Safe Space Policy
“Everyone designs who designs courses of action aimed at changing existing situations into preferred conditions.” Herbert Simon, The Sciences of the Artificial, 1996 [1969], 111
Our Safe Space Policy
At the Extended Experiences Lab, we understand the relationship between structures and behaviour. We know there is no such thing as benign design. With this in mind, we are choosing to facilitate a space where online and in-person participants feel safe.
The most important thing we want you to know is that if something or someone makes you feel uncomfortable at one of our events, no matter how minor it seems, you can report it to us.
Harassment of event participants, staff or volunteers at the event will not be tolerated and anyone violating this policy at our events may be be expelled without refund.
Harassment includes offensive verbal comments or attitudes related to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, religion; deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording, sustained disruption of the event, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention. Participants asked to stop any harassing behaviour are expected to comply immediately.
Please know that the team view neither ignorance or intoxication as an excuse for unacceptable behaviour.
If anyone engages in harassing behaviour towards you, the Extended Experiences Lab team will take any action they deem appropriate, including warning the offender or expulsion from the event (with no refund). If you feel you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact a member of the team at the event immediately.
The team will be happy to help participants contact venue security or local law enforcement, provide escorts, or otherwise assist those experiencing harassment to feel safe for the duration of the event.
While we would like to feel that we offer an environment in which you can voice concerns about incidents as and when they happen we also welcome you to reach out to us to inform us of past harassment or incidents related to our events which made you feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
Universe Creation 101 also accepts that we are not above our own policies so please know all of the above applies to all members of the Extended Experiences Lab staff in equal measure. Furthermore if there are ever any aspects of our events including our communication, artwork, performances, game selection, event partners which you feel is offensive or makes you uncomfortable please inform us.
As for online usage. We have less control there. We recommend you consider signing up for an autoblocker (we can recommend one) if you feel there may be an issue. At this stage, social media is not an integral part of the Lab experience.
You can reach me at christy [at] universecreation101 [dot] com. All communication related to this policy will be dealt with in confidence.
This policy was adapted from the policy found at That.Party, which was adapted from the template provided by Geek Feminism available at geekfeminism.wikia.com/wiki/Conference_anti-harassment/Policy.
Extended Experiences Lab is conceived, organised, and curated by Christy Dena, Universe Creation 101. Twitter: @ChristyDena
In partnership with the West End Film Festival. Twitter: @WestEndFilmFest
Proudly supported by Screen Queensland as part of their Screen Culture Fund. Twitter: @Screen_QLD
With venue partner Griffith Film School:
