Initiative of the 
Fond du Lac Area Women’s Fund Green Dot SHEroes were asked why bystander intervention is important. Here’s what Tracy Wusterbarth, an original member of our Green Dot Steering Committee and an employee at Society Insurance, shared with us.
“Far too many people are in a situation of domestic abuse, child abuse or even stalking. We all see it on the news or maybe you know someone personally affected. Fortunately, I don’t know anyone personally, but after hearing the news stories and thinking how terrible, how could someone do that, why does this keep happening, I decided it was time to try to step in and help. We can all make a difference.
“I am a Learning and Development Lead at Society Insurance and also a wife, a mom, a dance coach, a volunteer at my church and have a very big passion for life. Several years ago, while at work, I heard that through the support of the Lacey Sadoff Foundation and the Women’s Fund in Fond du Lac, the Green Dot Bystander Training was coming to the area, and I knew I had to get involved.
“My husband and I discussed early on in our marriage that we want to be active in our communities and do what we can to make this world a great place for our three children. It all starts by taking action, and that does not need to be anything grand, but it has to be something.
“That’s why I made the decision to be an instructor for the Green Dot Bystander training. By offering this training throughout the community, even if only one or two people can walk away from each training with something, I know we have been successful. It’s like ‘The Starfish Story.’ We know many people are impacted by violence. We see it on the news every day. But if we can educate that one or two at each training, and they help someone, it matters and does make a difference.
“That is the hope I have with this Green Dot initiative. We must change the way we address the culture of violence in our community. Violence of any type will not be tolerated.”
Join us in celebrating Green Dot at our Power of the Purse Luncheon on April 26. Tickets: www.hometowntickets.com/purse