Social safety is looking out for one another

_{by Keen-mun Poon}

It was in the summer of 2020 when a small but formidable group of female researchers in the Forest & Nature Conservation Policy group took it upon them to explore how to fight discriminatory practices in our own institution. They were inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement. A survey was conducted, followed by a workshop in October that year. The report ‘Fostering a supportive academic culture for all’ which resulted from their efforts is now among the reference materials used by the WUR-wide anti-racism and anti-discrimination group, DARE. The DARE project was started in 2021 and has now initiated the assigment of social safety guides (SSGs) on campus, of which I am one out of some 80.

The FNP report highlighted experiences of discrimination and explored ideas to enable change in these four areas: student learning environment, staff-student interaction, gender-related concerns at work, and positive or ‘invisible’ discrimination.

These aspects are also among those touched upon in the 1.5-hour ‘Active Bystander’ trainings held for WUR employees and students. The training has opened my eyes to know what role even an eye-witness of some undesirable behaviour can do to help the victim. It also puts behaviours into perspective: moves which we may consider as ‘innocent’ may lead to more aggression if not nipped in the bud.

FNP was one of the four chair groups which received the WUR Gender+ SMART Award in 2022 for the WCSG incubator project ‘Towards diversity and inclusivity in sustainability governance’. The team is grateful for this recognition, and considers it a stimulus for continuing the activities in pinpointing and addressing unacceptable behaviours. One of the project leaders, Marieke Meesters, defended her thesis on 8 September and was awarded a distinction (cum laude).

WUR places social safety as a high priority, so that we can have a pleasant and safe environment to work and study in. In becoming an SSG volunteer, I would like to think that I am following in the pioneering footsteps of my FNP colleagues. The SSGs are easily accessible; there could be one or two in your group. Unlike confidential counsellors, most SSGs are not trained to offer professional advice, but we can lead you to professionals or even be your buddy when you encounter undesirable behaviour on campus.

I have hung a SSG badge outside my office; I am here if you need me.