Safer Spaces Policy

Introduction

ŌPCo actively strives for the liberation of all. We practise joy as an act of resistance and to maintain a vibe we must first build a foundation of trust and safety.

To achieve this there are certain behaviours that are unacceptable in ŌPCo spaces:

Harmful behaviour: intimidation, dishonesty, harassment, bullying, aggression and violence - anything that threatens the safety of individuals or the safety and continuity of the project.

Oppressive behaviour: includes - but is not limited to - any demonstration of: racism, colonialism, classism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, fatphobia, ageism.

Our spaces are located on colonised land. We acknowledge Mana Whenua as indigenous peoples of Aotearoa, and recognise that Tino Rakatirataka was never ceded.

Covered by this policy:

Guidelines for All

Dealing with Conflict and Disagreement

Here we come together from many experiences for a common purpose, but from different backgrounds with different concerns. This can lead to tension and conflict. Sometimes this is healthy; at other times it can be destructive.

If you find yourself in a conflict which is escalating, the first priority should be to try to resolve the conflict directly with the other person. If you do not feel safe to do this, you may wish to seek the help of an ŌPCo member.

Doing it Together

Whether or not it directly affects you, we encourage you to call people out for their unsafe, inappropriate and/or harassing behaviour if this can be done safely.

Try using the following tactics if you are unsure of what to do. Sometimes it could be as simple as saying: ‘I think women are just as able to fix a bike as men are’ or ‘that sounded a bit racist, can you explain what you meant?’ If a person is invading another’s personal space and failing to read body language, you could say “I don’t think they’re cool with that, would you mind giving them some space?”

The Policy in Practice

Acknowledgements:

This safer spaces policy was informed by the respective policies of Rise Up For Climate Justice, Auckland Peace Action and Peace Action Wellington. Thank you for your mahi.




Revision #1
Created 11 January 2023 03:42:56 by carl
Updated 21 March 2023 02:45:06 by carl