Safe Zone is a voluntary program designed to reduce prejudice and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression at Western Nebraska Community College (“WNCC”), as well as create a safe and affirming environment for higher education of all students. Participants in the program display a Safe Zone symbol (for example on an office door) to show support and understanding of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (“GLBT”) community, creating “safe” places where bigotry and discrimination will not be tolerated.
Why do we have Safe Zone?
WNCC and its surrounding community are proud of their culturally diverse population and support cultural diversity in every way possible. Safe Zone is a subtle but important way to show that all sexual orientations and gender presentations are part of our culture and are acknowledged and supported.
What does it mean if I see a Safe Zone symbol displayed?
The Safe Zone symbol provides a message to members of the GLBT community (including students, faculty, and staff) that the person displaying the symbol is a person who has completed the Safe Zone training, has decided to be an active and visible ally, can be trusted to maintain confidentiality, and will respond to the individual with understanding, support, and empathy. If a GLBT individual wants help, advice, or just someone with whom they can talk, they can expect to be met with openness and respect in areas displaying the Safe Zone symbol.
What does it mean to be an “ally”?
According to Webster’s New World Dictionary of the American Language, an ally is someone “joined with another for a common purpose.” The Gender Education Center defines allies to the GLBT communities as “people who support us who may or may not be a part of our community. These are people who believe in the human rights of all people. Who demonstrate by their presence and actions, their acceptance and celebration of diversity among people.”
Anyone who is interested and willing to be an ally can join: faculty, students, administration and support staff and community members.
Do I have to be gay to join Safe Zone?
Displaying the Safe Zone symbol does NOT mean that you are GLBT, or that you will participate in any GLBT-related activities.
What do Safe Zone members do?
Safe Zone is a voluntary organization whose members receive no payment. Safe Zone members agree to be aware of the presence of GLBT individuals, and work as an ally of these individuals. Safe Zone members agree to maintain confidentiality at work and comfortably use inclusive language, avoid stereotyping, and do not assume heterosexuality.
Members also commit to continually educating themselves on GLBT issues and are willing to support GLBT individuals, as well as other Safe Zone members.
Lastly, and most importantly, Safe Zone members may make a difference in someone’s life and possibly never know it.
How do I join Safe Zone?
Use the email link to request more information about the next Safe Zone meeting and/or training opportunity.
New members must attend a two-hour orientation and training to the purposes and reasons for maintaining a Safe Zone program here at Western Nebraska Community College.
The Safe Zone symbol provides a message to members of the GLBT community (including students, faculty, and staff) that the person displaying the symbol is a person who has completed the Safe Zone training, has decided to be an active and visible ally, can be trusted to maintain confidentiality, and will respond to the individual with understanding, support, and empathy. If a GLBT individual wants help, advice, or just someone with whom they can talk, they can expect to be met with openness and respect in areas displaying the Safe Zone symbol.