#wekeepussafe — Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #wekeepussafe, aggregated by home.social.
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#DorchesterMA - free health supplies vending machine opens in #CodmanSquare.
"In addition to Narcan, free items include emergency blankets, socks, family planning, HIV self-tests, disposable CPR kit, water, and snacks. More than 200 items were dispensed in the first four days of operation, officials said, with the most popular item being socks."
https://www.dotnews.com/2026/08/12/public-health-vending-outlet-now-open-at-codman-square-health/ #WeKeepUsSafe #Boston #PublicHealth #Narcan #overdose -
#DorchesterMA - free health supplies vending machine opens in #CodmanSquare.
"In addition to Narcan, free items include emergency blankets, socks, family planning, HIV self-tests, disposable CPR kit, water, and snacks. More than 200 items were dispensed in the first four days of operation, officials said, with the most popular item being socks."
https://www.dotnews.com/2026/08/12/public-health-vending-outlet-now-open-at-codman-square-health/ #WeKeepUsSafe #Boston #PublicHealth #Narcan #overdose -
#SesameStreet - #ExtremeWeather Resources
Supporting children, families, and communities when weather crises hit.
Children born in 2020 will experience up to 7 times more #ExtremeWeatherEvents than children born in 1960.
"Today, more families than ever before are facing extreme weather events, which can be especially challenging for young children.
Sesame is here to provide support — helping families prepare for, respond to, and recover from floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and more.
Extreme weather can displace communities, disrupt routines, and jeopardize emotional well-being — so Sesame offers comfort, playful learning, and ways to build resilience and re-establish daily routines.
Whether preparing for the unexpected or recovering from it, children, families, and communities can get through the toughest times, and stay safe, together.
In times of crisis, our resources can help every family find their inner Sesame Street: a comforting smile, a resourceful neighbor, and a reminder that you’re not alone.
Interactive family guides offer simple tips and activities to comfort and support children and keep the whole family safe."
https://sesameworkshop.org/our-work/what-we-do/extreme-weather/
#SesameWorkshop #Preparedness #ChildrensResources #EmergencyKits #DisasterRecovery #Safety #ParentingGuides #KeepSafe #WeKeepUsSafe #Polycrisis #ClimateChange #ExtremeHeat #Storms #Hurricanes #Floods #BuildingResiliency #BuildingCommunity
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#SesameStreet - #ExtremeWeather Resources
Supporting children, families, and communities when weather crises hit.
Children born in 2020 will experience up to 7 times more #ExtremeWeatherEvents than children born in 1960.
"Today, more families than ever before are facing extreme weather events, which can be especially challenging for young children.
Sesame is here to provide support — helping families prepare for, respond to, and recover from floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and more.
Extreme weather can displace communities, disrupt routines, and jeopardize emotional well-being — so Sesame offers comfort, playful learning, and ways to build resilience and re-establish daily routines.
Whether preparing for the unexpected or recovering from it, children, families, and communities can get through the toughest times, and stay safe, together.
In times of crisis, our resources can help every family find their inner Sesame Street: a comforting smile, a resourceful neighbor, and a reminder that you’re not alone.
Interactive family guides offer simple tips and activities to comfort and support children and keep the whole family safe."
https://sesameworkshop.org/our-work/what-we-do/extreme-weather/
#SesameWorkshop #Preparedness #ChildrensResources #EmergencyKits #DisasterRecovery #Safety #ParentingGuides #KeepSafe #WeKeepUsSafe #Polycrisis #ClimateChange #ExtremeHeat #Storms #Hurricanes #Floods #BuildingResiliency #BuildingCommunity
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#KitchenerONT - Introduction to #BystanderIntervention Workshop
August 15, 2026
6:00-8:00pm"Learn the basics of bystander intervention!
Do you know what to do if you see someone causing harm? Want to add some tools to your toolkit to help make your community safer?
Join us, along with your fellow neighbours, Thursday August 13th, 2026 from 6pm to 8pm at the Extend-A-Family Office (91 Moore Avenue in Kitchener) for an interactive workshop to gain and strengthen your neighbouring skills!
Our Introduction to Bystander Intervention workshop will provide participants with concrete tools, including the 5 D’s of bystander intervention, to use if you see someone causing harm.
This workshop will be led by an expert who has facilitated hundreds of bystander intervention and allyship workshops with the Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region.
Pre-registration required. Limited space available.
$10 for Non-Members (select below)
$5 for KWLOT Members (select below)
Free for Premium KWLOT Members (please contact us to register)
No one will be turned away due to lack of funds."
FMI and to register:
https://www.kwlot.ca/workshops-in-kitchener/p/bystander#SolarPunkSunday #KWLibraryOfThings #KWLOT #KitchenerON #Ontario #WeKeepUsSafe #BuildingCommunity #CommunitySafety #LibrariesRule
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#KitchenerONT - Introduction to #BystanderIntervention Workshop
August 15, 2026
6:00-8:00pm"Learn the basics of bystander intervention!
Do you know what to do if you see someone causing harm? Want to add some tools to your toolkit to help make your community safer?
Join us, along with your fellow neighbours, Thursday August 13th, 2026 from 6pm to 8pm at the Extend-A-Family Office (91 Moore Avenue in Kitchener) for an interactive workshop to gain and strengthen your neighbouring skills!
