You’re not a bystander, are you?

ambulance

According to Wikipedia, the bystander effect is “a social psychological phenomenon in which individuals are less likely to offer help in an emergency situation when other people are present.”

This phenomenon suggests that during an emergency, bystanders monitor the reactions of other people to see if they think it is necessary to intervene.

Since everyone is doing exactly the same thing (nothing), they all conclude that help is not needed.

While it might not be the most direct correlation, it’s worth asking: “Could this phenomenon exist for people when it comes to contributing their time, talents and resources to United Way?”

The media have given a lot of coverage to the economic challenges and the increased basic human needs in our communities.

So, why aren’t more people responding and getting involved and/or giving?

Is it maybe because people are waiting to see if others think it is necessary to intervene? Because let’s be honest here. There are people who face challenges and reach out for help every single day in our community.

And we can’t afford to wait to see what others do.

We can’t expect or assume that “someone else” will take care of our community. We can’t assume that “someone else” is going to come to the rescue.

We all need to do all that we can to help and encourage others to do the same.

So how will you respond to the next call? What will you do? Will you be a bystander?