Safer space policy
This is the safer space policy of Culture for All Service. We have not invented this policy ourselves. We have read different examples of safer space policies and edited and accommodated them to our work. This policy is not fixed: we develop them further with our collaboration partners. We update the policy when needed and when we learn something new. The last time we have updated this policy is on 16th March 2021.
Safer space refers to aiming together for practices, which increase safety. In practice, in safer spaces, the personnel or the organisers of the event strive for taking responsibility of difficult situations. The contradictions or conflicts which might emerge from the different views and experiences of people will be dealt with, not just tolerated. The word ”safer” has been suggested instead of ”safe” because it is not possible to create a totally safe space for everyone.
The concept of safer space is originally from the subcultures and alternative cultures, especially from the events of gender and sexual minorities. The idea is that everyone could be themselves, without fear of disdaining, discrimination or even violence.
Source of the introduction: Ruskeat Tytöt: Safer space policy (in Finnish), accessed 11th June 2020.
The Culture for All Service promises:
- We will intervene in discrimination, harassment, and inappropriate treatment. We have committed to Discrimination-free zone campaign. We do not tolerate for example racism, ableism (discrimination against disabled people), discrimination against gender or sexuality or bad behaviour.
- You are allowed to be yourself!
- We promise to support you. We will always appoint contact persons at our events. You can report harassment, discrimination or other inappropriate treatment to the contact persons.
- We always ask for feedback at our events. You can give feedback to us also afterwards and anonymously.
- If we act in a wrong way or make a mistake, we take responsibility and apologize immediately.
- We ask for permission to photo, record or film in closed events. In addition, at public places such as our office, we always try to ask permission to take photos.
- The route to our office is otherwise accessible, but the doors of the elevator are heavy. There is a possibility to use induction loop at our meeting room. The Cable Factory has many accessible toilets, but unfortunately our office has no accessible toilet. We are developing the accessibility of our office and we inform about the problems with accessibility. Read more about the accessibility of our office.
- We educate ourselves and update this safer space policy.
What we expect from everyone (also from ourselves):
- If the atmosphere is non-discriminatory and safe, interaction is easier. Everyone of us can have an impact on that!
- Respect and listen to others. Try to be open to new perspectives.
- Let’s not make assumptions about other people - everyone has the right for their individual sovereignty.
- Try to be aware of your own assumptions, talk only about your own experience and not on behalf of others.
- It is allowed and good to tell, if you do not know or are not familiar with some things. You can ask for further information.
- Please use comprehensible and common language.
- If you disagree with someone, try to raise the matter in a constructive and peaceful manner. Focus on the issue, not the person.
- If the situation feels uncomfortable, please raise the issue, for example, by informing the organisers. You can give us feedback also afterwards and anonymously. We will make an anonymous feedback form for every event.
- If you take photos or film people, please make sure it is okay for everyone who is visible in the picture.
- You can suggest changes and add ideas to this safer space policy via an anonymous form: Give feedback on the safer space policy. You can also contact our staff and tell your comments: Contact details.
