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And a “Safer Space” does not mean “free of challenging ideas” or different opinions, or never being exposed to people who are different than you. It doesn’t even promise that harassment and violence will never happen. But we can make spaces safer, first by acknowledging that some people are discriminated against just for being who they are, and then by doing what we canto ensure they feel supported if it happens on our watch.  \nThis guide is for every house party, basement show, art opening, punk club, community space, library, free farm, sex toy shop, improv group, co-op, coffee shop, piano bar, metal bar, social group, game night, festival, scene, and space where people gather.  \nWhether you own a space, help run it, work for it, volunteer for it, or just patronize it, this pamphlet is for you. Whether you think that space has room for improvement, or if you already love the vibe and just want to keep it, this pamphlet is for you. I will tell you now, though: there is always room to improve.  \nEven if you’re not the boss, or your co-workers are not onboard, you can still make a huge impact on people’s lives by doing everything in this guide that is within your power. Your first priority can be everyone’s safety, and you can achieve that without cops, violence, or a sacrifice to profits. Cool, right?  \nWHAT HARASSMENT LOOKS LIKE  \nHarassment can be verbal or physical. It can be based on  \nsex, sexual preferences, gender, religion, race, ability, age, class, or a combination. It can feel intimidating, hostile, or abusive. Harassing behavior may include name calling, physical assaults or threats, intimidation, ridicule, offensive pictures, and more. It can go from as simple as being leered at, to being followed in, around, or out of a space. It can bean “accidental” inappropriate touch or an insulting “joke”based on stereotypes. It can be vulgar or offensive slurs mumbled under the breath or yelled out in front of a crowd. It can be a forceful grab over or underneath clothing, or it can be a forced display of self-manipulation. Most importantly, what someone else would consider harassment might not be harassment for you; you do not get to decide what is harassment for someone else.  \nTHIS PAMPHLET  \nI believe that the work entailed in creating a safer space can be broken up into three tenets: Obvious Intentions, Appropriate Responses, and Accountability. Take away oneof these ideas and the others don’t work as well. People need to know that they can trust you and your space with their harassment experiences, and you build that trust by responding effectively in the moment and owning up to any mistakes or opportunities for improvement.  \n1 : OBVIOUS INTENTIONS  \nDON’T JUST OPEN THE DOOR, PUT OUT A WELCOME MAT  \nMARGINALIZED PEOPLE EXPERIENCE DISCRIMINATION IN PUB  \nspaces. They cannot predict if they will be treated with respect when they attend a show or event at your space. So, how can you let them know?  \nSIGNS, ONLINE AND OFF  \nMake it clear what you stand for in every physical and digital space you inhabit. Have clear wording on your website, social media, flyers, event pages, menus, entryways, bathrooms, etc, letting people know that“Harassment and Violence will not be tolerated” or that you’re a “Hate-Free Zone.” I encourage you to get specific about what you don’t tolerate and how you’ll handle it by posting an official “Anti-Harassment Policy” on your website and walls.  \n Include messaging about staff taking complaints of harassment seriously, and that harassers will be dealt with appropriately. This is good for potential victims to know, as well as potential harassers.  \n Who works here? Let people know who can handle their questions and complaints by wearing a “Staff”shirt, sash, button, hat, apron, hoodie—whatever! You h","cbCaibdHDQIbgyfw","https://ap.wps.com/l/cbCaibdHDQIbgyfw","pdf",433810,"English","# Introduction\n## Why Safer Spaces?\n# What Harassment Looks Like\n# This Pamphlet\n## Obvious Intentions\n## Signs, Online and Off\n## Make Your Space Welcoming for All","[{\"question\":\"Why does the guide reject the idea of a completely “safe space”?\",\"answer\":\"It states there is no guarantee of safety 100% of the time and that safer spaces do not mean avoiding challenging ideas or preventing all harassment. Instead, it focuses on acknowledging discrimination and ensuring people feel supported when incidents occur.\"},{\"question\":\"What kinds of behavior does the guide describe as harassment?\",\"answer\":\"Harassment can be verbal or physical and may involve sex, gender, religion, race, ability, age, class, or combinations. The guide includes examples such as threats, name-calling, offensive images, unwanted touching, intimidation, and insulting “jokes” based on stereotypes.\"},{\"question\":\"What three tenets does the guide use to build safer spaces?\",\"answer\":\"It says the work can be broken into three tenets: Obvious Intentions, Appropriate Responses, and Accountability. It emphasizes trust through effective responses in the moment and taking responsibility for mistakes or opportunities to improve.\"}]","MAKING SPACES SAFER - a pocket guide | PDF",1789970731,76]