Are you interested in learning how to support the LGBTQ+ community?
Western Carolina University Intercultural Affairs (ICA) and Degree Plus has the opportunity for all students to learn more with Safe Zone training.
Safe Zone will take place online by registration only on Sept. 23 from 5-7 p.m. To register, visit safezone.wcu.edu.
Safe Zone at WCU is based on the Safe Zone Project, which is a free online training platform created in 2013 by Meg Bolger and Sam Killermann.
The purpose of WCU’s Safe Zone program is to bring awareness to gender and sexuality issues. Participants who attend four training hours will receive a rainbow flag decal. Assistant director of ICA and Safe Zone coordinator, Dean Paulk, said the flag is an indicator that you are safe for the LGBTQ+ community. In a phone interview, Paulk added that it is important to learn to better interact with the community even if you are not a member.
Safe Zone training is separated into two parts. Part one’s purpose is to help build knowledge of the community. Part two is dedicated to building skills on how to communicate with someone of the community. Safe Zone is having the same number of events it does every semester; however, all events will be held online. Students and faculty are both encouraged to participate.
Safe Zone session two will take place later in the semester.
