Safe Space Policy

Word Up Community Bookshop is meant to be an open space for various community interactions. Our safe space policy is intended to help Word Up remain a supportive, nonthreatening environment for all participants at all times. We want this space to be welcoming and engaging, and we encourage everyone — visitors, events presenters, volunteers, and collective members — to be proactive in creating an atmosphere where the unique identity and creative expression of others is valued.  Abuse, assault, and discrimination will not be tolerated at Word Up.

People who have perpetrated interpersonal violence, assault and/or harassment will be asked to leave the space.

Everyone entering Word Up Community Bookshop is asked to be aware of their language and behavior, and to think about whether it might be harmful to others. We define inappropriate behavior as any conduct that demeans, marginalizes, rejects, threatens or harms anyone.

By entering Word Up Community Bookshop, and/or participating in Word Up events and activities, you agree to abide by these guidelines.

Please keep the following in mind when utilizing our space or interacting with people at Word Up:

• Respect everyone’s physical and emotional boundaries. Listen and change your behavior if someone tells you that you are making them uncomfortable.
• Be responsible for your own actions. Be aware that your actions have an effect on others, despite what your intentions may be.
• Be aware of your prejudices and privileges, and the space or energy you take up at Word Up.
• Respect people’s opinions, beliefs, experiences and differing points of view.
• Remember that this is a public space, and that it is not completely secure. Do not bring any illicit or banned materials into it.
• Be aware that Word Up is frequented by people of all ages. If kids are present, try not to harm them with any language or behavior.
• Children unaccompanied by an adult may be asked to leave at any time.
• Only performers scheduled to use the space are allowed on the stage.
• Only collective members are authorized to use the kitchen space.
• Spectators must be respectful of performers.

Dealing with Conflict:

If you experience harassment, abuse, or sexual assault, or if a perpetrator of violence is interfering with your participation or presence at an event or in the space, please approach a Word Up Volunteer whom you feel comfortable talking to (in person or via email). They are here to help with any conflicts arising from the violation of our policies.

The Word Up Volunteers are empowered to enforce these rules, and to make the final decision on anyone’s expulsion. And as stated earlier, Word Up reserves the right to ask anyone who violates of our store policies to leave.

We welcome the continuing discussion about and improvement of this policy.

–The Word Up Collective