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:
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