Newport Rising Safer Spaces Agreement

Safer Spaces agreement:

We aim to make this space as we want the world to be: a space where we enable one another to feel welcome, safe, respected and able to be ourselves.

Making spaces where all feel safe, where no one is belittled, silenced, or pre-judged let alone abused psychologically or physically is a long, difficult, but also beautiful process.

Here are some basic guidelines everyone using the space is expected to stick to.

We are against all forms of oppression or domination, including the domination of anyone on the basis of class, race, sex, gender, sexual preference, colour, belief, age, ability, or any other differences.

However, it is meaningless to state these principles without also changing the everyday ways we interact. We ask everybody to consider the ways their behaviour may affect others. In particular, other people might experience our behaviour in ways we might not be aware of.

Real equality, safety and solidarity is both an individual and a collective responsibility. We encourage everyone to be aware of what is going on around them and to challenge abusive or oppressive behaviour. Such behaviour will not be tolerated and may result in a person being asked to leave.

We have agreed that this space will be an alcohol-free (and drug-free) zone. Please don't smoke inside the building. If drink or drugs are likely to make you abusive towards others, please don't come here in that state.

Before taking photos, filming, or recording audio, you must ask consent from all those in the shot or being recorded. Some workshops may not allow photography or recording.

If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe due to someone else's behaviour, please talk to others and ask for support. In particular, you can speak to anyone involved in organising the space for help and support.