About

Hello Fellow Tory Ass Kickers 🙂 this blog aims to provide a space for all those affected by the government’s welfare ‘reforms’ to find advice and support. We have decided that in order to make this as successful a project as possible in bringing people together, offering support, solidarity and even stimulating debate and activism; that a ‘Safer Spaces Policy’ is necessary in order to make everyone as equal as possible; be it your first time or one zillioneth time visiting, please take the time to read what is below 🙂 :

 

Kicking Tory Ass Safer Space Policy

Open discussion is central to this project; alongside providing a source through which to voice discontent and offer solidarity to those suffering at the hands of this government.  The more people we can involve the stronger and more representative the results will be. We want to operate and conduct our discussions in a safe anti-oppressive space that is easily accessible, welcoming, engaging and supportive.
In order to ensure that this space can be utilised by all individuals affected by the government’s welfare ‘reforms,’ in a free and open environment, we feel it is necessary to establish some guidelines for participants. These have been modelled on the guidelines put forward by Occupy.  (Please note our views are not necessarily those of Occupy, all views are the views of the individual blogger and Kicking Tory Ass represents a broad range of interests and political stances, however the Safer Spaces Policy was the best we found for online spaces and thus we have adapted it for our own use, with thanks to Occupy London).

Please note that, as with all forms of direct democracy this policy is a work in progress and suggestions are welcome.

1. Racism, as well as ageism, homophobia, sexism, transphobia, ableism or prejudice based on ethnicity, nationality, class, gender, gender presentation, language ability, asylum status or religious affiliation is unacceptable and will be challenged.

2. Respect each other’s emotional boundaries; always get explicit verbal consent before crossing boundaries.

3. Be aware of the space you take up and the positions and privileges you bring, including racial, class and gender privilege.

4. Avoid assuming the opinions and identifications of other participants.

5. Recognise that we try not to judge, put each other down or compete.

6. Be aware of the language you use in discussion and how you relate to others. Be respectful and try to use uncomplicated language.

7. Foster a spirit of mutual respect

8. “Respect the person; challenge their behaviour.”

9. If someone violates these agreements a discussion or mediation process can happen, depending on the wishes of the person who was violated. If a serious violation happens to the extent that someone feels unsafe our actions will depend on the form the violation took.  Any offensive comments will not be approved in the first instance and outright threats will be reported to the police.  We sincerely hope that no reader ever feels alarmed, discriminated against or threatened, but should this be the case, contact us in the first instance via Facebook message or email kickingtoryassonwelfare@hotmail.com.  We will take any such situation extremely seriously and take the appropriate steps, and will treat all messages in complete confidence.

10. Whilst ground rules are collective responsibility everyone is also personally responsible for their own behaviour.

Thank you 🙂