Diversity Alliance, an organisation that delivers workplace and
event specific diversity, equity and inclusion strategies, is
calling on event industry leaders to sign the new Safe Space Charter.
The charter outlines four key pledges that signees must commit to in
order to prevent harassment and discrimination at their events:
● Establish clear anti-harassment and non-discrimination policies
● Provide staff training on how to handle reports of harassment
and discrimination
● Promote the policies and reporting procedures publicly at events
● Commit to continual review and improvement of safe space efforts
"As leaders and innovators in the events industry,
signatories have an opportunity to take a stand against sexual harassment and
discrimination," said Gabrielle Austen Browne, founder of Diversity
Alliance.
"By signing the charter and committing to the pledges,
organisations can publicly commit to creating inclusive events free from
harassment and discrimination."
In addition to sending a clear message of support, charter signees
will receive resources and can request additional support from Diversity
Alliance and its partners. Their organisation's name will also be featured on
the Diversity Alliance website as an official supporter.
Events agency, emc3, was one of the first organisations to sign up
to the charter. Emc3’s vice president of growth, Josh King, said: “We are
thrilled to announce our commitment to the Safe Space Charter. At emc3, the
safety and well-being of both our team and event attendees have always been
paramount. We believe in fostering an environment where everyone feels not just
welcomed but truly safe, respected, and valued, thus taking the Safe Space
pledge aligns perfectly with our core values. This is a significant step toward
a more equitable and inclusive future for the events industry.”
Official partners of the Safe Space initiative include the OPs
Nest and EventWell. Lou Kiwanuka, founder of The Ops Nest said: “The Safe Space
Charter is an opportunity for our industry to finally and publicly effect
meaningful, measured, positive action against harassment and support a message
of zero tolerance to discrimination.”
Diversity Alliance encourages all events organisations to sign the
Charter.
