What is a Safe Space/Zone? 

For many students, the presence of allies to whom they can turn for support—or even the simple knowledge that they exist—can be a big factor in developing a positive sense of self, building a community, coping with bias, and working to improve school climate. Safe Space programs increase the visible presences of students and adult allies who can help to shape a school culture that is accepting of all people regardless of differences. 

Why should someone take part in the Safe Space/Zone Program?  

All students deserve to learn in an environment that’s supportive and friendly, regardless of their identity. As you learned above, bias affects the school performance, school experience, and mental and emotional health of the students who experience it.

How does the program work?

The main purpose of a Safe Space/Zone program is to visibly mark people and places that are “safe” for all students. When students and staff put stickers on their doors, lockers, backpacks, binders, or office doors, it stands out as an affirmation of all people and lets others know that they are a safe person to approach for support and guidance. Often the idea behind safe space stickers (and the stickers themselves) get passed around by word of mouth and there is no organized program within the school. Ideally, however, each participating school should have a Safe Space team made up of students and staff that publicizes the program, hands out materials, provides basic training to allies who wish to be involved, and educates the larger school community about the meaning of the stickers and importance of building safe spaces for all students. 

How is Sage ALLIES different? 

Sage ALLIES is an “All-Inclusive Safe Space.”  Traditionally, Safe Spaces/Zones are put in place within an educational institution for the benefit of LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning) students. Sages' All Inclusive Safe Zone is a place where a person can feel safe regardless of any human condition, characteristic, or circumstance that they may have. The Sage ALLIES Safe Zone Program is designed to be a network for all students and does not focus on one oppressed group within our community. This "All-Inclusive Safe Space" is an intentional aspect that fits with The Sage Colleges size, design and demographics.

Upcoming Sage ALLIES Base-Line Training

Interested in becoming a a member of Sage ALLIES? Contact your supervisor or advisor to be recommended to the program. 

Upcoming Sage Community Workshops

The Mini-Focus Workshops are a great way for currently trained Sage ALLIES to refine their skills while simultaneously allowing those within the Sage community who are not trained to attend and receive additional information about topics that interest them. The Mini-Focus Workshops are free and open to the entire Sage community including Staff, Faculty and Students. If interested in attending please email Jill Grebert (grebej@sage.edu) to RSVP.

Information about Fall 2012 and Spring 2013 Workshops is posted below: 

Contact

If you have specific questions or concerns regarding the Sage ALLIES initiative please contact the Director of Recreation and Fitness Jill Grebert at grebej@sage.edu or 518-244-2416.