Eight organizations serving Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside came together on September 1 and 2 for EVA BC’s Be More Than a Bystander Train-the Trainer session, building the skills to bring bystander education back into their own workplaces and communities.
Through a first-of-its-kind partnership between EVA BC, the BC Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) and Mission Possible, participants learned practical ways to recognize harmful behaviour, support others, intervene safely, and facilitate these conversations with their own teams.
Building skills that can keep growing
Mission Possible supports people facing barriers to employment through meaningful work, training, and community programs.
“What made these sessions so meaningful was seeing people from eight different organizations come together not only to build their own bystander skills, but to take those tools back into their workplaces and community,” said Ashley Humphrys, Manager, Social Enterprise at EVA BC. “That’s where the Train-the-Trainer model can have real impact — it gives people practical tools they can continue sharing and using across their organizations and communities.”
A partnership
The initiative builds on BCMEA’s long-standing relationship with EVA BC and Mission Possible. Since 2021, BCMEA has also brought the BMTAB program to BC’s waterfront workforce through a partnership with EVA BC, the BC Lions, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada, and the Government of Canada. The organization continues to be a Presenting Partner of EVA BC and the BC Lions’ Be More Than a Bystander high school program that engages thousands of students in conversations about respect, healthy relationships, and violence prevention.
“Through our valued relationships with EVA BC and Mission Possible, the BCMEA and our members recognized a natural opportunity to unite their expertise and shared commitment to creating safer, more inclusive communities.,” said Mike Leonard, BCMEA President and CEO. “This exciting new partnership bridges workplace education with community impact, so everyone feels safe, valued, supported, and empowered to act – at work and in their communities.”
“At Mission Possible, we believe everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, and supported in the workplace and in the community,” said Matthew Smedley, Chief Empowerment Officer, Mission Possible. “Partnering with BCMEA and Ending Violence Association of BC strengthens our ability to foster a culture of empathy, accountability, and care while equipping our teams with practical tools to support one another.”
Together, EVA BC, BCMEA and Mission Possible are helping build local capacity for bystander action — creating a ripple effect across workplaces and the wider Downtown Eastside community.
