Principles for safer spaces

The principles for safer spaces have been created to ensure that YTY’s activities and events are equal for all. The purpose of the principles is to promote and guide towards an open, comfortable and safe environment for all, but additionally make it easier to intervene in problematic behavior and harassment. Creating a safer space is everyone’s responsibility, thus it is important for everyone to work to promote these principles.  

All of YTY’s activities follow TREY’s equality plan, and this document complements YTY’s future equality plan. The principles are based on TREY’s principles for safer spaces as well as existing safer space rules of YTY’s member associations, and they were created together among YTY’s active members in the autumn of 2021.  

Principles for safer spaces

1. Everyone has the right to personal space. Respect physical and other boundaries of others and ask others to respect your own boundaries. An activity that may be natural to one may feel distressing to another. If you are not certain about the limits of others, you can always ask! 
2. Avoid making assumptions about others based on appearance, behavior, or other reasons. One’s experiences, sexual orientation, gender, state of health or ability, socio-economic background, religious or political beliefs, nationality, language or other similar characteristic cannot be deduced without knowing them. Be critical of your thinking and respect other’s rights to define themselves without questioning their identity. Take into account the diversity of our community and value the diversity of individuals. Be mindful of the way your actions and words affect others, and don’t judge others based on their knowledge or interests. 
3. Racism, sexism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia and other discrimination are not allowed in YTY’s events and activities. Avoid stereotyping and making generalizations about other people and groups of people. If you notice inappropriate behavior, address it calmly and appropriately. Recognize and acknowledge your own privileges as well and strive to act in awareness of them. If your own actions or behavior are criticized, be constructive about it and strive to do better in the future. In cases of harassment and discrimination, you can always contact TREY’s harassment persons. 
4. Through your own efforts, strive to create an atmosphere of acceptance that is open and inclusive. Be considerate of others and make sure everyone is heard and involved. Pay attention to how your words and actions affect others – for example, if someone seems to be anxious about a particular topic of conversation, the topic can be politely redirected elsewhere. Remember that everyone makes mistakes, so it is important to give others the opportunity to learn and make progress in a safe environment. Keep in mind that not everyone wants to speak up or perform, and respect others by listening. 
5. If there is alcohol in the event, do not pressure anyone to drink or ask why someone isn’t drinking. Remember that intoxication is not an excuse for disturbing behavior. It is also important to take care of your fellow intoxicated party goers and make sure that no one is left alone in a poor condition. 
6. If you experience discrimination, harassment or other inappropriate behavior, you may contact the event organizers or members of YTY’s board either at the place of the event or through the contact information found on YTY’s website. In cases of discrimination and harassment, you can always contact TREY’s harassment contact persons (hairintanainen@trey.fi and @ hairintamies @ trey.fi). In case of an emergency, it is important to contact 112.