Our Introduction to Bystander Intervention workshop will provide participants with concrete tools, including the 5 D’s of bystander intervention, to use if you see someone causing harm.
This workshop will be led by an expert who has facilitated hundreds of bystander intervention and allyship workshops with the Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region.
Pre-registration required. Limited space available.
$10 for Non-Members (select below)
$5 for KWLOT Members (select below)
Free for Premium KWLOT Members (please contact us to register)
No one will be turned away due to lack of funds."
FMI and to register:
https://www.kwlot.ca/workshops-in-kitchener/p/bystander#SolarPunkSunday #KWLibraryOfThings #KWLOT #KitchenerON #Ontario #WeKeepUsSafe #BuildingCommunity #CommunitySafety #LibrariesRule
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Excellent and highly accessible explainer posted this evening by @JennBudd all about #ICE and high-risk traffic stops.
There is SO damn much not being explained by our electeds and by the media about the "mass deportation" situation -- what ICE can/can't do and the mechanisms they're using to blur or obliterate the line between the two are very much at the top of that list.
<< ICE High Risk Traffic Stops >>
#BorderlandTalk with former Border Patrol agent turned whistleblower Jenn Budd
July 23rd 2026#FuckICE #MassDeportation #immigration #ChingaLaMigra #CivilRights #HumanRights #AuthoritarianSlide #WeKeepUsSafe
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Excellent and highly accessible explainer posted this evening by @JennBudd all about #ICE and high-risk traffic stops.
There is SO damn much not being explained by our electeds and by the media about the "mass deportation" situation -- what ICE can/can't do and the mechanisms they're using to blur or obliterate the line between the two are very much at the top of that list.
<< ICE High Risk Traffic Stops >>
#BorderlandTalk with former Border Patrol agent turned whistleblower Jenn Budd
July 23rd 2026#FuckICE #MassDeportation #immigration #ChingaLaMigra #CivilRights #HumanRights #AuthoritarianSlide #WeKeepUsSafe
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A Titled Guide To Being A Defendant
By the Titled Scales Collective.
Essential reading for the times we find ourselves in.
PDF - https://files.libcom.org/files/atiltedguide-web-1.pdf
#Bookstodon #AntiRepression #NonFiction #FuckICE #WeKeepUsSafe
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A Titled Guide To Being A Defendant
By the Titled Scales Collective.
Essential reading for the times we find ourselves in.
PDF - https://files.libcom.org/files/atiltedguide-web-1.pdf
#Bookstodon #AntiRepression #NonFiction #FuckICE #WeKeepUsSafe
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The website maskbloc.org hasn't been updated in a year and the email on their website seems to have been deactivated, so we're starting a new global directory on https://worldwide-maskbloc.org/! 😷
We have a live map of blocs worldwide, a searchable directory you can filter by name, city, or what they offer, and a growing list of tools and resources for staying safe.
Run a mask bloc, or know one that should be listed? Submit it on the site. Every listing is reviewed by a real person before it goes live, so it's a directory you can actually trust.
Know a tool or resource we're missing? Email us at [email protected]
Mutual aid is not charity. It's a practice we build together, person to person. Access needs are collective needs, and disability justice is everyone's fight. No gatekeeping, no questions asked.
Find a bloc. Start a bloc. Support your community. We keep us safe.
#MaskBloc #WeKeepUsSafe #MutualAid #DisabilityJustice #CovidIsNotOver #CleanAir #N95 #CommunityCare #PublicHealth
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The website maskbloc.org hasn't been updated in a year and the email on their website seems to have been deactivated, so we're starting a new global directory on https://worldwide-maskbloc.org/! 😷
We have a live map of blocs worldwide, a searchable directory you can filter by name, city, or what they offer, and a growing list of tools and resources for staying safe.
Run a mask bloc, or know one that should be listed? Submit it on the site. Every listing is reviewed by a real person before it goes live, so it's a directory you can actually trust.
Know a tool or resource we're missing? Email us at [email protected]
Mutual aid is not charity. It's a practice we build together, person to person. Access needs are collective needs, and disability justice is everyone's fight. No gatekeeping, no questions asked.
Find a bloc. Start a bloc. Support your community. We keep us safe.
#MaskBloc #WeKeepUsSafe #MutualAid #DisabilityJustice #CovidIsNotOver #CleanAir #N95 #CommunityCare #PublicHealth
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EU-Rat und Parlament einigen sich: Ein Abschieberegime, von dem Rechtsextreme geträumt haben
Europaparlament und Regierungen verschärfen die Abschieberegeln. Auch Abschiebezentren in Drittstaaten und Razzien nach dem Vorbild der US-Abschiebe-Miliz ICE werden möglich. Ob die neuen Regelungen tatsächlich mehr und schnellere Abschiebungen erreichen werden, bleibt indes fraglich.
Vertreter*innen des Europaparlaments und der EU-Länder haben sich am Montagabend auf eine neue Rückführungsverordnung geeinigt. Das Ziel: mehr und effizientere Abschiebungen von Drittstaatsangehörigen ohne regulären Aufenthalt.
Einen ersten Entwurf für das Gesetz, das auch als „Abschiebeverordnung“ bekannt ist, hat die EU-Kommission bereits im vergangenen Jahr vorgestellt. Sie soll die Reform des Gemeinsamen Europäischen Asylsystems (GEAS) ergänzen, die in der gesamten EU am 12. Juni wirksam wird.
