Safer Space

De Klinker is a safer space. This means that we aim to create a meeting space where everyone has equal opportunity of participation. In order to facilitate this, we do not tolerate harmful behaviors that prevent people from freely and equally using the space. 

This document is composed to provide a handle for when there are conflicts, and provides a value framework from which we want to work. In addition, it provides further motivation for why we have a safer spaces policy. Due to the possible confidentiality of situations that are submitted to the mediation team, we include here the names of those who participate in the mediation team. We aim to include changes in the composition of the mediation group here. This is because we naturally strive to look at the situations independently, but still want to prevent someone from not daring to report a situation because the person with whom the conflict is involved may be part of the mediation group.

1-1.Harmful behaviors

Harmful behaviors include (but are not limited to):

•    making racist, sexist, classist, transphobic, homophobic, ableist, or fat-phobic comments of any kind.

•    catcalling or sexual harassment.

•    failure to respect the physical and/or emotional safety of others.

•    disrespecting other attendees’ rights to participate and have an enjoyable time.

Any individual or group engaging in violence (including sexual violence and harassment) or who threatens another’s safety within the space will automatically be excluding themselves. We will ask them to leave the space.

If you experience or witness any behavior that crosses your or other people’s boundaries, or if you would like to talk to someone anonymously about anything, please ask someone who works here or contact us via email: klinkermediation@riseup.net  

We have a policy on conflict resolution and mediation, elaborating on our principles and practices. Feel free to have a look at: https://grotebroek.nl/?page_id=6811

1-2.Some guidelines

Some guidelines that may help you to contribute to making De Klinker a safer space:

  • Treat others the way they want to be treated.
  • Examine your own subtle and not-so-subtle prejudices.
  • Assume Positive Intent – not everyone comes in with the same set of experiences and knowledge, so assume that people have good intent. 
  • Respect people’s physical and emotional boundaries. Respect people’s opinions, beliefs, differing states of being and differing points of view. We value freedom of expression, but not at the cost of alienating or harming other participants.
  • Be responsible for your own actions. Be aware that your actions do have an effect on others. If you or others are using drugs or alcohol, examine how these substances may be affecting yours and others behaviors and decisions around consent.
  • Remember that explicit verbal consent is the best way to make sure you have consent. 
  • Do not let police in the space under any circumstances. If you encounter them, tell them to wait outside, let someone who works here know, and we’ll get someone to talk to them.
  • Look out for kids at all times and try not to leave anything around that would endanger kids.