As a virtual personal stylist for women, one might expect that all my blog posts are about clothing and accessories. If you’ve been a part of the Poplin community for some time, you know that isn’t the case:) Personal style is about communicating who you are without saying a word. Your clothes can do that. Values are also a part of your personal style. We often talk about sustainable choices when it comes to clothes from shopping second hand and tailoring your pieces to opting for choices that keep the planet in mind.

Living your values is also how you show up for other members of your community. While I’ve been in Seattle nearly 20 years, I’m still a Northern Californian at heart. That means that I constantly interact with strangers, a very not Pacific Northwest practice. My willingness to interact with random folks also means that while I’m not afraid to intervene when I see harassment or discrimination, I have wondered if I could do things in a more effective way. Enter Hollaback.

Hollaback: A Place to Learn How to Intervene in a Helpful Way

Hollaback offers a range of anti harassment and bystander intervention trainings. About a year ago, when talk of anti-Asian sentiments related to COVID were in the news, I went in search of a way to learn how to be an effective ally. I wanted bystander training, even though I wasn’t exactly sure that it existed.

Fortunately, I discovered Hollaback.

In a nutshell:

Hollaback’s mission is to end harassment in all its forms by transforming the culture that perpetuates hate and harassment.
Hollaback carries out this mission by building the power of everyday people to create safe and welcoming environments for all.

When I initially discovered the site, a year or so ago, it was overwhelmed with demand. Now, I’m ELATED to say, it sure looks like the nonprofit organization has mastered the art of getting that training to the masses. From corporate offerings to highly specific online classes and local chapters, Hollaback is working to meet folks where they are. Hollaback even offers a course on how to intervene when you see online harassment. Big love.

So, if you are looking for a meaningful way to honor the Lunar New Year, celebrate Black History month or just use your personal power for good, this might be an option for you. Get something on your calendar and think of this as a personal or family goal this month. If that seems impossible right now, try taking a look at the Bystander Training Guide. As always, let me know what you think. We’ve opened up comments on the blog now that we aren’t on Facebook and Instagram, so share below.