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Clause de non-responsabilité

Cette présentation, dirigée par Schuyler H Smith, donne un aperçu de la sécurité personnelle et événementielle, en s'appuyant sur des connaissances personnelles, des recherches indépendantes et des expériences vécues. Il est important de reconnaître que le contenu fourni n'est pas une solution universelle pour toutes les organisations. Les opinions exprimées par les participants, les présentateurs ou les panélistes sont les leurs et peuvent ne pas représenter les points de vue de The Day of Pink.

Les documents présentés ici sont à titre informatif uniquement et ne constituent pas des conseils juridiques ou professionnels.

Cette présentation, y compris tout son contenu, est l'œuvre originale de Schuyler H Smith et/ou de The Day of Pink. Les informations partagées ici sont basées sur des connaissances personnelles, des expériences vécues, de la créativité et des efforts individuels.

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Formation des bénévoles pour la Journée internationale du rose

Introduction

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Honorer les territoires et les traités traditionnels

Je parle depuis Kjipuktuk/Halifax, en Mi’kma’ki, le territoire non cédé du peuple Mi’kmaq.

Bien que ma famille soit arrivée ici en tant que réfugiée, cela a également joué un rôle dans les pratiques coloniales qui ont eu un impact sur les communautés autochtones.

Partout au Canada, les communautés des Premières Nations, des Inuits et des Métis continuent de façonner, de renforcer et de défendre leurs droits sur ce territoire.

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Votre rôle en tant que bénévole

Créer un événement sûr et inclusif

Welcome, and thank you for being here today.

As a volunteer, you’re helping bring the International Day of Pink’s events to life. Your time, energy, and commitment make these events possible, ensuring they are not just moments of celebration, but spaces of belonging and empowerment. Your presence helps create a welcoming atmosphere where every attendee feels seen, supported, and valued.

Volunteers are the heart of every successful event. You set the tone, create a positive environment, and play a direct role in making the event experience meaningful for everyone who walks through the door. Whether you’re offering guidance, answering questions, or simply being a friendly and reassuring presence, your impact is felt in every interaction.

This session will equip you with the tools to navigate your role with confidence. You’ll learn how to recognize potential challenges, respond effectively, and contribute to a space where all attendees feel safe and included.

Remember, as a volunteer, you also represent the International Day of Pink. Through your kindness, approachability, and awareness, you help bring its values to life—not just in principle, but in practice.

Let’s dive in!

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Votre rôle en matière de sécurité et d’inclusion

Des espaces accueillants

Les bénévoles contribuent à donner le ton en créant un environnement sûr, inclusif et positif où chacun se sent valorisé et respecté.

Connaître son environnement

Connaître les détails clés de l’événement, comme les horaires, les sorties et les services d’accessibilité, vous permet d’aider les participants en toute confiance et de garantir le bon déroulement de l’événement.

Être accessible

Une présence amicale et attentionnée permet aux participants de se sentir à l’aise pour demander de l’aide, qu’ils aient besoin d’indications, d’informations sur l’événement ou d’une assistance générale.

As a volunteer, you set the tone for the event. You are often the first person attendees interact with, and the way you welcome them can shape their entire experience. A warm greeting, a confident presence, and a willingness to assist go a long way in making people feel comfortable and included.

Welcoming Spaces�The Day of Pink is about fostering a space where everyone—regardless of identity or background—feels safe, valued, and respected. Your role isn’t just about logistics; it’s about creating a positive atmosphere that reflects the event’s mission. A simple smile, offering help before it’s asked for, or directing someone with care all contribute to an inclusive space.

Knowling your Environment�Part of making people feel welcome is being prepared. Attendees may have questions about the event schedule, the location of amenities, or accessibility features. Having a general understanding of key event details—like where the exits, washrooms, and seating areas are—helps things run smoothly and builds trust with attendees. You don’t need to know everything but knowing where to find the right information or who to ask if you do not is just as valuable.

