Beginning in the Fall 2016 semester, HOP is implementing a new Mobile Safe-Space Program. This program is intended to bolster our Policy on Bullying and Harassment by making it easier for HOP members to seek help when they need it and to find supportive HOP members to go to when they need help.
Having homeschooled our own children for many years, we’ve heard from some parents that one reason they homeschool is that their children experienced bullying in school. Organizations such as the Southern Poverty Law Center and GLSEN have done surveys attempting to find out how many students in schools are exposed to hate language and bullying. The results are sobering. GLSEN’s School Climate in Florida – 2013 State Snapshot shows us that for LGBT students, the daily exposure to hate language, verbal harassment, and physical harassment is extremely high. LGBT students are not the only ones who experience bullying in schools. Any student can be bullied, and school students experience racism, sexism, and ableism, along with homophobia and transphobia.
We are motivated here at HOP to do our very best to prevent bullying, harassment, and hate in all its forms. Our Policy on Bullying and Harassment addresses both prevention of bullying along with a clear discipline process when bullying happens. Starting in the Fall 2016 semester, all teachers will be given written materials on how to address discriminatory language if it happens at HOP. With the implementation of our Mobile Safe-Space Program, it is our hope that all students will have an easier time finding allies in our community when they have concerns. These policies and programs support our Mission Statement, in that we can better support ALL families while we foster a community that supports tolerance and understanding for people with differing beliefs and experiences.
FAQs about HOP’s Mobile Safe-Space Program:
What is a Safe-Space?
A safe-space is a place where violence, harassment, or hate speech targeting marginalized groups is not tolerated. It is also a place where people can communicate their experiences as a member of a marginalized group in an environment that encourages respect, understanding, dignity, and self-expression.
What is a Mobile Safe-Space?
In a Mobile Safe Space Program, adults are trained to function as safe-spaces and safe people to talk to for students in the community that need help.
How will HOP’s Mobile Safe Space Program work?
Our program is modeled after the “Out for Safe Schools” program, created in 2013 by the Los Angeles Unified School District and the LA LGBT Center. Teachers, Staff, and Parents who attend HOP may volunteer to become safe-spaces by undergoing special training. These Mobile Safe-Space Volunteers will wear visible bracelets identifying themselves as part of the program, so that children who need help may come to them if they need to talk about any issue or to get help in reporting bullying incidents.
Who will be served by this program?
All member’s of the HOP community will be served by the program, as the program enables anyone to go to a Mobile Safe-Space Volunteer for support and for reporting violations of HOP’s Bullying and Harassment Policy. This program will also serve diverse groups, including LGBTQ students, students of color, and other groups of students that may be targeted for harassment.
I want to volunteer to be part of the program. What is involved?
Requirements to become a Mobile Safe-Space Volunteer:
- You must be a parent/guardian or staff member who attends HOP Co-op
- You must attend a training session at HOP
- You must read all written materials provided by the program
- You must be willing to learn more about different forms of discrimination and how to be an ally to different groups of people.
- You must be willing to examine your own beliefs and question your biases, as well as accept the critiques of others.
- You must be willing to respect student confidentiality, especially around the issues of sexual orientation and gender identity.
- You must be willing to speak out against discriminatory words and bullying.
- You must be willing to wear a visible label of your Volunteer status while at HOP.
I want to sign up to become a Mobile Safe Space Volunteer! How do I do it?
Sign up with the MSS Program Coordinator, Trish Laszlo, or contact her by email.