Building Brave Spaces is the work of everyone. Whether you’re the captain of your sports team, leading your greek community, or coordinating a group assignment.
Our nervous system instinctively seeks safety and comfort. When it senses danger, the amygdala triggers a response that affects our reasoning. For instance, a fellow classmate fearing their idea might be dismissed may choose not to speak up. Yet, by gradually building resilience to fear and discomfort, the nervous system and body-mind adjusts, and speaking up becomes more natural.
Prioritizing acts of courage and bravery lays the groundwork for psychological safety. In educational settings, these acts might involve sharing personal stories, initiating challenging conversations, or supporting learning for others. These actions strengthen our emotional and psychological fortitude, creating an environment where courage fosters true safety.
Steps to Establishing a Brave Space & Environment:
- Acknowledge Diverse Perspectives: Understand that each individual brings unique experiences and viewpoints. Recognize and accept these differences, acknowledging the necessity to overcome biases.
- Set Clear Expectations: Before conversations begin, establish expectations and ground rules. Allow marginalized voices and those with less power to speak first, and ensure equal opportunities for everyone to contribute.
- Foster Personal Connections: Develop genuine interest in others and connect with them on a personal level. As a student leader, finding time to meet individually and build personal connections can ultimately encourage open communication.
- Cultivate Empathy: Radical acceptance and attentive listening are crucial components to cultivating empathy. Address issues with a problem-solving mindset and ensure meetings or group interactions uplift participants and make them feel empowered.
Building Brave Spaces isn’t easy, whether it involves sharing experiences or confronting biases. However, as members of the Dartmouth Community, when we commit to diversity and inclusion efforts, courage becomes second nature. With persistent efforts, a space emerges where every voice is valued and appreciated.
Article adapted from: https://www.dalecarnegie.com/blog/create-a-brave-dei-spaces-in-workplace/
For more on Braves Spaces see:
- Arao, & Clemens, K. (2013). 135From Safe Spaces to Brave Spaces: A New Way to Frame Dialogue Around Diversity and Social Justice. In The Art of Effective Facilitation (1st ed., pp. 135–150). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003447580-11
- Speaking up on campus doesn’t mean shouting down others – by Sian Beilock and Phil Hanlon