Parties, shows, festivals, and happy hours are all great opportunities to relax, connect, and celebrate. For post-secondary students, these festive spaces are an essential part of campus life. But to make the most of the festivities, we need to make sure everyone feels safe and included.
Unfortunately, festive contexts are also high-risk environments for sexual violence, substance-related incidents, and, other unsafe situations. The good news? More and more initiatives are popping up to combine fun with safety.
Projects and organizations looking out for your nights out
Here’s a selection of Quebec-based initiatives offering support, training, and concrete tools to help you organize safer, more respectful, and inclusive events:
Spotlight – GRIP
GRIP’s flagship project works on several fronts to reduce risk in festive environments. They provide training, on-site support, prevention tools, and chill-out spaces at festivals and events. Learn more: Spotlight Project – GRIP
Scène et Sauve
A collective campaigning for feminist, decolonized, and safe party environments. They offer workshops, awareness-raising materials, and guidance for event organizers. Discover the collective: Scène & Sauve (website in French)
SécuriFest – CALACS La Passerelle
Developed by a CALACS, this project supports festivals in implementing protocols against sexual violence. The team offers staff training, practical tools, and an event accreditation system. More info: SécuriFest (website in French)
Order an Angelo
A campaign and protocol to discreetly ask for help at a bar, event, or festival. By saying “I’d like to order an Angelo,” trained staff know you need support or intervention. Check it out: Order an Angelo
Ici c’est cool
This platform offers trainings, prevention tools, and a variety of resources to help make party environments more inclusive and carrying. It’s designed for event organizers, bars, festivals, and even post-secondary institutions.
Explore the platform: Ici c’est cool (website in French)
For post-secondary communities: starting early is cool too!
Student committees, associations, campus life teams, and social workers all play a key role in promoting safe practices right from the event planning stage.
Here are a few things you can do:
- Get your team trained by one of the organizations listed above
- Set up a rest or support area at your events
- Establish and communicate a clear zero-tolerance policy for problematic behavior
- Partner with local community organizations in your area
Want to go further?
Our team can help you develop a safe event policy or integrate an existing protocol into your practices. Contact us at [email protected] for personalized support.
Remember: parties are better when everyone feels safe!
