The Principles for Safer Space refer to a collective effort to create practices that increase safety in spaces and events. We use the word “safer” instead of “safe” because a completely safe space can never be created with complete certainty for everyone.
Creating a safer space requires everyone to participate actively and take responsibility. These principles are in place in all TaiYo’s activities and events, and anyone participating is expected to comply with them.
TaiYo’s events and activities have zero tolerance for any form of harassment, misogyny, sexism, racism, ableism, homo- and transphobia, body shaming, ageism, or other forms of discrimination.
A safer space is created with:
- A sensitive and listening organisational culture.
Respect
Respect people’s physical space, mental integrity, privacy and pronouns. Remember that “no” means no. Do not ridicule, diminish, marginalise or embarrass anyone with your words, behaviour or actions. Handle sensitive topics respectfully, and use content warnings when necessary.
Assume diversity
Give participants the space to define themselves. Avoid making assumptions about anyone’s gender, sexual orientation, nationality, religion, socio-economic background or other personal matters.
Recognize your position of power and privilege
Strive to recognize your own privileges and potential positions of power. Use positions of power for good. Create an equal, respectful and open atmosphere.
- Learning and developing your own actions.
Be open
Try to approach new topics, perspectives and people without prejudice, and accept these situations as an opportunity to learn new things and develop.
Speak in a way that everyone can understand
Try to communicate in an understandable way using common words. Also pay attention to linguistic accessibility.
Ask and clarify
Making mistakes and asking questions is allowed. Ask for space for yourself if necessary. Comment constructively and strive for dialogue.
Accept incompleteness
Everyone makes mistakes. Be understanding of your own and others' incompleteness.
- Caring and sharing responsibility
Encourage
Take responsibility for the experience of other participants. Listen and encourage. Be aware of the space you are used to taking in social situations and give space to others as well.
Take responsibility for your actions
Apologize if you have intentionally or unintentionally offended others. If you have acted in a disruptive manner, take responsibility for your actions. Accept feedback and criticism openly.
Intervene
If you witness harassment or other inappropriate treatment, do not remain a bystander. You have the right to report the incident to the event security person/harassment contact person, even if the situation does not involve you.
These instructions are based on the guidelines of the University of the Arts Helsinki, the Finnish UN Association, the Culture for All Service Service Nyytiand other student unions. We will update the principles of a safer space as needed and as we learn new things.
These Principles for Safer Space have been approved by the Board of TaiYo in their meeting on December 2nd 2024. The Principles will be reviewed yearly and updated when needed.
Harassment contact persons
Kikko Siltanen (SibA), kikko.siltanen (at) uniarts.fi, +358 44 213 0326 (myös WhatsApp)
Jan Škrobánek (SibA), jan.skrobanek (at) uniarts.fi, +358 40 615 3393 (myös WhatsApp)
Moona Ranta (TeaK), moona.ranta (at) uniarts,fi, (also WhatsApp)
You can contact any of the harassment contact persons regardless of academy.
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