Interrupting the "Bystander Effect" - One Girl at a Time

You’ve probably heard of the “bystander effect” when someone doesn’t step in to help because they assume someone else will.

 

At first, people thought this was just apathy. But research has shown that it’s more about how people make decisions in a group setting. For example, in schools, girls are often hesitant to speak up when boys are around because they’re afraid of being teased or made fun of.

This hesitancy can continue into adulthood. In male-dominated fields, many women hold back from sharing their ideas ... not because they don’t have something to say, but because they fear being judged or dismissed.

 

That’s one of the reasons we created Chrysalis After-School programs: to break this pattern early. Middle school is a tough time. Girls are going through big physical and emotional changes, and the pressure to fit in is intense. Without support, they can start to shut down—leading to anxiety, depression, or other challenges.

 

Our programs help girls build inner confidence when they need it most. We remind them constantly how strong, brave, kind, and smart they are. We help them love who they are. And that self-love matters: it shapes how they handle setbacks, how they treat others, and how they show up in the world.

 

We’ve been implementing Chrysalis After-School since 1998, partnering with girls to help them find their voice, listen to each other, and speak up with confidence.

 

And it works. Program evaluations show that girls leave our programs more self-assured and ready to take on challenges in life. This kind of personal growth leads to something bigger: real social change. Over time, it shifts how our communities think, behave, and support each other, especially girls and women.