Trotz massiver Kritik von Jurist*innen und Menschenrechtsorganisationen halten die EU-Institutionen dabei an ihrem harten Kurs fest. So sollen Menschen künftig in Abschiebezentren außerhalb des EU-Territoriums gebracht werden können, auch ohne eine vorherige Verbindung zu dem Land. Menschen ohne Papiere sollen außerdem länger inhaftiert, mit langen Einreiseverboten belegt und für fehlende Kooperation bestraft werden können. Auch sollen ihre Wohnungen leichter durchsucht werden können, sie sollen verstärkt digital überwacht und ihre Datenträger durchleuchtet und beschlagnahmt werden.
EU-Innen- und Migrationskommissar Magnus Brunner bezeichnete die Einigung als „einen wichtigen Schritt in der europäischen Migrationswende“. Sarah Chander von der Initiative „We Keep Us Safe“ sprach gegenüber netzpolitik.org hingegen von einem Gesetzestext, der es „rechtsextremistischen Fraktionen ermöglicht, ein von Überwachung geprägtes Abschieberegime ihrer Träume zu errichten“.
Abschiebezentren und verlängerte Abschiebehaft
Mit der Verordnung hat die EU den Weg für sogenannte „return hubs“ geebnet, in die Menschen abgeschoben werden sollen, deren Abschiebung bisher scheitert. Das kann an einer Vielzahl von Gründen liegen, beispielsweise wenn Menschen keinen Pass haben, das Herkunftsland die Wiedereinreise verweigert oder keine diplomatischen Beziehungen bestehen.
Solche Abschiebezentren sollen zum einen als Transitzentren dienen, um die „Weiterreise in das Herkunftsland oder ein anderes Drittland zu erleichtern“.Gleichzeitig schließt der Rat nicht aus, dass Abschiebezentren das endgültige Ziel darstellen könnten – also auf unbestimmte Zeit. Während unbegleitete Minderjährige von der Abschiebung in solche Zentren verschont bleiben, können Familien mit Kindern dort festgehalten werden. Das gilt als menschenrechtlich sehr umstritten.
Bundesinnenminister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) hat angekündigt, gemeinsam mit anderen EU-Staaten – darunter Österreich, Dänemark und Griechenland – bis Ende des Jahres Deals zur Errichtung solcher Zentren mit Drittstaaten aushandeln zu wollen. Bis auf Uganda, das eine solche Vereinbarung mit den Niederlanden getroffen hat, gibt es bisher keine konkreten Beschlüsse. Im Gespräch sind Länder wie Ruanda, Libyen, Mauretanien, Usbekistan und Äthiopien.
Zusätzlich gibt die Verordnung grünes Licht, unbegleitete Kinder sowie Familien mit Kindern innerhalb der EU in Abschiebehaft zu nehmen. So hat Polen beispielsweise die Inhaftierung von unbegleiteten Kindern ab 15 Jahren bereits seit Anfang des Jahres durch nationales Recht erlaubt. Mit der Verordnung wird zudem die Dauer der Abschiebehaft auf 24 Monate ausgeweitet und kann um weitere sechs Monate verlängert werden, wenn sich die Zusammenarbeit mit dem betreffenden Drittland verbessert oder die Behörden der Ansicht sind, dass Fluchtgefahr besteht.
ICE-ähnliche Hausdurchsuchungen und elektronische Überwachung
Andere geplante Maßnahmen sind unter zivilgesellschaftlichen Organisationen nicht weniger umstritten. So übte Sarah Chander von der Initiative „We Keep Us Safe“ harte Kritik an den Plänen. Asyl und Legalisierung würden damit zu Tabus, Hausdurchsuchungen, invasive Datenerhebung und ‑weitergabe würden zur Norm. „Anstatt in Fürsorge und Schutz zu investieren, werden öffentliche Mittel dazu verwendet, internationale und EU-Rechtsstandards vollständig auszuhöhlen.“
Dazu gehört beispielsweise das Grundrecht auf die Unverletzlichkeit der Wohnung. So stattet die Verordnung die Mitgliedstaaten mit weitreichenden Befugnissen aus, private Wohnungen von Drittstaatsangehörigen ohne gültigen Aufenthalt und andere „relevanten Räumlichkeiten“ zu durchsuchen. Diese Regelung könne Menschenjagden auf Migrant*innen nach Vorbild der USA nach sich ziehen sowie ganze Communitys rassistischer Diskriminierung aussetzen, warnten zuletzt UN-Menschenrechtsexpert*innen sowie mehr als 100 zivilgesellschaftliche Organisationen.
„Auf der anderen Seite des Atlantiks sehen wir die Gewalt und Angst, die durch die brutale Einwanderungskontrolle der ICE verursacht wird“, sagte Silvia Carta von der Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants (PICUM), eine der rund 100 kritischen Organisationen. „Europa sollte aus den Schäden dieses Modells lernen, anstatt eine eigene Version aufzubauen“, so Carta weiter.
Behörden dürfen laut den Plänen außerdem Handys, Computer sowie andere elektronische Geräte von Menschen ohne Papiere durchsuchen und beschlagnahmen – eine Praxis, die in einzelnen deutschen Bundesländern bereits verbreitet ist, wie Recherchen von netzpolitik.org gezeigt haben.
