This concept is primarily aimed at the people who will be working as an awareness team at the festival. Additionally, it is also aimed at all those who work during, before, or after the festival, as well as all visitors. We are all jointly responsible for ensuring that the Sägewerk Festival is as discrimination-sensitive as possible for everyone.

1. Sources/basis

In our concept, we primarily refer to existing guidelines and concepts for awareness work. Ann Wiesental with her handbook “Antisexist Awareness” and the guidelines and handbook on awareness from “Save the Dance” were the central sources in our conceptualization.

2. Trigger warning

The following document is about dealing with and preventing discrimination and violence. Although we will not describe specific incidents, memories and feelings about experiences may be triggered. If you realize while reading that you are not feeling well, take a break and take your time before reading on. If you notice something in our concept that bothers you or that you don't feel is right, feel free to contact us (anonymously if you prefer). We are always open to feedback and criticism. You can find more details on how to contact us at the end of this document.

3. What is awareness?

To be aware means to be attentive, have awareness, and be sensitive to problems. Awareness is a concept that deals with respectful behavior towards one another. It is about supporting each other and creating a space where everyone can feel comfortable and no assaults or discriminatory behavior are tolerated. Border crossings are defined individually by those affected: incidents leading to feelings of attack, disregard, discrimination, hurt, belittlement, or overwhelm are not questioned. What may be a harmless triviality for one person may cause another to lose their enjoyment of the event or not feel comfortable at all.

Principles of awareness:

• Consensus or consent: Individual boundaries are respected. No always means no, and only yes means yes.
• Power of definition: The affected person determines where an assault begins and has the right to decide how to proceed after the incident.
• Partiality: The perception of the affected person is not questioned.
• Solidarity: Solidarity comes first.

4. Guidelines sägewerk 2024

Tasks of the awareness team

Our task as an awareness team is to be approachable for those affected by discrimination or violence and to offer a safety net. Affected persons can approach us alone or with friends with their concerns, or we become aware of situations through others. In contact with those affected, it is our task to respond to their needs and wishes. This can range from confronting a violent person to having a calm conversation. It is important not to act alone, especially in confrontations. You are the interface between paramedics, security, and support from friends. Always get support when you need it and never put yourself in danger.

The awareness team

The “Awareness” team consists of around 80 people throughout the festival, with four to eight actively on duty in 4-hour shifts. The task is to be visible and approachable. You will be given pink vests and fairy lights for visibility during dark hours. Always be in teams of at least two, whether mobile on-site or in the awareness tent, to be easily accessible. Rotate and alternate positions as needed, consult at the beginning of shifts, and act as a team.

Communication

You will be equipped with walkie-talkies to communicate with each other and quickly contact security or paramedics in emergencies. Always consult with each other during shifts, record incidents in a notebook, and reflect on occurrences after the festival. You are authorized to act and make independent decisions in awareness cases. Consult each other if unsure about a decision, and always involve security or paramedics if needed.

Visibility/accessibility

Two fundamental aspects of awareness work are visibility and accessibility. Wear pink vests during shifts, and fairy lights during dark hours, and ensure you are recognizable and approachable. Mobile teams should spend most of their shift in visible places, while those in the awareness tent should always be available.

Counseling room/quiet room

There are two retreat rooms: the awareness tent and a quiet tent nearby. The awareness tent offers a comfortable space for rest, conversation, and advice. The quiet tent serves as a retreat without supervision. Ensure these spaces are used appropriately and provide necessary items like earplugs, hygiene articles, and information material.

Awareness is not psy care

In cases involving substance use, hand affected individuals over to the paramedics. Provide support for emotional upset due to intoxicants but do not take on more than you can handle. Stay sober before and during shifts to maintain a clear state of consciousness.

Power to act

You have full backing from the festival management for your decisions within the scope of your work. Issue warnings and bans as needed and follow the “Code of Conduct” for defining the "red line." Security staff will enforce expulsions if necessary.

5. Recommendations for action

Initial contact with those affected

Introduce yourself briefly and allow the person concerned to express their concerns. Ask “How can I help you?” instead of “What happened?” Listen carefully and consult with the awareness team as needed. Support the person in finding out what they need and help them achieve it. Ensure conversations are anonymous and confidential, and provide information on where to get help after the festival. Take your time with incidents, even if it means overrunning your shift.

6. Civil courage: 7DS of bystander intervention (save the dance)

If you witness harassment or discrimination, take action while ensuring your safety. The seven steps are:

1. Diagnosis: Pay attention to the environment and recognize harassment signs.
2. Directly: Speak clearly to the person using violence or offer support to the affected person.
3. Distract: De-escalate by creating a distraction.
4. Delegate: Ask another person for help.
5. Afterwards: Support the person affected after the incident.
6. Document: Document the situation if it is unsafe to intervene directly.
7. Discuss: Sensitize others to discrimination and privilege.

7. Awareness in language

• BIPoC: Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.
• CIS: Gender identity matches sex assigned at birth.
• Trans*: People who do not or partially identify with the gender assigned at birth.
• Non-binary: Neither exclusively male nor female.
• Cultural appropriation: Stealing cultural elements for personal use without respect for their value.
• FINTA+: Women, inter, non-binary, trans, and a-gender people.
• Gender: Social gender and gender identity.
• Inter*: Gender not clearly assigned at birth.
• LGBTIQ+: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersexual, Asexual.
• Marginalization: Displacement to the margins of society.
• Intersectionality: Multiple forms of discrimination.
• Safer spaces: Spaces where participants feel accepted and taken seriously.

This concept was created by the awareness team of khisdapaze. For questions, concerns, and feedback, please contact us.

Kind regards,

Lyn (her/him) & Zoe (her/him)

awareness@khisdapaze.de

Anonymous feedback: https://www.survio.com/survey/d/W6J1N7C6G1N0Y6Y9Z