safer space

Andrými’s Solidarity Statement

No space can be completely safe and free from oppression. Our safer spaces policy exists to minimize oppressive actions, behaviours and language in Andrými. We would like events in Andrými to be welcoming and engaging, and we encourage everyone to be proactive in creating an atmosphere where oppressive behaviour and language is not tolerated. Oppressive actions and words include but are not limited to: racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and any expression of disrespect and/or intolerance of size, gender identity, sexual identity, gender expression, (dis)ability, age, educational level, and cultural background.

Please keep the following in mind when utilizing the space:

• Your emotional and physical boundaries should be respected. Likewise, respect everyone else’s physical and emotional boundaries. Ask first before touching, and listen and change your behavior if you are making anyone feel uncomfortable.
• You should feel safe asking people not to discuss a topic that might be triggering for you. Everyone should check in before discussing topics that might be triggering (e.g. sexual abuse, sexual experiences, physical violence, or encounters with the police).
• You are responsible for your own actions. Even if our actions are not intentionally hurtful, what we say and do can hurt others or make them feel uncomfortable.
• Your chosen pronoun (she/he/they/…) and name should be respected by everyone. Also, do not assume anyone’s gender, sexual preference, economic status, background, health, etc.
• Respect people’s needs, opinions, beliefs, experiences and differing points of view.
• Look out if there are kids and animals. Try not to leave anything around that could endanger them or other adults.

Because we want to learn from and educate each other, we will each be responsible for addressing these issues in ourselves and others. This policy is not about censorship, but rather opening a dialog in a respectful way that can result in all members feeling safe and free to fully participate in what happens in Andrými.
By entering Andrými, and/or participating in the activities within Andrými, you agree to abide by these guidelines.
What to do if you are made to feel uncomfortable or are harassed or assaulted, or see it happen to someone else, or think this policy has been breached in another way:

1. If you feel comfortable and safe, you can open a conversation about the situation with the person, referring to this safer space policy. If you like, include the organiser of your event, or someone else that you trust.
2. If you do not feel comfortable or safe addressing the issue with the person in question, you can speak to the Open Space Volunteer or the organisers of your event, or someone else who organises events in Andrými, and ask them to pass on the information to the Inclusion Working Group.
3. If you feel you cannot speak to anyone at the time, you can send an email to andrymi@andrymi.org with the title “FAO Inclusion Working Group”. We will do our best to address the issue.

Andrými reserves the right to ask anyone who is acting in violation of our safer space policy to leave when asked. If someone asks for your help please show solidarity considering this safer space policy.
We welcome the continuing discussion about and improvement of this policy.