Safe Spaces Ally Project :: HOW TO BECOME A SAFE SPACES ALLY
How to Become a Safe Spaces Ally
- Have a genuine desire to advocate for and support LGBTQ students, faculty and staff.
- Attend Safe Spaces training sessions (offered in four-hour and two two-hour formats). Lunch is provided.
- Learn the words and meanings relevant to the LGBTQ community in order to help make conversations easier and more comfortable.
- Participate in practice scenarios to understand what to do and say to be supportive, respectful and understanding.
- Read and sign a Safe Spaces Ally Contract.
- Take additional refresher courses as necessary.
Contact the Safe Spaces campus coordinators at [email protected] for more information.
Safe Spaces Ally Project :: Our History
Our History
In 1993, a group of students and staff members in the Texas A&M Division of Student Affairs launched the Aggie ALLIES organization. They realized the need to support the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in the university community. The ALLIES committee now includes representatives from the Division of Student Affairs, as well as administrators, faculty, staff and students from A&M’s various colleges and units.
In 2011 Brad Dressler from Aggie Allies came to Commerce and trained eighteen faculty and staff on how to train other A&M-Commerce staff, faculty, and students to become Safe Space Allies. These eighteen allies were the start of a movement for A&M-Commerce to be a Safe Campus.
Safe Spaces Ally Project :: Meet our Faculty and Staff copied not edited copied not edited
Meet our Department
Safe Spaces Ally Project :: FAQS
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need the training?
Well-meaning individuals may not be familiar with terminology or things that may be perceived as heterosexist or homophobic. Training ensures that each member feels comfortable working with LGBTQ individuals before they do so. Certificates and stickers given to people who are trained can help identify the Safe Spaces on campus.
What do I need to do to become an ally?
- Have a genuine desire to advocate for and support LGBTQ students, faculty and staff.
- Attend four hours of training sessions (Safe Spaces 101, 102, 103 and 104, in any order).
- Put a Safe Spaces sticker on your door or window.
- Provide a Safe Space for students, faculty and staff.
- Advocate for students, faculty and staff.
- Attend refresher training sessions as needed.
What is an ally?
An ally is usually a member of the majority or dominant group who works to end oppression by supporting and advocating for the oppressed population. Allies can also be from non-majority groups working to end oppression. The work of allies has been a historically effective way of changing the thinking of the dominant culture. Ally training is available to anyone who’s interested. You don’t have to be LGBTQ to go through the training. The goal is to achieve a culture where any person can study or work in an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment.
Is this just for A&M-Commerce?
Safe Spaces is also known as Safe Zone and Ally Training throughout the world. Universities, schools and businesses throughout the country and world are working together to create safe places for the LGBTQ community.
Why Safe Spaces?
Anti-bias efforts positively affect students’ school performance, school experience and mental and emotional health. Homophobia and transphobia hurt us all. They discourage diversity, encourage hurtful behaviors and put limits on our relationships and roles in the school community.
Safe Spaces Ally Project :: Contact
Contact Us
- Safe Spaces Ally Project
- [email protected]
- P.O. Box 3011
- Commerce, TX 75429-3011