Questions about Safe Zone

What does it mean to be a Safe Zone member?

A Safe Zone member is a person who has voluntarily decided to become a visible ally for all LGBT people on campus. Members have undergone a three-hour workshop to build on their knowledge and understanding of LGBT people, reflect on their own personal assumptions and beliefs, and learn strategies to be an effective LGBT ally. Safe Zone members are also committed to providing appropriate information and assistance regarding LGBT interests, issues and concerns.

Who can become a member of Safe Zone?

Any student, staff or faculty member is free to become a Safe Zone member. Individuals must complete a three-hour workshop offered at multiple times during the year. Upcoming workshop dates will be updated on this website or you can contact the Safe Zone Coordinator, Liz Roccoforte at liz.roccoforte@case.edu or 216.368.3206. If you are interested in setting up a customized workshop for your specific department, office or group please contact Liz for more information.

What does it mean if I see a Safe Zone symbol displayed?

A Safe Zone symbol identifies the person as someone who has chosen to educate themselves about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues and has information about local resources. A person displaying a Safe Zone sticker or magnet has been through a workshop and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for LGBT people. The Safe Zone symbol communicates a message of understanding, non-judgment and knowledge of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons' needs and concerns.

Do I already need to know about LGBT resources to join?

Members of Safe Zone need only to be open and supportive to the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals and willing to learn about issues related to sexual orientation and gender presentation.

Do I have to be lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender to join Safe Zone?

No. Anyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression, is welcome to become a Safe Zone Ally. In fact, non-LGBT safe zone allies are vital to the success of the program. Displaying the Safe Zone symbol does not mean that you are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.

Who is involved in bringing back the Safe Zone program?

The rekindling of the program is an effort of a Safe Zone sub-committee which serves as a part of the CWRU Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Ally Committee. The Safe Zone sub-committee, composed of undergraduates, graduate students, staff and faculty, started meeting in the fall of 2009 in an effort to bring the program back in an effective and sustainable way.

How does the new Safe Zone program resemble the previous Safe Zone program?

The purpose of Safe Zone remains the same: creating and sustaining a visibly inclusive and supportive environment for those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning.

How does the new Safe Zone differ from the previous Safe Zone?

The new iteration of the Safe Zone program will differ, slightly, from its former incarnation here at CWRU. Although the program's objective remains the same, the program will now require a form of common education for those displaying the new Safe Zone sticker.

The Safe Zone program is now structured to more closely resemble other Safe Zone programs across the country. This change is based on best practices and research that concludes that the most effective and long lasting Safe Zone programs involve a form of common education for all Safe Zone allies.

The new CWRU Safe Zone program asks all interested people to attend a free workshop that will provide them the most recent information, resources, knowledge and skil ls to be an effective ally to the LGBT community. Those who complete the workshop will receive and certificate of completion as well as the updated and re-designed Safe Zone sticker for display.

What if I already have a Safe Zone sticker?

If you already have a Safe Zone sticker, excellent! You can continue displaying it with pride or we encourage you to attend one of the upcoming workshops and become part of the new community of allies committed to making CWRU an inclusive, safe and productive space.

How do I join Safe Zone?

Any student, staff or faculty member is free to become a Safe Zone member. Individuals must complete a three-hour workshop offered at multiple times during the year. Upcoming workshop dates will be updated on this website or you can contact the Safe Zone Coordinator, Liz Roccoforte at liz.roccoforte@case.edu or 216.368.3206. If you are interested in setting up a customized workshop for your specific department, office of group please contact Liz for more information.

When can I attend a Safe Zone Workshop?

Upcoming workshop dates will be updated on this website or you can contact the Safe Zone Coordinator, Liz Roccoforte at liz.roccoforte@case.edu or 216.368.3206.

Also, If you are interested in scheduling a training for a group of 10-20 people on a date not listed above, please contact Liz and we will work to find a mutually appropriate date and time.