Safer Spaces Policy

This policy is a guideline. It draws on the policy of others, including the Scottish BPOC Writers Network, and it should change as we learn and grow.

It should tell you what you can expect from Decolonising The Outdoors and what you commit to as part of our community at our in-person events, our online events, and in our WhatsApp groups. 

Our events should be an inclusive and supportive space for all, and in particular for women (trans, intersex and cis) and all nonbinary, agender and gender variant people. Self-definition is at the sole discretion of that individual. We will not tolerate verbal or physical abuse, nor microaggressions to include racism, anti-Blackness, colourism, xenophobia, misogyny, transphobia, homophobia, misgendering, ableism, Islamophobia, Zionism, anti-Semitism, incorrectly identifying one’s ethnic origins or race, or anything tantamount to hate speech or an attempt to belittle or abuse another person or persons. Pro-occupation, pro-war, pro-colonialism, fascism, and white supremacist sentiments will not be permitted on our platforms and in our spaces.

Our spaces will have a diverse group of people. Some of us experience different kinds of oppression (as above) and violence at the same time. We understand that often these oppressions are interlinked and cannot be separated. Even if we all from the BPOC community, not all of our oppressions are the same. We recognise and challenge the oppression & exploitation that some of us are harmed by and some of us benefit from. That is why we will always uplift and validate our communities by recognising their multiplicities and creating spaces that make them feel welcomed and safe.

We recognise that colourism and anti-Blackness exist within BPOC spaces. We will not stand for either. We will welcome each other’s unique perspectives and narratives. 

We abide by the following policy within our spaces or those we associate ourselves with:

   - Consent

Before you touch anyone or discuss sensitive topics ask if they are comfortable with that. Don’t assume your physical & emotional boundaries are the same as other people’s. Consent also applies to communicating in our WhatsApp groups. Although telephone numbers are visible to members on WhatsApp, having access to someone else’s telephone number does not automatically give you the right to use it. Unless someone has expressly consented to you that you can contact them directly outside of the group chats, do not send other members unsolicited direct messages or calls, either within or outside of this platform. Harassment of other members will not be tolerated.

   - Be aware of your privileges

This includes less obvious or invisible hierarchies. Think about how your words, opinions and feelings are influenced and who they might exclude or harm.

   - Calling out

If you have acted or spoken harmfully, even if unintentionally, someone will bring this up with you. If this happens, listen and reflect on what they are saying even if you think they may be wrong. Don’t try to absolve yourself of responsibility.

   - Learning

If you don’t understand something, just ask. You may be directed to a book, website etc to learn more. We are each responsible for our own learning and if we feel able, for sharing it with others. 

   - Social

Unless explicitly stated, our events are alcohol-free spaces. We reserve the right to refuse entry to activities or remove participants if they are intoxicated.

   - Security

Please don’t use the names, photographs or other identifying details of people who have been involved in organising or attending our events without their explicit consent. This makes sure that journalists, police or other unknown people don’t hold information that could put participants at risk of harm.

   - Accountability

The organiser reserves the right to remove or participants from events for breaching this Safer Spaces Policy. If you have any concerns about your safety or the safety of others at any event, please notify the organiser immediately.