Aalto University: AYY and Wellbeing Ambassadors cooperate to tackle harassment

This project started because associations contacted AYY to request training and common guidelines for reacting to harassment and other difficult situations. Associations wanted to hear more about what they can do ensure participants at their events felt safe and to have well-trained harassment contact persons (HCPs). The Aalto community has spoken, loud and clear: Everyone should be able to be themselves and enjoy their time at Aalto without having to fear harassment. That’s why this project is so important!

In one workshop for associations’ HCPs, best practices were identified. Participants discussed common situations occurring in association events, and actions taken to ensure the safety at events and other activities. Based on the data gleaned during these workshops, a guide for associations has been in the works. The guide contains practical guidelines for event organisers and case studies to practice with.

The guide was piloted in the context of a training for HCPs on October the 13th. The training was a success, and the guide will be developed based on the feedback that was gathered from the participants. In addition to the training, a podcast and blog post about the topic of harassment are in the works.