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Safe
Space Program
Safe
Space Application
Straight But Not Narrow
Contact
Information
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Please
see the LGBT Resource Center
website for more information.
Program News
Applications are now being accepted for our next
training session! See Application
Process for information on how
to apply.
Program Information
The Safe Space Program is the LGBT Support Network's initative
to visually show the support that is out there in our campus community,
as well as to increase that support. Over the course of the past
seven years, more than a thousand people have been trained through
the Safe Space program.
| Purpose |
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Unlike more visible under-represented groups, lesbian, gay, bisexual,
and transgender (LGBT) persons cannot be readily identified. Likewise,
there is not easy method of identifying persons supportive of LGBT
issues. As one component of the LGBT Support Network, the Safe Space
Program strives to provide a way for supportive persons within the
University community to prominently identify themselves. The program
advances Northwestern University's goal of creating a campus community
in which everyone is treated with respect and dignity. Please consider
this your invitation to participate.
| About
the Symbol |
|
| The Safe Space
symbol is based on the rainbow flag, which is representative
of the acceptance of the diversity within our entire society,
as well as the more specific LGBT communities. The triangle
shape comes from symbols the Nazis used to identify gay men
(pink triangle) and lesbians (black triangle).
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| Goal
of the Safe Space Program |
|
The goal of this program is to provide a more hospitable environment
for LGBT person at Northwestern by establishing an identifiable
network of person who can provide support, invormation, and a safe
haven to GLBT person within the University community.
| Safe
Space Objectives |
|
- To identify and mobilize a network of people who are empathetic
and knowledgeable about LGBT issues and concerns. The safe space
training will emphasize knowledge about campus and community resources
as well as counseling/helping skills.
- To provide evidence of LGBT support by displaying a sign as
a visible symbol of personal commitment.
- To reduce the fear of reprisal and discrimination of LGBT person
within the NU community.
| Member
Responsibilities |
|
- To go through the Safe Space Training Program
- To display the safe space symbol
- To be available to members of the University community who wish
to discuss LGBT concerns and issues.
- To share information about University and community resources
related to LGBT life
- To respect people's need and desire for privacy and confidentiality
- Keep current on resources and continue to learn about LGBT issues
As a participant in the Safe Space Program, you are openly declaring
support for LGBT issues and concerns. You agree to publicly display
the sticker provided and understand that your name and contact information
will be published in various media and available to those who request
it.
| Who
can Participate in Safe Space? |
|
- Students, faculty, staff & administrators
- Heterosexual, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender NU community
members who are informed about campus and community resources
- People who are respectful of confidentiality
- Those who are supportive of the right of all people to participate
fully, equally, and openly in the life of this community without
fear.
| Safe
Space Training Process |
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"What is the training program like? Why do people have to
go through it to become a member of the Safe Space Program?"
The training component of the program is in place to ensure that
members of the Safe Space Program are knowledgeable and comfortable
dealing with LGBT issues and concerns. It is also a chance to connect
with a group of people to form another support framework - after
all, people who provide support also need support. We understand
that some participants will come to the program with considerable
background in these issues. We still, however, will require everyone
go through a traning session. The training coordinators will be
in touch personally with each person going through the training
to ensure that it will be a worthwhile experience no matter the
backgrounds of the participants. The training will cover (but will
not necessarily be limited to) the following:
- Listening/helping skills
- How to be a support during the coming out process
- Theories of sexual identity formation/development
- Campus and Community resources
- What is an ally? Ally development theories
- What does it mean to be a part of this Safe Space Program.
| Effects
of Membership |
|
"What may happen if I put a Safe Space sticker on my door?"
- LGBT people may feel more free to speak openly with you so there
is genuine communication
- People may turn to you for support or for information about
LGBT issues, services, programs, and concerns
- You may never notice a difference when you interact with others,
but you will know you are making a difference
- You will be making a contribution to the improvement of NU's
campus communities and lives of LGBT individuals at Northwestern.
| Application
Process |
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The process is an easy one. The first step in the process is to
fill out the Safe
Space Application. You will then be contacted by the Safe Space
Training Coordinator about the next step - attending a Training
session.
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