Weitere Zwangsmaßnahmen sehen vor, dass Menschen in Abschiebeverfahren sich nur an einem bestimmten Ort aufhalten, Ausgangssperren unterziehen oder regelmäßigen Meldepflichten nachkommen müssen. Als sogenannte Alternativen zur Inhaftierung können außerdem das Hinterlegen einer Geldsumme oder elektronische Überwachung auferlegt werden. Bei der letzteren handelt es sich laut Fachleuten nur vermeintlich um eine Alternative. Denn diese kommt aufgrund ihrer tief in die Privatsphäre eingreifenden Wirkung de facto einer Haft gleich und kann außerdem zusätzlich zur ausgedehnten Abschiebehaft verhängt werden. Denkbar sind dafür etwa eine elektronische Fußfessel oder GPS-Ortung.
Neue Europäische Rückkehrentscheidung vorerst ohne Wirkung
Das Kernstück der Verordnung ist die „Europäischen Rückkehrentscheidung“ (ERO). Diese enthält ein standardisiertes digitales Datenblatt mit Informationen zur Abschiebeentscheidung. Alle Mitgliedstaaten sollen dieses Datenblatt über das Schengener Informationssystem abrufen können.
Die gegenseitige Anerkennung von Abschiebeentscheidungen bleibt aber vorerst freiwillig: Ein EU-Land kann die erlassene Entscheidung eines anderen EU-Landes anerkennen und vollstrecken, muss es aber nicht. In diesem Aspekt waren sich das Parlament und die Mitgliedstaaten im Vorfeld uneinig. Während das Parlament auf eine verpflichtende Anerkennung ab 2027 pochte, war dieser Punkt unter den Mitgliedstaaten umstritten.
Laut der Pressemitteilung des Parlaments wird die EU-Kommission die gegenseitige Anerkennung innerhalb von zwei Jahren prüfen und dann gegebenenfalls die verpflichtende Anerkennung vorschlagen, laut den Mitgliedstaaten soll dies nach drei Jahren passieren. Der finale geeinigte Gesetzestext liegt noch nicht vor.
Mit ERO werden personenbezogene Daten von Menschen in Abschiebeverfahren für Tausende Polizeibeamt*innen in der gesamten EU zugänglich, warnen Menschenrechtsorganisationen. Das Schengener Informationssystem II, das größte Migration- und Polizeidaten-Austauschsystem der EU, sei für wiederholten Datenmissbrauch und die systematische Verweigerung der Datenschutzrechte bekannt. Es gibt dokumentierte Fälle, in denen Polizei- und Einwanderungsbehörden sich nicht an Vorschriften gehalten haben. Die Verordnung baut direkt auf dieser Architektur auf und verstärkt ihre Eingriffsintensität.
Menschen ohne Papiere „wie Straftäter behandelt“
Scharfe Kritik gab es auch von Abgeordneten im EU-Parlament. Mélissa Camara, Schattenberichterstatterin der Grünen für die Rückführungsverordnung, bezeichnete die erzielte Einigung als „beschämend“. Den Standpunkt des Parlaments hatte die konservative EVP-Fraktion unter der Führung des deutschen CSU-Politikers Manfred Weber mit rechtsaußen Parteien wie der AfD im März verhandelt und verabschiedet. „Dieser Text verankert fremdenfeindliche Ideen und Rhetorik auf Kosten der Grundrechte von Migranten, deren einziger Fehler darin bestand, mit dem falschen Pass geboren zu sein“, so Camara. „Grundrechte stehen an der Spitze der Normenhierarchie und dürfen nicht einfach mit Füßen getreten werden.“
Auch die innenpolitische Sprecherin der europäischen Sozialdemokrat*innen Birgit Sippel äußerte sich kritisch zur Verordnung. „Parlament und Mitgliedstaaten haben im Hau-Ruck-Verfahren eine Einigung gefunden und damit trotz sinkender Ankunftszahlen der Panikmache der Rechten in Europa nachgegeben“, sagte sie. „Alle Betroffenen werden de facto wie Straftäterinnen und Straftäter behandelt.“
Die neuen Abschieberegeln müssen vom EU-Parlament und den EU-Staaten noch formal abgesegnet werden. Die Verordnung tritt in Kraft, sobald sie im Amtsblatt der EU veröffentlicht wurde. Einige Bestimmungen, darunter solche zu den Abschiebezentren, gelten dann sofort. Andere Regelungen werden nach einer Übergangszeit von zwölf Monaten angewandt.
Ob die Verordnung tatsächlich zu höheren Abschiebezahlen führen wird, bleibt indes fraglich. Mehr als 250 Organisationen gehen davon aus, dass sie den gegenteiligen Effekt haben wird: Da Abschiebung zur Standardoption für Menschen ohne legalen Aufenthalt wird, werde die Verordnung die Zahl der ausreisepflichtigen Menschen eher künstlich in die Höhe treiben. Auch die von der Politik häufig bemühte Erzählung einer Vollzugslücke – etwa dass es einen massiven Rückstand an Abschiebungen gebe und nur jede fünfte Person, gegen die eine Ausreiseanordnung ergangen ist, tatsächlich abgeschoben werde – basiert auf falschen Zahlenspielen und statistischen Verzerrungen, kritisieren Wissenschaftler*innen.
