Safe-Space Policy

In The Margins is committed to building events where strangers can move from awkward silence to real dialogue – without fear of harassment, discrimination, or intimidation.

This policy applies to all attendees, facilitators, volunteers, and staff at every In The Margins event, no matter where we are located. By attending, you agree to abide by this policy.

Our commitment to you

Everyone is welcome – regardless of age, background, belief, identity, race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or experience level.
We challenge ideas, not people – passionate debate is encouraged. Personal attacks, insults, and deliberate intimidation are not.
Respect is the floor – this includes respecting physical space (ask before touching), privacy (ask before taking photos or recording), and identity (use the name and pronouns someone shares with you).
Assume good intent, acknowledge impact – we all make mistakes. If someone tells you that your words or actions made them uncomfortable, listen. Do not defend – acknowledge and adjust.

Behaviour that is not tolerated

The following behaviours are grounds for immediate removal from an event without refund and a ban from future In The Margins events:

Harassment – unwelcome verbal or physical conduct based on race, gender, identity, appearance, or any other personal attribute.
Discrimination – excluding, mocking, or diminishing someone because of who they are or what they believe.
Intimidation – threats, stalking, following, or deliberate physical intimidation.
Unwanted physical contact – touching, grabbing, or blocking movement.
Deliberate disruption – interrupting facilitators, shouting over others, or persistently ignoring the conversation structure.
Photography or recording without consent – this includes photos, videos, or audio recording of other attendees. Exceptions: event photographers (who will ask for your consent at check‑in) and you recording yourself.

Reporting an incident

If you experience or witness behaviour that violates this policy:

Talk to a staff member – they wear a branded lanyard with “MARGINALIA”. They are there to listen, de‑escalate, and take action.
Anonymous reporting – look for the QR code on event signage. It leads to a simple, anonymous online form.
Email us – after the event: hello@in-themargins.com (subject: “Safe‑space report”).

All reports are taken seriously. You do not need to prove that a violation happened – you only need to share your experience.

What happens after a report

During the event:

The ‘Front of Margins’ Manager and the reporting facilitator will assess the situation discreetly.
The accused party may be moved to another group, asked to leave the session, or removed from the event entirely – depending on severity.
Refunds will not be issued to anyone removed for policy violations.

After the event:

Both the reporter and the accused party (if contactable) will receive a follow‑email within 72 hours summarising the outcome.
Repeat or severe violations result in a permanent ban from all future In The Margins events.
We may share anonymised reports with the rest of the staff to improve training and policy.

Support for those affected

If you feel distressed during or after an event, you can:

Ask a facilitator for a quiet space to decompress.
Request that a staff member walk you to your car or public transport.
Be connected to local support resources (e.g., helplines, counselling) – just ask.

Our promise to you

We will never ask you to “prove” your discomfort.
We will never publicly identify you without your explicit consent.
We will never dismiss a report as “not serious enough”.

In The Margins exists because awkwardness can become connection – but only when everyone feels safe enough to be awkward together.

Contact

For questions, concerns, or to report an incident after an event:
hello@in-themargins.com (subject: “Safe‑space report”)

This policy is reviewed every six months and after any major incident. Last updated: May 2026.