Create a safer space

What's a safer space?

A safer space is a supportive, non-threatening environment that encourages open-mindedness, respect and a willingness to learn from others, as well as physical safety and mental wellbeing.

It's inclusive and responds to the needs of people who face any type of discrimination, including because of their race, disability, gender, gender identity, heritage, nationality, neurodiversity, sexuality, class, political affiliation, religion or belief and migration status.

Safer spaces enable all group members and event participants to fully engage, build trust and give their best to the work of campaigning. They're vital to ensuring that all voices are heard equally within our movement.

Safer spaces guidelines

Making your group and its activities a safer space can be done by ensuring the following guidelines are followed. It’s a good idea to remind people of these by incorporating them in some ground rules before meetings or events. You should also consider appointing a safeguarding lead for the group and at events who'll ensure these ground rules are adhered to.

• Respect other people’s physical and emotional boundaries. Don't push anyone to answer questions they don’t want to answer, and don't share anyone’s personal stories outside of this space.
• Respect other people’s identities. For example, make sure everyone is aware of the right pronouns to use.
• Don't assume knowledge about others, including regarding their background, gender identity, sexual preference, race, disability, nationality, class, political affiliation, religion, beliefs etc. Avoid making generalising statements about a group of people.
• Remember that actions and words may have unintended effects and that other people’s feelings are valid, regardless of intentions. Read this handy guide to learn more about microagressions.
• Look after yourself by letting someone know if something they've said or done has crossed a boundary, or by physically leaving a space if you don’t feel safe or just need a minute to yourself.
• Make sure everyone has a chance to express their opinions and be heard. Don't raise your voice or interrupt someone who's speaking, and be aware of how much you're contributing to leave space for others. Be especially aware of your own relative power and privilege in this space, and find out how facilitators can help to ensure inclusion.
• Remember and respect the opinions and voices of people who aren't in this physical space, but who form part of your community, whether locally or globally. Consider especially the voices of those who are most affected by the issues discussed.
• Connect to one another as people. Understand and respect others’ challenges, experiences and motivations to work collaboratively for change that encompasses all of those experiences and equates to a more just future for everyone.
• Use clear and simple language and avoid any jargon or inside jokes that could exclude certain people.
• Give a warning before you speak about something that might upset or trigger someone. This applies to topics like sexual violence, eating disorders, self-harm etc. First, make it clear that you're giving a trigger warning, then mention what themes you'll be addressing, and finally give enough time for people to leave the space if they need to.
• Any form of bullying or harassment won't be tolerated and could lead to sanctions, including exclusion from the event or group.

For online spaces, the above also applies. Make sure to also:

• Have a quick check before turning on your camera whether there might be anything on display that could be offensive or disrupt the meeting. There are options to change or blur your background if you'd prefer to do this.
• Check out our online facilitation guide, which includes tips on safety and privacy.

Make it clear that if anyone persistently or seriously breaks the ground rules, organisers or the safeguarding lead will take steps to ask them to leave the meeting, event or group.

Reporting incidents to Friends of the Earth

It can be difficult to handle or manage an incident when it takes place, as many disruptive incidents are emotional in nature. If you ever feel like you need extra help and support following a challenging situation, such as a racist or bullying incident or a difficult group member, please contact your regional staff contact or [email protected] as soon as you can. 

We can help you through the situation, build you confidence and step in to back you up if you need it. Even if an incident is handled at the time, please report it to your regional contact. Not only can we learn from you, we need to know when something occurs and how it was handled.