NOVA, the leading nonprofit organization in Bucks County supporting victims of serious crimes, celebrated Upstander Day Sept. 16 at the Dublin Fire Company in Dublin.
The free, community event that celebrated Upstanders – individuals of all ages who, when they see bullying behavior, take steps to safely offer help, drew a crowd of 400 people and raised over $3,000 to help support NOVA’s work in Bucks County.
Attendees came out to experience family friendly games, crafts and entertainment; sample treats from food trucks and see demonstrations by first responders. U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-01) stopped by to lend his support.
The idea for Upstander Day arose from NOVA’s Encourage Upstanders program. Encourage Upstanders is a peer education program that trains students at Pennridge High School to deliver an educational program about being an Upstander throughout the Pennridge School District’s elementary and middle schools.
Program topics include promoting kindness, preventing the bystander effect, how to help others, and learning about support resources. Students involved in this program volunteered at this event and taught attendees about being an Upstander.
Plans are underway to make Upstander Day an annual event. Those interested in getting involved can join next year’s Upstander Day committee. To learn more, contact Ashley Doyle, event organizer, at Ashley.Doyle@novabucks.org.
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