Safer Spaces Policy

Our policy is based on OK Cafe’s policy, repurposed with grateful permission.

The basic tenet is respect: respect each other (our backgrounds, identities, ideas, and bodies) and respect the space we’ve created together. Here it goes…

  • Everyone has an equal right to be heard and an equal responsibility to listen. People who are used to talking may feel the benefit of listening more, and vice versa.
  • Respect and look after the building as a physical space and a resource for all.
  • However strongly you feel about a particular topic, resist abusive discussions.
  • Any behaviour – physical or verbal – that demeans, marginalizes or dominates others, or perpetuates hierarchies, is not welcome.
  • Identify your own privileges – the things that sometimes give you an easier ride than others – and actively challenge them.
  • Be aware of the range of different identities (for example gender, race, class) that people may identify with, and avoid making generalizations, or assumptions about people.
  • Be aware that anyone in the space could be a survivor of a particular form of oppression, for example violence or racism.
  • If someone is feeling uncomfortable, do not hesitate to raise this.
  • It is everyone’s responsibility to challenge prejudice and oppression, and if we ignore it we are complicit in it.

This list is not exhaustive and it is up to all of us to help create a space where everyone feels safe and included.

Groups who wish to create a temporary safe space, meeting space or workshop space for a particular group are welcome to do so.

There will be a facilitator at the event to help and deal with any concerns around safer spaces.

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Pi and Mash is a Mashed Library unconference day of workshops and conversation for people interested in doing fun stuff involving libraries and technology.

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