The Brown Building works to provide a supportive, non-threatening environment to everyone in the community, especially those who don’t often feel welcome or represented in other spaces. Towards this end, The Brown Building centers the needs and experiences of those marginalized due to sex, gender, sexual orientation, class, (dis)ability, race, ethnicity, nationality, and/or age. To make this a safe(r) space for everyone, and especially those who are marginalized, we ask you to participate in the following community guidelines:
1. Use Inclusive Language
No language that is racist, sexist, transphobic, homophobic, classist, nativist, or ableist will be tolerated. Avoid making assumptions about others, and respect everyone’s names, gender pronouns, expressed identities, and experiences. Ask questions respectfully, and understand that no one is required to share information about their identities or experience(s).
2. Only touch with consent.
If you want a hug, high-five, or even a handshake, ask for consent first. Never touch someone else’s body without making sure it is okay. Keep in mind that consent can change and be revoked at any time — if you are unsure if something is okay, ask!
3. Ask for consent when sharing private information or taking photos and video.
Personal information shared within The Brown Building is not meant to be shared with others, unless you are given explicit permission to do so. Similarly, please refrain from taking group or individual photos or video without first seeking consent from those involved.
4. Use content warnings.
In order to ensure the safety of our space we ask that any art, poetry submissions, and performances come with a content description in advance of the event or performance. We seek to provide trauma informed events that are mindful of the various traumas that often impact members of the marginalized communities we strive to serve. Content descriptions allow the audience to make an informed decision whether they wish to attend and/or participate and to evaluate if the event is appropriate for children and minors.
5. Use substances responsibly.
Alcohol can only be served to individuals 21 years and older. We ask that all visitors to The Brown Building drink responsibly to help foster a community of consent and maintain a safe environment. Marijuana, and other recreational drugs, may not be consumed on site.
6. Be open to accountability and receptive to feedback.
Be prepared to be called out/called in for language or actions that make someone else in the space uncomfortable. Hear them out and consider their perspective — especially if these members of the community belong to marginalized groups. Try to learn from your mistakes, be humble, and avoid these behaviors in the future.
7. Put community first!
The Brown Building is a space where we expect visitors to take into account the needs and comfort levels of others, and not just prioritize our own experiences or points-of-view. We believe that community is about treating each other respectfully, caring for one another, and holding each other up.
8. Keep The Brown Building accessible.
Be mindful of accessibility when hosting events in the space by keeping the event scent-free, allowing adequate space for wheelchairs, and offering ASL interpretation. We suggest you reach out to participants in advance to find out what is needed to make the event accessible, and make sure participants are aware of the accessibility of the event in advance. You can contact Brown Building staff if you have questions about accessibility or need any resources to make your event accessible.
How to Write Alt Text and Image Descriptions for the visually impaired
7 Ways to Make Your Social Justice Space Accessible to Disabled People
CREATING ACCESSIBLE SPACES, ORGANIZATIONS AND EVENTS
9. No Guns.
Under no circumstances can guns be brought into The Brown Building. We do not allow violence or threats. Please consult California law regarding weapons that may be concealed and carried upon the person for self defense.
10. Use Conflict Resolution and Transformative Justice Whenever Possible.
If a visitor to The Brown Building violates our safe(r) space policies, please reach out to Brown Building staff for help. The Brown Building will use conflict resolution and transformative justice methods whenever possible. We will only call the police in times of medical emergency or imminent threat of physical harm, as a last resort when all other options have been exhausted. If police are called, everyone in the space must be notified in advance and given the opportunity to exit the space if needed.
Please call The Brown Building Director with any urgent concerns at 858-609-0983.