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how to hold a discussion about Would You?

“Breathe, Nolan, Breathe” is an emotionally-charged documentary that follows the events that unfolded the night of November 12, 2014, at a non-sanctioned fraternity event when Nolan Burch — forced to drink a bottle of whisky — overdosed on alcohol. The film details the lack of urgency and care shown for Nolan by the other fraternity members, and what happened next for Nolan, his family and the University. The film’s mission is to open up an honest dialogue and educate young adults to ensure preventable situations like this never happen again.

Book a Screening

Multiple Training Sessions Can Be Held Across Campus — Perhaps for the Following:

  • campus leadership
  • residential assistants
  • campus leadership
  • resident assistants
  • student organization leaders
  • student government
  • residence hall associations
  • related student ambassador groups
  • campus administrators
  • fraternity and sorority life
  • faculty and staff
  • campus diversity organizations

Discussions/roundtables can be held in conjunction with a screening of “Breathe, Nolan, Breathe” to deliver the most impact.

Roundtables are great ways to share the messages of Would You? – anti-hazing, medical amnesty and general campus safety issues are all part of bystander awareness. It’s important to include students in discussions. Avoid talking “at” them.

The tone and manner of Would You? is passionate, inclusive and caring, but not “preachy” or guilt-tripping.

Having a calm, respected person as a facilitator will help create a learning environment.

Someone should be on hand to record feedback, in an unobtrusive manner.

It’s helpful to have some sort of physical takeaway for participants: a print handout, stickers, posters, etc., with important contact information. These resources are available at wouldyou.help

Tips for Facilitators

  • Due to the documentary’s graphic nature, offer a content warning before the screening:

    • This documentary contains graphic footage and emotionally intense discussion that you may find upsetting. Please feel free to exit the room if you are uncomfortable or need a few moments to process the content.

  • Share your name, year of study, and why you are involved with Would You?
  • Share what you hope to accomplish at this roundtable.
  • Let group members introduce themselves.
  • Do not interrupt participants while they are talking.
  • Ask for related personal experiences or situations when they wish they had done something differently.
  • Don’t engage in blame.
  • Let the conversation flow naturally, without worrying about timing.
  • After the event, thank everyone for participating.
  • Follow up within 36 hours of the event with a thank-you email or other communication.

Evaluate Your Training Session Bystander Awareness Discussion

After watching the documentary, ask your group to answer questions about its key messages.

Discussion Questions