HOT TOPIC: Safe Space

QUESTION: How do YOU think we should respond when someone uses an argumentative tone in their posts with our community members?

BACKGROUND: We have had a few incidents in our community where a new member is “out of tune” with our culture of respect, dialogue and listening to women’s viewpoints and perspectives. Their posts might have the tone of “I am right, you are wrong.” or “I don’t believe you.” While this has been extremely rare, it has happened a few times. Mostly it has happened with new male members, but it has also happened with women.

As you know, top priority for all of us is that PulseWire is a safe space for women to speak for ourselves, empower each other and be heard. We also want to foster vibrant dialogue, and believe that transformation can occur though dialogue.

For serious cases, we have a strict policy against the use of attacking language, harassment, threats or blame. We WILL block someone from the site if this occurs.

However, occasionally it is not as clear as this. Do we take such a strict move as to block that person from our community?

One way we have responded is to write the person with the objectionable behavior to tell them about our values and encourage them to post in a supportive way. We also encourage our members to speak out if you do not feel treated well in a conversation to ask for what you need.

And if that does not bring results? Block? More dialogue?

Women have to cope with so much sidelining in the real world. There are so few places where our voices can ring out – without being interrupted, or the microphone being cut off. PulseWire MUST be a liberating space, where we don’t have to be drained or spend lots of time trying to combat or convince others. We must express our selves fully.

Therefore -- what to do with argumentative posters? Hmmmmm… At World Pulse, we are discussing this issue and thinking about a process that will ensure an empowering and safe environment for WOMEN and the MEN who “get it” and support us.

What do YOU think?

Let us know your opinion this week!

Listening to you,

Jensine Larsen
Founder,
World Pulse