Creating an Inclusive, Welcoming and Productive Space
Event organizers and participants must work together to create a healthy environment at bike rides and summits. This means defining expectations and having a shared understanding of respect. It's a work in progress and it won't be perfect. This doesn't guarantee that a space will work for everyone.
EVENT DESCRIPTION
Clearly define the purpose of the event and who the event is for in all your materials. A gender-specific event may exclude and be a turn off to people who are transgender, gender fluid and gender nonconforming. The Ovarian Psycos and many other groups use this language in their event descriptions with the goal of celebrating those who are not cisgender men:
FULL MOON Luna Rides are ONLY for womxn, queer womxn, trans, and gender non conforming individuals.
INTRODUCTIONS
Spend some time in the beginning doing introductions with names and preferred gender pronouns if you are comfortable facilitating this activity.
SETTING GROUP RULES TOGETHER
One way to set expectations early on is to begin with group rules. Examples:
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Turn phones off/set phones to silent
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Take turns speaking
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Participate and also share the floor with others
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Reflect on your privilege
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Respect others and their views
Write these rules on the board or on flipchart paper where people can view them throughout. Refer back to them as needed.