Research shows that learning and growth happen when we step out of our comfort zones and push ourselves to think about ideas and experiences that we haven't heard about or previously considered. When we intentionally create a space where participants feel safe and brave, participation and learning increase. At first you may think of the components of Brave and Safe Space as group norms, expectations or agreements. For Current Conversations, the bullet points are more than that. They are skills we are constantly building in ourselves and modeling for others.
What is a safe space: Expecting all voices are heard, listened to, and valued, and taking steps to ensure this. We acknowledge that each participant may hold different privilege and each participant has the capacity to do harm and also the responsibility to recognize and repair harm.
What is a brave space: Acknowledging that we will probably feel uncomfortable at some point in this conversation, so we will participate in order to grow and learn.
You can co-create a Safe Space/Brave Space in different ways: Most importantly this space is one where confidentiality is practiced. Our learning travels with us, but the personal details and experiences shared by others remain private.
Provide time for participants to generate ideas on their own to create a brave/safe space
Break out into small groups and then come together and share out ideas
Present a list of ideas and have participants select items that speak to them
Safe Space/Brave Space Guidelines: During a Current Conversation, the space we refer to is a group conversation space, but you can create safe/brave spaces in our lives one on one with family and friends or in groups to which we belong. Participants are also always creating a Safe Space/Brave Space within themselves as they set goals, make decisions about who and when to engage, build skills to have conversations and make positive change around them. Below are some key characteristics of what 'safe' can look and feel like and what 'brave' can look and feel like.
Safe Space:
Listen to understand
Step up step back/make space take space
Speak with good intentions
Confidentiality
Nonjudgmental space, everyone has a unique relationship to the issue, different life experiences and knowledge levels
What is shared here stays here (personal stories/examples/emotions/etc. shared by others) but you take the learning with you
Seek to understand a viewpoint you haven't considered or heard about before
Own the unknown, and ask questions
Acknowledge the opinions and emotions of others in the room
Brink your authentic self
Use "I" statements - speak from your own perspective and not from the perspective of others
Encourage others to join in
Honor your own truths
Silence is OK
Asking questions & vulnerability will be seen as strength!!
Have participants either verbally or symbolically agree to the proposed guidelines. If they cannot agree, ask them to participate at a later time.
Participants in past conversations emphasized the importance of developing their ability to create Brave and Safe spaces in their communities. These include how to moderate a difficult conversation, how to support someone being bullied, how to advocate for a change at school, characteristics of an ally or accomplice. Below are some suggested resources.
Safe Spaces https://nys4-h.org/safe-spaces?_ga=2.103154688.1846873619.1596559653-844931978.1596463303
Antiracist practices https://illinois.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/deepening-your-understanding-of-race-and-racism/tools-for-anti-racist-teaching-video-virtual-professional-learning-series/
Microaggressions Are A Big Deal: How to Talk Them Out and When To Walk Awayhttps://www.npr.org/2020/06/08/872371063/microaggressions-are-a-big-deal-how-to-talk-them-out-and-when-to-walk-away
Role of Mindfulness The Inner Work of Racial Justice https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53ApfkBQGXg
Curriculum https://4-h.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/4-H-Social-Justice-Youth-Development-Professional-Development-Resource-FINAL-004.pdf
https://www.commonsense.org/education/videos/civil-discourse-online