Timur Vorkul ist seit September 2025 Volontär bei netzpolitik.org. Er hat Sozialwissenschaften und Kulturanthropologie studiert und zuletzt für den MDR gearbeitet. Neben seinem Volontariat macht er Beiträge für den Fernsehsender KiKA. Er interessiert sich für staatliche Überwachung, Migrationsregime und Ungleichheit. Kontakt: E-Mail (OpenPGP). Dieser Beitrag ist eine Übernahme von netzpolitik, gemäss Lizenz Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0.
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If you can, please help. #wekeepussafe
RE: https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:egma5lwfzhfcx45hf6s6omqj/post/3miwkmgrmcc2s -
Common Practice: Borrowed Tools Are the Point
Some of the best things in a garage don't belong there for very long. This is about borrowed tools and how sharing builds a safer community. #WeKeepUsSafehttps://adventureadjacent.com/2026/03/30/common-practice-borrowed-tools-are-the-point/
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Common Practice: Borrowed Tools Are the Point
Some of the best things in a garage don't belong there for very long. This is about borrowed tools and how sharing builds a safer community. #WeKeepUsSafehttps://adventureadjacent.com/2026/03/30/common-practice-borrowed-tools-are-the-point/
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The tips in the reply are really spot-on! Not just #PaganCommunities, but any kind of event or protest where #ToxicMasculinity, #Egotistic "leaders", and #ActivistBros lurk -- waiting to manipulate their next victim!
Question on Reddit from 2021: How do you deal with a toxic pagan community?
Answer (by sidhe_elfakyn)
"Background
I don't have experience with organizing Pagan events, but I have several years of experience with organizing events in general. My main area of focus has been event safety and culture, especially related to abuse and harassment. I burned out after about 4 years or so and I disconnected from that for a few years, but I'm getting back into it, at least informally.
Introduction
Unfortunately, toxic, unsafe events are extremely common. I believe one of the factors that exacerbates the situation is the fact that religion and spirituality are one of those key areas of the self where people can find a sense of shared identity, meaning, and direction. Leaders can act as gatekeepers for someone's feeling of belonging and acceptance, and that's prime ground for abuse.
Regarding what you can do: one of the key aspects is ensuring that your events are safe. You've got your events, and you have other events and the community at large. The first one you have a great deal of influence over; for the most part you have only indirect influence over the second.
At your events
The key words for leading safe events are culture and values. Culture comes from the top down. You want to engender the culture at your events that matches your values (for instance, a value that attendee safety and comfort is paramount). Your community will self-select based on the culture of your events. So if you want to maximize women's feeling of safety, that needs to be baked into your events' culture.
The primary way to do that is through policies and processes.
- Have policies in place around #harassment and #ToxicBehavior, including #consequences for harassment. Publicize your policies, put them front and center. That right there will already select out a lot of toxic people and include people who feel unsafe at other events.
- Publicize a way to report harassment and other toxic behavior. Make it easy. It's already hard enough to come forth with reports of harassment.
- Have a process to investigate and handle such reports (offer both anonymous -- where the reporter doesn't share their identity -- and confidential -- where the reporter shares who they are but you keep it secret -- options). Be particularly mindful of the emotional burden and potential trauma of the person who reported it.
- Make sure your processes are capable of dealing with reports of leaders committing abuse.
- Remember that if you don't remove toxic people from your events, you'll drive away their victims instead.
Your events will thus differentiate themselves from others where there is toxicity. Your membership will form into people who will uphold your event's culture of safety. There's a lot to be said here, these are just some ideas.
Interacting with other leaders and events at largeThere will hopefully be other organizations like yours, that pay particular attention to safety. Reach out to those leaders, establish communication, form a network.
Vet those organizations to make sure they are a right match for you. Create joint activities and events. This way your culture and values of safety will spread. You will lead by example and show that your events are safer, more comfortable, people are more engaged, participate more etc.
What about toxic leaders and events?
I've yet to find a way to influence other leaders into being less toxic. You can carve out a pocket of safety at your events but if a leader and event are toxic, it is very important to not affiliate yourself with them. Don't recommend people to their events, don't do joint activities etc.
Having been on both sides, both as an attendee who has been sexually harassed and abused, and as an event organizer, I can say that affiliating yourself with toxic leaders will simply send the message to the people at your events that you are OK with their behavior (even if you're actually not, that's unfortunately the message that is being sent!); people will pick up on that and your event's culture and the people who go at your events will reflect that.
There is no changing #ToxicLeaders' minds. The most important thing is to make sure your events are safe and to associate yourself with other safe leaders, and to disassociate yourself from toxic people. This will send the message that you are, in fact, not ok with that behavior and you will not associate with it.
What about events that aren't intentionally toxic?
I've seen plenty of leaders who want a safe community but inadvertently foster an unsafe one. This can happen for many many possible reasons, and it is an art and science in itself to figure out what's going on and address it. Keep an open channel of communications with these leaders. Lead by example. Show them how you do things and how your community is safe. If you do joint events, be very very careful; you don't want to expose your communities to toxic behavior, since people will be made uncomfortable or possibly even harmed and trust in your events' safety will be broken.
Share your expertise, share your policies, offer mentorship and coaching, but don't overextend yourself. Your primary responsibility is towards your events and members.
Closing thoughts
I'm in the NYC area. Of the types of events that I used to lead, I can only think of a handful of safe ones. In New York Fucking City, only a small handful. However the community around these events is magnificent. New people seek out the safe events, word spreads, and these events are some of the most vibrant and alive, because people will return when they feel safe and welcome, when they feel their concerns are taken seriously and acted upon, and when leadership holds itself accountable, too.
