About Us 

 The University of Montevallo Safe Zone Volunteers and Allies are committed to providing an environment in which every student and employee is free to thrive on an academic, professional, and personal level within a community that is based on respect and dignity.  We are proud of UM's culturally diverse population and support cultural diversity in every way possible. The Safe Zone program sends a message that diversity including sexual orientations and gender presentations are part of our culture and are acknowledged and supported. The Safe Zone program seeks to provide a visible network of volunteers for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning individuals and others seeking information and assistance regarding sexual orientation, gender identity, harassment, and/or discrimination. Safe Zone is based on the commitment of UM faculty, staff, and students to the value of cultural diversity including education, support, and awareness of issues affecting (LGBTQ)  lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning students, faculty, and staff.

 

Volunteer Participation

Participation in the Safe Zone program is voluntary. Safe Zone Volunteers and Allies are described as individuals who have chosen to be identified as an available resource person for offering confidential support, respect, assistance, and accurate information related to LGBTQ issues and concerns.  Upon completion of training, participants are provided valuable tools as an Ally including:

1) a safe zone logo sticker to display in visible location-  If an individual chooses to volunteer as a safe zone ally, we ask the sticker be displayed in a public location (wall, door, notebook, binder, etc) to represent a "safe space" and to provide a visible network of volunteers.

2) an in-depth safe zone resource manual listing local and national resources, up to date educational materials for faculty, staff, and students, and multiple reference materials and handouts  

3) Safe Zone Website - Any individual can reference the safe zone website to locate available resources online, register for safe zone training sessions, locate safe zone volunteer and committee member contact information, request a classroom speaker, or to learn more about the safe zone program.

 

Safe Zone Program Goals

The following goals have been established by the Safe Zone Program.

1. To foster a university climate where every individual has the right to be treated with dignity, respect, and self worth, including a) advocacy and promotion for safe environments respectful of all individuals;  b) education of students, faculty, and staff regarding harassment and discrimination policies; and c) publicity for Safe Zone Program mission and goals.

2. To educate Safe Zone allies regarding LGBTQ needs and concerns to include the following:

   a) support for LGBTQ individuals

   b) increased awareness of the issues facing LGBTQ individuals

   c) referral process specific to the needs of LGBTQ individuals

   d) increased visibility for LGBTQ individuals and concerns on campus.

3. To provide ongoing support and training to Safe Zone allies.

4. To work collaboratively with other diversity groups on campus.

5. To provide educational materials/programming regarding LGBTQ needs and concerns.

 ADVOCATING    EDUCATING   CELEBRATING  DIVERSITY  

Have general questions? Contact us at: SafeZone@montevallo.edu