The Finnish Youth Research Society adheres to the principles of a safer space in all its activities and events. The goal of these principles is to ensure that everyone can participate in the Finnish Youth Research Society’s activities and events as safely as possible, regardless of, for example, age, ethnic or national background, language, religion, beliefs, health status, disability, gender, or sexual orientation. The principles aim to ensure that every participant can feel safe without fear of discrimination, harassment or sexual, physical, or verbal abuse.
All participants of our events will be informed of these principles. Everyone participating in the activities and events of the Finnish Youth Research Society is expected to adhere to these principles.
Recognize the assumptions you make
Respect everyone’s right to self-determination and avoid making assumptions about others’ life situations, identities or opinions.
Everyone has the right to share or withhold information about themselves on their own terms.
Try to recognize the role and position you hold in different situations. Be aware of any power you may have over others and act with that awareness.
Treat Others with Respect
Treat others with an open mind and as equals: listen and give others the opportunity to participate and be heard, regardless of their background, status, or individual characteristics.
Respect others’ personal physical and mental space, privacy and right to self-determination.
Speak respectfully about others. Avoid language that is offensive or belittling – even when speaking about people or groups who are not present.
Listen and Learn
Learning takes place in a safe environment: it’s okay to make mistakes and ask questions.
Recognize your own assumptions and critically examine your own thinking.
Take responsibility for your own actions. If you offend someone, apologize and correct your behavior.
Take Action and Intervene
Follow these steps if you encounter or witness inappropriate behavior:
- If possible, intervene and show support for the person being harassed. Ask the harasser to stop, citing the principles of a safer space.
- If you experience harassment or other inappropriate treatment, or if you are unsure whether it constitutes harassment, you can always contact the Finnish Youth Research Society’s harassment liaisons. They are obligated to address the matter.
- Any person who engages in harassment, inappropriate behavior or sexual harassment may be removed from the event. If necessary, the participant may also be barred from attending future events organized by the Finnish Youth Research Society.
- A report of harassment can also be reported after the fact using the harassment report form (Visit an external site. The link opens in a new tab.). The report will be forwarded to the Finnish Youth Research Society’s harassment contact persons. If necessary, the matter will be handled confidentially in accordance with the reporter’s wishes.
Harassment Contact Persons at the Finnish Youth Research Society
Antti Kivijärvi
Doctor of Social Sciences
Senior Researcher
040 062 4689
antti.kivijarvi@youthresearch.fi