There will always be toxicity around. However, if you carve safety at your events, others will take notice. Over time, a network will form of safe events and leaders. Toxic leaders will keep being toxic, but the leaders who are having trouble creating a safe event will take note, will follow your lead, and will come to you for mentorship and guidance.
Good luck! It will be difficult but extremely rewarding."
Source:
https://www.reddit.com/r/paganism/comments/p2f4ik/how_do_you_deal_with_a_toxic_pagan_community/#WeKeepUsSafe #EventSecurity #SafeEvents #Accountability #Leadership #EventSafety #BuildingCommunity #BelieveVictims
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The tips in the reply are really spot-on! Not just #PaganCommunities, but any kind of event or protest where #ToxicMasculinity, #Egotistic "leaders", and #ActivistBros lurk -- waiting to manipulate their next victim!
Question on Reddit from 2021: How do you deal with a toxic pagan community?
Answer (by sidhe_elfakyn)
"Background
I don't have experience with organizing Pagan events, but I have several years of experience with organizing events in general. My main area of focus has been event safety and culture, especially related to abuse and harassment. I burned out after about 4 years or so and I disconnected from that for a few years, but I'm getting back into it, at least informally.
Introduction
Unfortunately, toxic, unsafe events are extremely common. I believe one of the factors that exacerbates the situation is the fact that religion and spirituality are one of those key areas of the self where people can find a sense of shared identity, meaning, and direction. Leaders can act as gatekeepers for someone's feeling of belonging and acceptance, and that's prime ground for abuse.
Regarding what you can do: one of the key aspects is ensuring that your events are safe. You've got your events, and you have other events and the community at large. The first one you have a great deal of influence over; for the most part you have only indirect influence over the second.
At your events
The key words for leading safe events are culture and values. Culture comes from the top down. You want to engender the culture at your events that matches your values (for instance, a value that attendee safety and comfort is paramount). Your community will self-select based on the culture of your events. So if you want to maximize women's feeling of safety, that needs to be baked into your events' culture.
The primary way to do that is through policies and processes.
- Have policies in place around #harassment and #ToxicBehavior, including #consequences for harassment. Publicize your policies, put them front and center. That right there will already select out a lot of toxic people and include people who feel unsafe at other events.
- Publicize a way to report harassment and other toxic behavior. Make it easy. It's already hard enough to come forth with reports of harassment.
- Have a process to investigate and handle such reports (offer both anonymous -- where the reporter doesn't share their identity -- and confidential -- where the reporter shares who they are but you keep it secret -- options). Be particularly mindful of the emotional burden and potential trauma of the person who reported it.
- Make sure your processes are capable of dealing with reports of leaders committing abuse.
- Remember that if you don't remove toxic people from your events, you'll drive away their victims instead.
Your events will thus differentiate themselves from others where there is toxicity. Your membership will form into people who will uphold your event's culture of safety. There's a lot to be said here, these are just some ideas.
Interacting with other leaders and events at largeThere will hopefully be other organizations like yours, that pay particular attention to safety. Reach out to those leaders, establish communication, form a network.
Vet those organizations to make sure they are a right match for you. Create joint activities and events. This way your culture and values of safety will spread. You will lead by example and show that your events are safer, more comfortable, people are more engaged, participate more etc.
What about toxic leaders and events?
I've yet to find a way to influence other leaders into being less toxic. You can carve out a pocket of safety at your events but if a leader and event are toxic, it is very important to not affiliate yourself with them. Don't recommend people to their events, don't do joint activities etc.
Having been on both sides, both as an attendee who has been sexually harassed and abused, and as an event organizer, I can say that affiliating yourself with toxic leaders will simply send the message to the people at your events that you are OK with their behavior (even if you're actually not, that's unfortunately the message that is being sent!); people will pick up on that and your event's culture and the people who go at your events will reflect that.
There is no changing #ToxicLeaders' minds. The most important thing is to make sure your events are safe and to associate yourself with other safe leaders, and to disassociate yourself from toxic people. This will send the message that you are, in fact, not ok with that behavior and you will not associate with it.
What about events that aren't intentionally toxic?
I've seen plenty of leaders who want a safe community but inadvertently foster an unsafe one. This can happen for many many possible reasons, and it is an art and science in itself to figure out what's going on and address it. Keep an open channel of communications with these leaders. Lead by example. Show them how you do things and how your community is safe. If you do joint events, be very very careful; you don't want to expose your communities to toxic behavior, since people will be made uncomfortable or possibly even harmed and trust in your events' safety will be broken.
Share your expertise, share your policies, offer mentorship and coaching, but don't overextend yourself. Your primary responsibility is towards your events and members.
Closing thoughts
I'm in the NYC area. Of the types of events that I used to lead, I can only think of a handful of safe ones. In New York Fucking City, only a small handful. However the community around these events is magnificent. New people seek out the safe events, word spreads, and these events are some of the most vibrant and alive, because people will return when they feel safe and welcome, when they feel their concerns are taken seriously and acted upon, and when leadership holds itself accountable, too.
There will always be toxicity around. However, if you carve safety at your events, others will take notice. Over time, a network will form of safe events and leaders. Toxic leaders will keep being toxic, but the leaders who are having trouble creating a safe event will take note, will follow your lead, and will come to you for mentorship and guidance.
Good luck! It will be difficult but extremely rewarding."
