Safe Zone Training at EIU

Created to address the concerns of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and ally community at Eastern Illinois University and the surrounding area, the Safe Zone Project is a way to reach out to these students and welcome them in all areas of the EIU community. Safe Zones are areas on and around campus where supportive people provide information and work toward the elimination of myths, misconceptions, and stereotypes.

 

Safe Zone Mission Statement
By participating in the Safe Zone Program, one pledges that his/her Safe Zone is a place where lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender and allies can:

• feel comfortable and safe in a confidential environment.
• express any issues and concerns in an atmosphere of acceptance and support.
• access informational and educational resources including: organizations, phone numbers, web sites, and books.

Phase 1 Training Safe Zone: Phase 1 training is open to any student, staff, or faculty member who is interested in becoming an ally for the LGBTQA+ community and learning more about LGBTQA+-related issues. Topics that will be addressed include: LGBTQA+ terminology, the coming out process, heterosexual privilege, facts and myths about the LGBTQ community, the Riddle Homophobia Scale, and ways to engage in quiet activism.

Phase 2 Training Safe Zone: Phase 2 training is a case study-based, application-focused session. Participants will gain the tools they need to not only provide resources, but to become an active participant in making EIU's campus a more supportive, inclusive, and affirming place for LBGTQA+ people. Completion of Phase 2 will result in becoming an identified Safe Zone Ally.       
     
Phase 3 Training Safe Zone: Phase 3, Transgender 101, gives participants a 101 session on terminology, microagression, privilege, and how to serve as better allies to transgender individuals and students.

 

If you have questions or would like more information regarding the programs and resources offered by the LGBTQA Resource Center, please call 217-581-7117 or e-mail lgbtqa@eiu.edu.

 

Information regarding Safe Zone Training at EIU from http://castle.eiu.edu/lgbtqa/safezone.php