metro PALM BEACH SUMMER SIZZLER SALE Vir - Being Responsible U-M SDT chapter hosts event aimed at bystander intervention. Ronelle Grier Contributing Writer S ay something, do something, tell someone" — that was the message of a recent bystander intervention program for University of Michigan students sponsored by the U-M chapter of Sigma Delta Tau sorority. More than 400 students gathered in the ballroom of the Michigan Union to hear guest speaker Mike Dilbeck, award-win- ning video producer and founder of "The Revolution for Courageous Leadership:' a movement designed to motivate indi- viduals, corporations and communi- ties to intervene in situations involving unhealthy or abusive behavior. The April 13 program was the kickoff to a larger initiative called "Speak Up! Michigan," an ongoing campaign focus- ing on helping students make a positive impact in areas that affect students and campus life. "Speak Up! Michigan" was launched by the sorority in the aftermath of the vandalism that occurred during a ski trip attended by members of the Sigma Alpha Mu (SAM) fraternity and Sigma Delta Tau sorority last January at the Treetops resort in Gaylord. As a result of the extensive damage done to 45 rooms in the resort, the U-M SAM chapter was disbanded by the fraternity's national organization and criminal charges were filed against three of its members. The SDT chapter was placed on a two- year disciplinary suspension by the uni- versity, which prohibits recruitment and social activities, although no charges were filed against any of its members. Other sanctions included community service and educational sessions. The cost to repair the damages — smashed furniture and cupboards, broken ceiling tiles and light fixtures, and ruined carpeting — was estimated at $230,000. The resort is also claiming another $200,000 in loss of business and harm to Jessie Klein, U-M SDT chapter president; Michelle Carlson, SDT national president; and speaker Mike Dilbeck reputation. National SDT has called the two-year disciplinary suspension "unreasonable," stating that members who attended the ski weekend did not play a part in the damage and attempted to intervene to the best of their ability. While the chapter may continue to work with the university to resolve this issue, National President Michelle Carlson, who attended Dilbeck's presentation, said the chapter has decided to focus its energies on making a positive impact on campus life. Making A Difference "The women of SDT want to empower the campus, to really make a differ- ence, not just look at the sanctions:' said Carlson, who added that the national organization has been a longtime spon- sor of Dilbeck's leadership program. "I'm really proud of the chapter and impressed that the Greek organizations want to take a stand and go above and beyond" Dilbeck, who has spread his message to more than half a million students across the United States, said there are three par- ties to every incident: the perpetrator(s), the victim(s) and the bystander(s). "The bystanders, that's the party we're not talking enough about:' he said. "There is a moment of time where you make a choice about what kind of bystander you want to be. Why do we make the wrong choice? Fear. But the impact of that is shame, guilt and regret." Members of several other U-M sorori- ties, as well as some former members of the defunct SAM chapter, attended the presentation, which was planned by U-M SDT executive board members. "It was so nice to see the support from our community, centralised on such an important topic:' said SDT U-M chapter president Jessie Klein, a sophomore from Scotch Plains, N.J. The "Speak Up! Michigan" initiative will continue in the fall. SDT members will work with other campus groups to create programs and events designed to raise awareness about bystander interven- tion, such as what to do at a party where inappropriate or illegal behavior is occur- ring. Some events will be geared specifi- cally for incoming freshman, providing education on how to react in uncomfort- able or dangerous situations. "We know we cannot stop harassment, abuse, addiction or bad behavior, but we can do what we can based on what we will learn to arm students at Michigan and other universities to become more aware and to empower students to speak up when others donr Carlson said. 20% OFF ACCESSORIES With this coupon. Good through July 30, 2015. PALM BEAL H PATIO & CASUAL FURNITURE 7350 Highland Road (M-59) • Waterford www.PalmBeachPatio.com (248)-666-2880 HOURS: M-Th 10-7- • T-W-F-S 10-6 • Sun 12-4 1994690 Rehabilitation designed to get patients back to living. 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