Source:
https://www.reddit.com/r/paganism/comments/p2f4ik/how_do_you_deal_with_a_toxic_pagan_community/#WeKeepUsSafe #EventSecurity #SafeEvents #Accountability #Leadership #EventSafety #BuildingCommunity #BelieveVictims
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From Alex Zucker on Bluesky:
Wed, March 18
6:00pm EST#RuralOrganizing is holding a training on how to prepare your rural community for an #ICE surge.
Original post:
https://bsky.app/profile/alexzucker.bsky.social/post/3mhedsos7sc2s#MovementOrganizing #organizing #fascism #authoritarianism #DHS #FuckICE #WeKeepUsSafe
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I don't know who needs to hear this, but: don't download or use the #USgovernment owned-and-operated #VPN. #Trump #USA #freedomdotgov #privacy #security #wekeepussafe
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I don't know who needs to hear this, but: don't download or use the #USgovernment owned-and-operated #VPN. #Trump #USA #freedomdotgov #privacy #security #wekeepussafe
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GOOD! #DefundICE! #DefundDHS!
'An impossibility': Negotiations to reform ICE sputter as shutdown looms for DHS
Congress has two weeks to fund DHS as Democrats demand changes to rein in #ICE and #CBP. It's not going well. The top Senate Republican doubts they'll reach a deal in time.
Feb. 5, 2026, 8:01 PM EST
By Frank Thorp V, Sahil Kapur and Julie TsirkinExcerpt: "Another complication is that Republicans have demands of their own, most notably cutting off funds for 'sanctuary cities,' which refuse to turn in undocumented immigrants to federal authorities.
" 'We’re not going to do anything that kneecaps ICE’s ability to do their jobs and enforce the laws that both Republicans and Democrats have voted on and presidents of both parties have enforced,' said Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo. [THEN WHY DON'T YOU IMPEACH THE CRIMINAL IN CHIEF!!!] 'If you want to have a real conversation, to me, it starts with ending #SanctuaryCities.' [Um, no!]
"Democrats firmly oppose that idea, saying cities are safer if residents can report crimes without fear of deportation."
#USPol #ICESucks #GOPSucks #WeKeepUsSafe #MurderPatrol #CBP #DepartmentOfHomelandInsecurity
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GOOD! #DefundICE! #DefundDHS!
'An impossibility': Negotiations to reform ICE sputter as shutdown looms for DHS
Congress has two weeks to fund DHS as Democrats demand changes to rein in #ICE and #CBP. It's not going well. The top Senate Republican doubts they'll reach a deal in time.
Feb. 5, 2026, 8:01 PM EST
By Frank Thorp V, Sahil Kapur and Julie TsirkinExcerpt: "Another complication is that Republicans have demands of their own, most notably cutting off funds for 'sanctuary cities,' which refuse to turn in undocumented immigrants to federal authorities.
" 'We’re not going to do anything that kneecaps ICE’s ability to do their jobs and enforce the laws that both Republicans and Democrats have voted on and presidents of both parties have enforced,' said Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo. [THEN WHY DON'T YOU IMPEACH THE CRIMINAL IN CHIEF!!!] 'If you want to have a real conversation, to me, it starts with ending #SanctuaryCities.' [Um, no!]
"Democrats firmly oppose that idea, saying cities are safer if residents can report crimes without fear of deportation."
#USPol #ICESucks #GOPSucks #WeKeepUsSafe #MurderPatrol #CBP #DepartmentOfHomelandInsecurity
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Gotta love #MaineDSA! Putting out quality information for #Mainers protecting #NewMainers (and everyone else)!
Did you see ICE?
Here's what to do next - a comradely reminder from your local Maine DSA chapter.
The Maine Immigrant Rights Coalition. and other community partners have set up a hotine to report potential CE sightings. Please use the SALUTE method when reporting ICE to the hotine, Unconfirmed sightings create panic and confusion. please save the number to your phone, or take a tab with the number to keep handy.
Size: How many agents/vehicles?
Activity: What are they doing?
Location: Where exactly is this happening? (exact address if possible)
Unit: what agency? (ICE, CBP. etc)
Time: When did you see this?
Equipment: Vehicle descriptions, clothing, badges, etc.KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: All people living in the United States have rights regardless of your citizenship. Take a moment to learn about YOUR personal rights You shod learn about your rights beforehand so you can exercise them when needed:
Read about your rights: maineimmigrantrights.org/mirc-resource-hub/
This hotline needs volunteers! You can find the sign up link fo get trained and
become a volunteer at maineimmigrantrights.org/mirc-resource-hub/Hotline number: (207) 544-9989.
#WeKeepUsSafe #MaineResists #ResistICE #SALUTE #KYR #KnowYourRights
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Gotta love #MaineDSA! Putting out quality information for #Mainers protecting #NewMainers (and everyone else)!
Did you see ICE?
Here's what to do next - a comradely reminder from your local Maine DSA chapter.
The Maine Immigrant Rights Coalition. and other community partners have set up a hotine to report potential CE sightings. Please use the SALUTE method when reporting ICE to the hotine, Unconfirmed sightings create panic and confusion. please save the number to your phone, or take a tab with the number to keep handy.
Size: How many agents/vehicles?
Activity: What are they doing?
Location: Where exactly is this happening? (exact address if possible)
Unit: what agency? (ICE, CBP. etc)
Time: When did you see this?
