Delaware County Community College recognizes the diverse identities that make up our community (inclusive of students, faculty and staff). As a college, it is part of our mission to ensure we are constantly growing in our knowledge and expansion of needs and services for our LGBTQIA+ community members. Through this recognition and commitment to growth, the College’s Career & Counseling Center began offering training opportunities and workshop events with an intention to foster a safe space for our students and staff, with a pledge to become stronger allies (no matter of our own identity). 

A safe space can be someone who may not be a member of an underrepresented community of individuals but who makes a pledge to support that community. It’s up to people who hold positions of privilege to be active allies to those with less access, and to take responsibility for making changes that will help others be successful. Thus, the Safe Space Training series was created and has grown over the years. Many faculty and staff members have participated in these sessions and workshops in a commitment to promote the College as a place that is safe for all.  

Safe Space Training Sessions educate employees and raise awareness regarding issues that LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Questioning, Intersex, Asexual +) students and staff might face. Individuals may receive a certificate and a Safe Space sticker to display in their offices. This sticker is displayed to convey the individual as being a “safe space” where an LGBTQIA+ student or employee can feel comfortable being “out.” Attending 5 Safe Space training sessions qualify an individual as an LGBTQIA+ Safe Space.