Why Connection is More Important Than Ever

We all have that favorite spot to get a beer, a glass of wine, or a fancy cocktail. We meet there to wind-down, to connect, to celebrate the big moment in our lives. At the SAFE Bar Network, we know that when we engage bars and other venues that serve alcohol in conversations about sexual violence, active bystander skills, and supporting each other they become better places to work and have a great time.

In everything we do, we are driven by our core values; trust, respect, accountability, connection, support.

Now more than ever it’s obvious that we are social people. We need connection to thrive and right now we’re all looking for it. At the SAFE Bar Network, we believe that building connection is as easy as showing genuine concern for others, helping them out, and giving encouragement.

In SAFE Bar Training and every day after, we work to build connection with and between people because we know that continuing to use active bystander skills is so much more about what happens in the aftermath.

When you choose to take action to help someone they may be grateful, they may be angry, they may be indifferent. None of those responses mean that a person should stop working to create a fun and safe atmosphere. What keeps people focused on the goal of taking action is connection. Going to a coworker for support and getting it or having someone say I saw what you were trying to do there, that was great.

Because the obstacles to helping are never going to go away we make sure that people know that coworkers, managers, and owners have their back. That they are all making this shift in company culture together.

To learn more about joining the SAFE Bar Network contact us at safebarnetwork@gmail.com

If you have a favorite bar, restaurant or night club encourage them to join the SAFE Bar Network. They can learn more at www.safebarnetwork.org

To learn more about active bystander skills check out our blog post, Obstacles. What obstacles? 3 Full Proof Everyday Active Bystander Skills.

There are everyday active bystanders practicing these skills every day. Watch their stories here, Everyday Active Bystanders.

Interested in learning more about bystander intervention? Visit our friends at With Us Center for Bystander Intervention.

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual harassment or sexual assault our partners can help. Visit MOCSA.org, and RAINN.org

To learn more about the field of sexual violence response and prevention visit PreventConnect.org and NSVRC.org