We all have the responsibility to be a hero, according to Mike Dilbeck, founder and president of the Response Ability Project in Chicago.

Dilbeck, whose initiative aims to inspire young people to take action in difficult bystander situations, will discuss bystander intervention and heroism at Wartburg College, Thursday, Sept. 26, at 11:30 a.m, in Neumann Auditorium. The public is invited to attend.

Created originally for college students, the project also calls on the public to make a difference as a part of the Every Day Hero Campaign.

“Chances are that at some point in your life you have come upon a situation where you wish you had done something, but for whatever reason chose not to,” said Ashley Lang, director of campus programming. “This is a conversation about how to turn that around and do something, large or small, to act on your values and make an impact.”

Dilbeck’s movement started in 2007 after producing a film, “RESPONSE ABILITY,” for higher education organizations. The film generated an overwhelming demand for more related materials, inspiring Dilbeck to quit his job and dedicate his career to his message.

“Whether it has to do with bullying, hazing, drug/alcohol abuse, discrimination, sexual violence or any everyday life issue, we all see and hear things that we know are not right … yet we don’t do or say what we want to in that moment,” Dilbeck said.

“It’s important for all of us to be empowered in those moments to make the difference we already want to make. It’s important that others feel safe, protected, and honored for who they are.”

Dilbeck wants to empower his listeners to intervene in any kind of problem situation.

“I am not there to lecture, preach or talk anyone into anything,” Dilbeck said. “I am there to empower each person to make the difference they already want to make.”

Dilbeck will be on campus while Wartburg also recognizes Bystander Intervention Week, Sept. 23-27, with training sessions for students, faculty and staff.

As part of that week’s programming, Lang encourages everyone to take the Every Day Hero Pledge at www.mikedilbeck.com or at tables set up around campus.

There also will be Bystander Intervention Training Tuesday, Sept. 24, at 7:30 p.m., in the Buckmaster (WBC 214). Dilbeck will meet with Wartburg’s professional staff Thursday, Sept. 26, at 2 p.m., and representatives of student organizations at 8 p.m. in the ballrooms.

“I hope students take away a sense that if they don’t act, maybe no one will,” Lang said. “I want them to at least process the idea that they can make a difference in many situations.”