Being Approachable�A welcoming space isn’t just about what you know—it’s about how you engage with people. Being open, friendly, and patient helps create an environment where attendees can get the most out of this experice. Body language matters—making eye contact, offering a genuine greeting, and standing in an open, inviting posture can signal that you’re available to help.

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Ce que vous apprendrez aujourd’hui

Connaissance de la situation

Reconnaître votre environnement et rester vigilant pour garantir une expérience événementielle fluide.

Connaissance de l'événement

Comprendre les horaires, les lieux et les procédures afin de pouvoir aider les participants.

Pratiques de sécurité inclusives

Veiller à ce que tous les invités se sentent les bienvenus, respectés et soutenus.

Communication efficace

Interagir avec les participants de manière claire, accessible et respectueuse.

Connaître votre rôle

Comprendre ce que l'on attend de vous en tant que bénévole et quand demander de l'aide.

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Connaissance de la situation et évaluation des risques

Naviguer sur le lieu avec confiance et détermination

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Connaître le lieu et les principaux contacts

Soyez informé, soyez prêt

Emplacements clés

Sorties, premiers secours, sécurité, voies accessibles, toilettes, zones de repos.

Caractéristiques d'accessibilité

Rampes, ascenseurs, sièges, toilettes non genrées, espaces adaptés aux sens.

Vos chefs d'équipe

À qui s'adresser pour signaler les problèmes.

Contacts d'urgence

Quand et comment faire remonter les problèmes.

Being familiar with the venue makes everything easier. When you know where things are, you can help attendees quickly, navigate confidently, and stay prepared for any questions. Before the event, take a moment to locate key areas—exits, first aid stations, backstage areas, and volunteer check-ins. These are places where people may need guidance or assistance, and having this knowledge ahead of time allows you to anticipate needs before they arise.

Not every attendee will feel comfortable asking for directions, so your awareness of the space can make a real difference in ensuring they feel welcome and supported. The same applies to presenters and staff—if a presenter needs help, setting up in the right location, or accessing event resources, your knowledge of the space can make their job easier and keep things running smoothly.

Accessibility is a priority.

Be aware of:

Accessible washrooms, including all-gender options.
Ramps, elevators, and designated seating areas.
Sensory-friendly spaces or quiet areas if available.

Your team leads are your first point of contact for general questions or concerns. If something needs attention, let them know right away. If a situation requires additional support, know who to escalate to—whether it’s security, first aid, or an emergency contact. You’re not expected to have all the answers, but knowing where to go for help ensures a smoother experience for everyone.

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Sécurité des lieux et sensibilisation aux risques

Garder les espaces libres

Faites attention aux sorties bloquées, à la foule et aux obstacles d'accessibilité.

Évaluer, agir ou faire remonter la situation

Soyez conscient des problèmes potentiels, corrigez les petits problèmes et appelez à l'aide si nécessaire.

Savoir quand demander de l'aide

Alertez un chef d'équipe, un agent de sécurité ou un secouriste en cas de problème de sécurité.

Gérer les questions difficiles

Restez calme, donnez des réponses simples et redirigez si nécessaire.

A safe and smooth event isn’t just about reacting to problems—it’s about being proactive and recognizing concerns early. Volunteers are often the first to notice when something isn’t quite right, whether it’s a blocked exit, a congested doorway, or an attendee who looks unwell.

So, when should you step in yourself, and when should you call for help?

If it’s something minor—like a chair blocking an aisle or a group gathering in front of an accessible entrance—you can take simple steps to fix it yourself. Politely asking people to clear a pathway or moving an obstacle is part of keeping the space safe and accessible.
If you’re not sure what to do, or if the situation involves health, safety, or potential conflict, get your team lead, first aid, or security involved. You’re not expected to solve everything, but you should know how to escalate concerns.

Handling Difficult Conversations

As a volunteer, you may be asked about things you’re unsure how to answer. Your role isn’t to have all the answers—it’s to stay calm, keep responses simple, and direct people to the right source for more information.

