Core Value 3: Grievance and Safer Spaces.
SAFER SPACES
WHY IS THERE A SAFER SPACES POLICY? In designating this event a safer space, we are making an explicit political decision to prioritise the voices of people who are experiencing oppression at the hands of another person so that they feel empowered to participate and feel supported by the community. We are not judges and jury, we are not the cops; but we are a community with shared ideals about the rights of people to feel free of oppression. The importance of a safer space policy comes with an aim to be the people imagined in the policy. It is important to confront people on their behaviour if you feel it is not okay, consciously analysing your own behaviour, the things you say and working to be open to others confronting you on that. It is essential to look out for people, asking how they feel and thinking of ways to approach people if they look uncomfortable or out of place. It is important that we talk about grievance and what it entails, and why. It is important to make yourself approachable, making yourself known. Establishing a dialogue. Making it an issue. The main role of the grievance crew and a safer space policy is safety and support. It means identifying and acknowledging your own boundaries, and respecting others. SAFER SPACES POLICY Over the 5 days at the Students of Sustainability Conference we will be learning, teaching, sharing, eating, sleeping and laughing together. We want to actively create this space as one that is inviting, engaging and supportive, where all people feel comfortable behaving genuinely. We acknowledge the struggles that so many face simply to feel entitled to be in a space, or safe in that space, given the prevailing cultures of racism, sexism, transphobia, homophobia, ableism and classism under our oppressive economic system. In a safer space, we are working towards environments that are liberating and nurturing for everyone in them. If we are serious about dismantling these systems in the 'outside' world, then we need to practice dismantling them in our own relationships and communities as well. In a safer space, we recognise and respect that everyone comes with different experiences. That people come from a variety of cultural and economic backgrounds, with a variety of sexualities, genders and abilities. We approach people openly, without making assumptions. If we are confused about how someone identifies, we ask, and if we are ignorant, we do our research. We respect that not everyone will want to reveal everything about themselves. In a safer space, we are gentle and generous with ourselves and each other. In a safer space everyone has the right to feel confident to ask for what they need, to take care of themselves, to say no, to ask for space. We are sensitive to other's personal space, boundaries and privacy. In a safer space everyone is responsible for making sure all voices are heard. Look around. Who feels empowered to contribute, and who doesn't? Can you think of reasons why some people might feel more comfortable talking than others? What could you do to make the space more accessible for someone else? It could be as simple as listening. Look around again. Who is here? And who isn't... Are there barriers to involvement due to the way we organise, the way we relate to each other, the time or the location? Can people with children and jobs attend, people who have financial struggles, people who are geographically isolated, people with physical or psychological differences, people who don't fit into activist youth culture? In a safer space we look for these barriers and seek to dismantle them. However, we recognise that it is not enough to 'include' others in 'our' space, and we seek to engage in meaningful solidarity with other groups. Given the oppressive systems in which we have all been raised and taught, it would be a miracle if we had not taken on (or internalised) ways of behaving that oppress others and ourselves. In a safer space we will all make mistakes, but when these are drawn to our attention, we try not to get defensive, after all, we're all good people in a harsh world. Everyone should feel confident to speak up when something is not quite right, and anyone being made to feel unsafe deserves the support of their community. Activist culture can be overwhelming, so let's try and assume the best in each other. The goal is not to police people's language and behaviour, or to 'be the best' at safer spaces, but to support each other in challenging some really ingrained cultural and economic systems. Of course, there is never an excuse for violence or outright offensive language. PARTICIPANTS’ AGREEMENT While the safer spaces policy is not intended as a set of rules but rather as a vision and an experiment, there are a few rules that we will be observing for the duration of the conference. Hopefully we can come to consensus on these proposals, including any changes or amendments, at the beginning of the conference. - The SoS Conference is alcohol and drug free - Be respectful in meeting spaces. Don’t talk over others or interrupt. If you disagree with someone, engage in respectful debate (don’t get personal!) - Noise should be kept to a minimum after 11:30pm, so that people can sleep peacefully. There will be a space in the camping area designated where people can hang out later. - Always ask for explicit verbal consent before initiating sex with anyone. If someone is quite drunk or otherwise under the influence, assume non-consent. - Respect the fact that some people may find non-consensual touching of any form (including hugs, tapping on shoulders, etc) disrespectful or triggering. Ensure you have asked or been given consent before touching others. - Violence, bullying, intimidation or name-calling will not be tolerated. |
GRIEVANCE CREW
There is a grievance collective at the conference, whose members will make themselves available at the conference to listen to and help resolve any problems that attendees might be having. We will be responsible for making sure that people know about the safer spaces policy, and for implementing any grievance procedures when needed. We’ll be introducing ourselves at the start of the conference and you can come to us at anytime during the conference, with issues of all shapes and sizes. The grievance crew will make themselves known and recognisable to attendees, with an arm-band. Hopefully we’ll all be able to share the conference space happily together, but if you experience or witness any behaviour that crosses your boundaries or makes you feel uncomfortable or if you are feeling like you would like to talk to someone confidentially about anything, please feel free to talk to a member of our grievance collective. These people will be readily identifiable and will not breach your confidentiality without your permission. The resolution process is based around the principle that a resolution deemed positive to all parties involved should always be sought first, but that a survivor’s right to feel safe and empowered is the key priority. Of course, a grievance collective is no substitute for well-negotiated relationships and interactions, but we will be able to provide a listening ear and ideas for conflict resolution. CAUCUSES Caucuses are autonomous meeting spaces where people facing particular oppressions, or who identify a particular way, can talk about their experiences of the conference, raise issues, provide each other with support, chill out in a non-threatening space, etc. The caucuses can also put proposals, comments and criticisms to the SoS Conference at any time, and can develop report backs to the grievance collective. Anyone can call a caucus. There will be a space set aside and a booking sheet, as well as an announcement board to let everyone know what time and where. Listen up during the welcome and introduction for more details. Caucuses can include (but are not limited to): - Queer Caucus - Women’s Caucus (including anyone who identifies or was socialised as a woman) - People of Colour Caucus - Disability Caucus CHILL-OUT SPACE The grievance collective will be present at all time during the Conference, prepared to help the participants with the resolution of possible conflicts to the best of their knowledge and capacity. We acknowledge that activist culture and issues addressed at the conference can be overwhelming. To support all participants, a chill-out space will be set up in a room separate from the conference, where all participants can hangout if need be. Blankets, pillows, books, board games and tea will be available to all participants in that safe and quiet environment. A member of the grievance crew will be available if needed. FIRST AID SPACE The SoS Conference will have an emergency respond team experienced in First Aid and event management, prepared to address and adapt to any unexpected problem that might arise during the conference. There is a room designated for First Aid, and is available to all participants at any time during the conference. The participants will be informed and briefed at the beginning of the conference with regard to the Services available to them. IMPORTANT/EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS If you see any criminal or abusive activity occurring at SOS, please bring this to the attention of the Grievance Crew or the Organising Collective as soon as possible. Emergency
ACT Emergency Services and Information
Community Services
Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service 63 Boolimba Cres Narrabundah ACT 2604 Phone: (02) 6284 6222 Freecall: 1800 110 290 or 1800 120 859 After hours: 1300 422 567 |