Safer Spaces

We believe 'safer spaces' are environments where individuals of all backgrounds can engage without fear of discrimination, harassment, or harm—especially those who have been historically marginalized. While no space can be perfectly safe for everyone at all times, we aim to reduce harm through community norms, transparency, and accountability.

Sentient Meat and its partner organizations and events are committed to creating safer spaces at all events, programs, and properties we manage or support. We work toward this by setting clear expectations, listening actively when harm occurs, and cultivating community accountability through education, consent, and care.

We strive to keep our spaces safe by following simple guidelines of consent. Consent is not the absence of a 'no', but the presence of a verbal and enthuastic 'yes'. It’s based on clear communication in an environment where people feel comfortable saying no and yes, and with full trust that their boundaries will be respected. Consent is vital not just in our personal relations, but in our daily lives.

Participants in our spaces are expected to:

• Respect boundaries, pronouns, and identities
• Communicate with kindness and consent
• Ask before photographing or filming others
• Avoid hate speech, oppressive behavior, or harassment
• Accept feedback and repair harm when asked

When harm occurs, we strive to respond with care and accountability. We may offer the option of a restorative circle—a facilitated, voluntary conversation between those affected and those responsible. Guided by our values, this process allows participants to share impact, listen, and collaborate on how to repair harm.

In some situations, a Community Accountability Panel of 2–3 trusted community members may convene to support reflection, understanding, and follow-through on restorative agreements. These practices are non-punitive and designed to nurture healing, prevent recurrence, and strengthen community resilience.

Holding community-building circles helps to foster mutual trust, state our shared values, and proactively strengthen our relationships. These conversations help prevent misunderstandings and support inclusion across differences.

• If you feel safe doing so, set a boundary or name the harm
• If not, or if the harm continues, alert a trusted community member, event organizer, or facilitator
• You may also contact us to document the experience or request support

Responses to harm

• We prioritize the needs of the person(s) harmed
• We aim for transparency, not secrecy, in how concerns are addressed
• Responses may include facilitated conversations, restorative circles, safety planning, or requests to leave
• We reject punitive or carceral models of justice in favor of learning, growth, and repair whenever possible

Ongoing Learning

We recognize that we are all learning and growing. Safer spaces are co-created through mutual care, and mistakes will happen. When they do, we encourage reflection, accountability, and transformation.

This policy is a living document. We welcome feedback, revision, and participation in evolving it together.

This policy was adapted from the Coalition for Safer Spaces