Event Safety Beyond Logistics: Protecting Psychological and Emotional Well-Being
by Jesse Stanley, LMFT - Safe Spaces Coordinator
Every year, hundreds of dancers gather in Asheville, NC, for Lindy Focus, one of the largest and most anticipated swing dance events in the country. Spanning the entire week between Christmas and New Year's, Lindy Focus is more than just a dance event, it’s a celebration of music, movement, and connection. Dancers from around the world come together to immerse themselves in their shared passion, reconnecting with old friends and making new ones on the dance floor.
Behind the scenes, organizing an event of this scale requires meticulous planning, from venue logistics to music coordination. One crucial yet often overlooked aspect is ensuring the psychological and emotional safety of attendees, and that’s where I come in. As one of the Safe Spaces Coordinators, my role is to foster an environment where every dancer feels welcome, respected, and supported. In addition to being a dedicated dancer, I bring my expertise as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, allowing me to approach community well-being with both professional insight and a deep love for this art form.
The term "Safe" or "Safer Space" has been a part of our dance scene for years, representing a commitment to creating environments where every dancer, regardless of experience, identity, or background, feels welcome, respected, and protected from harm. While absolute safety is unattainable, our goal is to cultivate safer spaces by minimizing risks and fostering a culture of inclusion and respect.
No matter the type of dance event you are organizing, implementing Safer Spaces best practices is essential for promoting a welcoming and secure environment. Many events already emphasize physical safety, including proper lighting, clear exits, fire safety, and accessibility. However, emotional and psychological safety is just as important. There are several key strategies to ensure a holistically safer space at your event.
First, establishing a clear and comprehensive Code of Conduct is vital. This document should outline expectations for communication and behavior, detail the consequences of inappropriate actions, and provide a transparent process for reporting concerns. To be effective, these policies must be prominently displayed at event venues, on websites, and in registration materials and most importantly, they must be enforced consistently to maintain trust and credibility.
Another fundamental aspect of fostering a safer space is using inclusive language. In our dance communities, we prioritize gender-neutral terminology, such as "lead" and "follow," rather than assuming dance roles based on gender. This approach ensures that all dancers feel equally welcomed and valued.
The culture of an event is shaped largely by its leadership and influential community members. Leaders set the tone for the environment, and their actions should reflect the values they wish to see within the organization. We have all witnessed how toxic leadership can erode trust and compromise safety. To counter this, it is crucial for event organizers to model respectful, inclusive behavior and encourage community buy-in. When the broader community supports these principles, it becomes self-sustaining and new members naturally learn behavioral norms, and the culture of respect and accountability is reinforced over time.
To foster a safer space, Lindy Focus has implemented a dedicated team responsible for developing policies and procedures, providing avenues for feedback and reports, and taking necessary actions to support our community members. While every member of the organizational staff plays a role in upholding these values, the core of the Safe Spaces team consists of myself and another licensed therapist, Erin Smythe. Together, we maintain a constant presence at the event, offering a reliable and approachable resource for attendees seeking support, regardless of the issue.
A Safe Spaces team does not need to be composed of licensed therapists, but there are several important factors to consider when assembling one.
First is diversity and representation. It is highly recommended that the team includes more than one person and reflects the diversity of the community it serves. A diverse team provides attendees with multiple options for interaction and ensures a broader range of perspectives in handling concerns.
Next is training and preparation. Team members should be trained in conflict resolution and basic mental health first aid. Safe Spaces teams often encounter a wide range of situations, and having the skills to respond effectively is essential. Additionally, as visible representatives of the organization, team members should be comfortable engaging with attendees in a supportive and professional manner.
Lastly is visibility and accessibility. Safe Spaces team members should be easily identifiable through badges, distinct shirts, or by having their images displayed on websites, flyers, and other event materials. Whenever possible, introducing the team at the start of an event helps attendees understand who they are and how to reach them for support.
Beyond their role in maintaining safety, Safe Spaces team members also serve as a front-facing point of contact for attendees, reinforcing the event’s commitment to a respectful and inclusive environment.
Creating this culture of safety requires commitment from organizers, community leaders, and attendees alike. By implementing clear policies, fostering open communication, and ensuring the presence of a dedicated team, you can build safer spaces where your event attendees feel valued and supported. Whether you are organizing a large week-long event like Lindy Focus, a concert, or a smaller gathering, prioritizing emotional and psychological safety is just as important as physical safety.
Event safety professionals can influence the success or failure of an event. This goes beyond managing logistics and emergency preparedness. They play a central role in shaping the event culture, ensuring attendees feel welcome and protected. When a safety team implements clear policies, fosters inclusiveness, and responds effectively, they help create an environment where participants can fully immerse themselves in their experiences. On the other hand, neglecting safety considerations whether physical or psychological can lead to harmful situations and long-term damage to a community, event, or brand. By prioritizing safer spaces as part of event planning organizers set the stage for an enjoyable experience for all.
Is your space a Safer Space?
About Jesse Stanley
Jesse Stanley is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. As well he is the Safer Spaces Coordinator at several large dance events in the country to include Lindy Focus, the D.C. Lindy Exchange, and the NYC Lindy Exchange. Outside of these activities he is also the First Sergeant of the 141st Medical Company for the CT Army National Guard.