Principles of safer spaces in Vaasa City Institutes

Illustration of three children. One child is lying on their stomach using a tablet, another is dressed in a ballet outfit standing on one leg, the third child is wearing a blue hijab and holding a book in their arms.

Vaasa City Institutes’ activities follow the principles of a safer space. By a safer space we mean an environment in which every participant and person present can feel respected and valued as themselves.

Principles of a Safer Spaces

Together, we all create a safer space where every participant and attendee can feel

  • welcome
  • physically and mentally safe
  • respected and valued for who they are.

We respect

  • We respect each other’s physical and social space as well as privacy.
  • We recognise the diversity of people – we are all different and equally valuable.
  • We meet and treat everyone with consideration and respect.
  • We let everyone work and study in peace.

We give space

  • We embrace new ideas, people and perspectives with an open mind.
  • We listen to each other and discuss respectfully.
  • We strive to understand others’ perspectives and experiences.

We intervene

  • We act respectfully and expect the same from others.
  • We intervene in disruptive speech and behaviour.
  • We apologise if we offend someone.
Infographic outlining the principles of safer spaces: physically and mentally safe, welcome, and respected and valued for who they are. Headings: "We Respect" (respect each other's physical and social space), "We Give Space" (embrace new ideas, people, and perspectives), and "We Intervene" (act respectfully and intervene in disruptive behavior).
Vaasa City Institutes illustrated poster on the principles of a safer space. Top left the text “Everyone is different and valuable” and an illustration showing a ballet dancer and two other people. Top right the text “We listen to each other and discuss matters respectfully” and an illustration of three children sitting at a table talking. Bottom left the text “We provide everyone with a peaceful environment for work and study” and an illustration where one person sits and draws and another plays a guitar. Bottom right the text “We intervene in disruptive speech and behaviour” and an illustration of an adult and a child who is upset and another child with a tear on their cheek.