Equipment: Vehicle descriptions, clothing, badges, etc.KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: All people living in the United States have rights regardless of your citizenship. Take a moment to learn about YOUR personal rights You shod learn about your rights beforehand so you can exercise them when needed:
Read about your rights: maineimmigrantrights.org/mirc-resource-hub/
This hotline needs volunteers! You can find the sign up link fo get trained and
become a volunteer at maineimmigrantrights.org/mirc-resource-hub/Hotline number: (207) 544-9989.
#WeKeepUsSafe #MaineResists #ResistICE #SALUTE #KYR #KnowYourRights
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Be prepared for #ICE and learn to defend as a group. Two different trainings. Saturday January 24 & Sunday January 25. How to identify ICE. Know your rights. What to do during an ICE raid. Organize and build community. #WeKeepUsSafe #WKUS wkus-co.org
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Today is our 4th anniversary! Since 2022, we’ve been sending free respirator masks 😷 on request to people across Canada 🇨🇦. Help us continue to protect your neighbours. 🩵 Donate today: https://donatemask.ca/donate
#WeKeepUsSafe #StillMasking #SoManyReasonsToMask #Anniversary
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Today is our 4th anniversary! Since 2022, we’ve been sending free respirator masks 😷 on request to people across Canada 🇨🇦. Help us continue to protect your neighbours. 🩵 Donate today: https://donatemask.ca/donate
#WeKeepUsSafe #StillMasking #SoManyReasonsToMask #Anniversary
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CW: Politics 🧊
Found this on the back page of the In These Times magazine. #DeportRacists #antifa #ResistICE #ICELiesMatter #whistle #WeKeepUsSafe
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CW: Politics 🧊
Found this on the back page of the In These Times magazine. #DeportRacists #antifa #ResistICE #ICELiesMatter #whistle #WeKeepUsSafe
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Want to hang out, exchange handmade art, make collaborative 3D collage, and drop off some unloved art supplies/pick up new-to-you supplies?
It’s the 14th Annual Winter Social for the #MixedMediaCollageArtistsGuild
This Saturday, 12/13, from 10-noon at IPRC (the Independent Publishing Resource Center) in Inner SE Portland. As this is a #COVIDSafer space, masks are required and available if you don’t have one. #WeKeepUsSafe
- Handmade Art Exchange
- CommuniTREE 3D Collaborative Collage
- “No-Kill Art Supplies Shelter”More details here: https://www.iprc.org/events-list/june-mixed-media-collage-artists-guild-meetup-57ndb-48zgk
#Art #CoCreate #MakeArtTogether #PortlandArtScene #pdxsocial
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Want to hang out, exchange handmade art, make collaborative 3D collage, and drop off some unloved art supplies/pick up new-to-you supplies?
It’s the 14th Annual Winter Social for the #MixedMediaCollageArtistsGuild
This Saturday, 12/13, from 10-noon at IPRC (the Independent Publishing Resource Center) in Inner SE Portland. As this is a #COVIDSafer space, masks are required and available if you don’t have one. #WeKeepUsSafe
- Handmade Art Exchange
- CommuniTREE 3D Collaborative Collage
- “No-Kill Art Supplies Shelter”More details here: https://www.iprc.org/events-list/june-mixed-media-collage-artists-guild-meetup-57ndb-48zgk
#Art #CoCreate #MakeArtTogether #PortlandArtScene #pdxsocial
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Bay Area, now is our time! Stand up against Trump's pathetic attempts to divide and intimidate our communities.
The Bay is uniting to protect our loved ones, our neighbors, and our friends.
This is a moment to come together to free the Bay and keep our families safe and whole — no exceptions.Day 1 (in SF) is TOMORROW. Day 2 (at your local library) is Friday.
Details in flyers & at BIT.LY/FREETHEBAY
#democracy #WeKeepUsSafe #SomosCalifornia -
Bay Area, now is our time! Stand up against Trump's pathetic attempts to divide and intimidate our communities.
The Bay is uniting to protect our loved ones, our neighbors, and our friends.
This is a moment to come together to free the Bay and keep our families safe and whole — no exceptions.Day 1 (in SF) is TOMORROW. Day 2 (at your local library) is Friday.
Details in flyers & at BIT.LY/FREETHEBAY
#democracy #WeKeepUsSafe #SomosCalifornia -
This Monday, Firestorm is teaming up with scholar Zane McNeill for a conversation on the terrifying new wave of anti-transgender rhetoric and political persecution. Speaking with activists Eric King and Josh Davidson, co-editors of "Rattling the Cages: Oral Histories of North American Political Prisoners," we'll put this federal attack on trans rights in historical perspective—connecting it to repression during the Red Scare, the Lavender Scare, Black Liberation and Gay Rights Movements, the Green Scare, and solidarity with Palestine.
We'll also explore what we can learn from past struggles—how organizers not only survived but built movements under constant FBI surveillance—highlighting harm and risk reduction strategies that remain relevant today.
Find more and register to join this free event at https://firestorm.coop/events/3478-gender-terrorism-surviving-magas-war-on-trans-people.html. The recorded conversation will also be shared via our YouTube channel for folks who cannot join live!
#TransLiberation #TransRights #LavenderScare #NoTrumpNoKKKNoFascistUSA #WeKeepUsSafe #QueerSouth #FeministBookstore #FirestormCoop (- L)
