Safer Venue Con 2018

The Society for the Advocacy of Safer Spaces (SASS), Canadian Cultural Mosaic Foundation and Calgary Sexual Health Centre are very proud to present Safer Venue Con, a conference by the community, for the community.

Join us for a day filled with opportunities to learn how to make your workplace safer and more inclusive. This free conference is open to anyone who works in nightlife including: servers, bartenders, bouncers, owners, managers and promoters. Basically, if you make money working in a space that serves alcohol - this event is for you.
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This day of workshops will give you the chance to gather with peers from your industry to discuss a wide range of topics you currently face daily in your jobs: preventing sexual assault, ending racialized harassment and discrimination, and how to better serve the LGBTQ2+ communities in Calgary. You will end the day with new tools and skills that will empower you to confront these issues in your workplace and beyond. You will also be provided with a complimentary, tasty lunch from our sponsors at Sidewalk Citizen, and a goody bag of resources to help you carry your learning with you.

Workshop Details - register here

Creating a Colourful Nightlife (facilitated by Canadian Cultural Mosaic Foundation)
This interactive workshop explores the roots of racism in our society. Together we will look at the impacts of racism in our communities, in the nightlife world, and other settings. We will connect personal experiences of power and privilege to systemic racism. This event aims to provide participants with tangible tools to develop and strengthen their anti-racism lens.

Creating a Culture of Respect for Gender and Sexual Diversity (facilitated by Calgary Sexual Health Centre)
Building on the anti-homophobia work that Calgary Sexual Health Centre has been doing since the 1990s, this workshop defines and examines the differences between sex, gender, and sexual orientation. We discuss the root causes of homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, and heterosexism, while looking at both media messaging and our culturally constructed views of gender and the impact this can have on clients and coworkers. Participants will leave with practical strategies for creating a safer, more inclusive and respectful work environment. They will also learn about additional community resources and referrals.

Building a Safer Scene (facilitated by Calgary Sexual Health Centre)
This workshop is unique because it approaches this issue by exploring the negative cultural and social constructions of sexuality. Participants will explore current policies that address sexual harassment and will consider approaches to creating safer spaces for patrons and clients. We explore factors that may prevent people from intervening, strategies to address harassment, and highlight the roles of bystanders in the workplace. We will also discuss ways to support the person or people being affected by harassment. Participants will leave with practical tools that will prepare them to recognize when and how they can be active bystanders when witnessing acts of sexual violence.
We acknowledge Calgary as the traditional territory of the Blackfoot and the people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta, which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Ĩyãħé Nakoda First Nations, including the Chiniki, Bearspaw and Wesley First Nations. Calgary is also home to Métis Nation of Alberta, Region III.

Accessibility Information: The room in the Kahanoff Centre where this event is being held is accessible by elevator, and an all gender bathroom will be available on site.