want to grab food or get your phone charger?"

U: UNLOAD

Let the person tell you everything they're feeling, unfiltered. Understand their feelings might not match what you think a survivor or person in crisis might be thinking or feeling. Be extremely nonjudgmental. Validate what they're saying.

R: REFLECT

When the person tells you their situation or concerns, reflect their words back to them rather than coming up with your own metaphors or conclusions. Mirror posture/body language if appropriate. Observe if they look glazed-over. Give them your full attention.

A: ASK

Ask the person what support they need in the moment. You can ask to clarify context if you don't know the situaton. Some people might not be able to verbalize or are not comfortable sharing details; don't press them. Today... probably safe to assume it's about the election results.

N: NAVIGATE

Help the person get to a physically safe place. Today that can mean their car, a closet with a door, a private bathroom, your living room couch. Wherever feels "safe" for them, they decide. At a con, a neutral space is wise, and for them it might not be within the con or hotel space.

This is based on the SSVVPP method by NOVA, flavored for y'all nerds so you can remember! We're going to use a method we call "NARUTTO" .... because the most important thing about someone who survived trauma? "Believe it!" You're not a judge, so always start by telling someone you believe them.

Disclaimers first: we trained for many situations even though as a group we are aimed toward survivors of sexual violence.

Also, you can't help others unless or until you are able to take on their trauma. If you aren't ready, there's no shame in that, but don't try to overreach if you're unable.