Greetings Parker University students!

We are pleased to launch an exciting new initiative on campus, and invite you to participate in the SAFE ZONE Ally Training program here at Parker University.

LGBTQ+ SAFE ZONES exist across the nation, and at Parker University we recognize the importance of these spaces that recognize gender, sexual, and romantic diversity and provide a brave space for:

• Expression of one’s own identity
• Providing resources for the LGBTQ+ community and allies
• Having important dialogues about the complexity of gender, sexual, and romantic identities
• Social change throughout the Parker University community, and beyond
• Discovering of and reflection on one’s own behaviors, activities, values... and supportively challenging others to do the same

The network of Parker University Ally SAFE ZONE Facilitators provides trainings for students, faculty, and staff who are interested in building awareness, knowledge, skills, and action to serve the LGBTQ+ community. At the conclusion of the SAFE ZONE Ally Training, participants can expect to:

• Have greater Awareness of how privilege, gender identity and sexual orientation affect individuals at Parker University.
• Be better versed in the terminology surrounding the LGBTQ+ community.
• Gain a better understanding of how individuals (including themselves) may define their own gender identity or sexual identity.
• Work on skills directly related to being a proactive bystander at Parker University and better ally within the LGBTQ+ community.
• Create goals for themselves moving forward at Parker University and be provided resources and/or know where to find them.

After completing the training, participants have the opportunity to seek designation as a Parker University Ally. Decals/stickers will be provided to allies, as well as a certificate demonstrating completion of training and a commitment to upholding SAFE ZONE Allyship.

Interested in becoming an ally? The details of the upcoming training are below. Participants should plan on attending the entire training in order to have the opportunity to serve as a visual Ally.

Date: Friday, September 23

Time: 1:00 PM-5:00 PM

Location: S Building 253

RSVP: https://forms.office.com/r/LZDnpRcGxD

Please also note, we hold some assumptions going into the SAFE ZONE Ally trainings. If you have any questions about the assumptions below, do not hesitate to contact us!

• Attendees of SAFE ZONE Ally Training have basic knowledge of the LGBTQ+ community.
• Attendees of SAFE ZONE Ally Training consider themselves change agents – this is not just an informational presentation.
• There is no right or wrong answer to discussion questions.
• Discussion comes from a place of respect and honesty (and sometimes ignorance), but not from a place malice or hate.

If you would like more information on SAFE ZONE in general, check out their website here:  http://thesafezoneproject.com/ 

Thank you for your interest and we look forward to having powerful conversations at the upcoming training.

-Parker University SAFE ZONE Ally Facilitators

FAQ:

Is this mandatory?

No, our training is not mandatory. 

Can I bring my spouse/friend/relative? I think they would enjoy this training too!

Reach our to either Ashley Long (along@parker.edu) to check on availability. We hope to be able to offer this course to the general community in the future, but we are not there yet!

I want to be SAFE ZONE trained but that date/time won't work for me. Can I leave early/come late?

No, at this time we require attendees to commit to being present the entire training. We are happy to offer additional training at a day/time that works better for you if you are able to secure other people who are also interested in the trainings to attend. Please reach out to either Sierra Jones or Ashley Long for more information.

Will faculty/staff be there?

No, we have made the decision to keep our faculty/staff training separate from our student training- although they look very similar. The only faculty or staff present will be the facilitators of our program, who have already identified as being visible allies on campus. Some of our facilitators are also members of the LGBTQ+ community or have close family/friends that are members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Who will know I attended this training?

The only people aware that you attend training is the Ally SAFE ZONE facilitators that lead your training and the other participants. A list of attendees is not posted anywhere. If you choose to become a visible ally- which is ALWAYS a choice- you will be placed on our Ally Network spreadsheet and be connected to the other students, faculty and staff that have also chosen to become a visible ally on campus.