If it’s a basic question, provide a simple and direct answer, or let them know you can find someone who can help.�If the topic is complex, rude or outside your role, acknowledge the concern briefly and redirect to an event lead. For example, you could say "That’s a good question. I’m not the right person to answer, but I can connect you with someone else who could provide more details.”�You don’t need to engage in debates or lengthy discussions.

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Créer des événements sûrs et inclusifs

Prévenir et gérer les conflits

Keeping events safe and inclusive isn’t just about reacting to disruptions—it’s about recognizing potential issues early, stepping in appropriately, and knowing how to de-escalate situations when needed.

In this section, we’ll build on what we’ve already covered about situational awareness and risk assessment by exploring:

Inclusive Safety Practices
How to spot early warning signs of potential disruptions.
When and how to intervene in a way that prioritizes safety.
De-escalation techniques that help keep conversations and situations under control.

Because events like these celebrates and uplift the 2SLGBTQ+community, we recognize that disruptions can happen—whether through misinformation, inappropriate comments, or challenges to queer and trans identities. This can include hostility toward trans inclusion, disruptions aimed at drag performers, or other attempts to undermine representation. These challenges aren’t limited to the queer community—partner organizations, allies, and other communities also experience discrimination.

All forms of hate, Racism, antisemitism, and of intolerance have no place here.

With that said, this is a space of joy, resistance, and solidarity. By approaching these challenges with confidence and a clear understanding of how to respond, we can help protect this space, ensure it remains welcoming, and support one another in ways that reflect our shared values.

As a volunteer, you are not expected to engage in debates or resolve major conflicts. Instead, your role is to stay calm, help maintain a safe environment and involve the right people when necessary.

This section will give you the tools to approach these moments with confidence, knowing when to step in and when to step back.

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Évaluer | Agir | Transférer

S'attarder sans interagir

Quelqu'un qui se tient près de l'événement mais n'interagit pas.

Bloquer l'accès

Groupes se rassemblant de manière à empêcher les gens de se déplacer librement.�

Filmer sans consentement

Enregistrer des bénévoles, des intervenants ou des participants.

Évaluer

Lisez la pièce,

repérez les signes

Restez vigilant

Faites attention aux perturbations ou aux mouvements de foule et placez-vous à proximité.

Engagez-vous calmement

Utilisez le contact visuel et posez une question amicale

Soyez confiant

Tenez-vous détendu et parlez d'une voix confiante et stable.

Agir

De petits changements permettent d'éviter de gros problèmes

Refuser de partir

Quelqu'un ignore les demandes de déplacement ou de cessation d'un comportement perturbateur.

Harcèlement ou menaces

Attaques verbales, discours de haine ou intimidation.

Faire confiance à son instinct

Si quelque chose ne va pas, prévenez immédiatement un chef d'équipe.

Escalade

Quand appeler

pour obtenir de l'aide

A safe and inclusive event starts with awareness. Most disruptions don’t happen suddenly—they build over time, often showing early warning signs that, if recognized, can help us prevent bigger issues.

As a volunteer, you’re not expected to predict everything, but knowing what to watch for allows you to stay prepared and proactive. That’s why we follow the "Assess, Act, or Escalate" model:

Assess – Read the Room, Spot the Signs:

Certain behaviors may signal potential issues before they escalate. Some things to watch for include:

Lingering or watching the event from a distance without engaging.
Groups forming in ways that block entrances, exits, or pathways
Individuals filming volunteers, speakers, or attendees without consent.
People asking pointed or leading questions that feel confrontational rather than curious.
Raised voices, aggressive gestures, or tense body language directed at volunteers or attendees.

While not every unfamiliar face or leading question is a concern, recognizing these patterns early can help you decide whether or not you feel comfortable to step in. If you choose to act, small, thoughtful steps can often de-escalate a situation before it grows. The following techniques can help you intervene while keeping the space safe and welcoming.��Act – Small Shifts Prevent Big Problems

If you recognize a potential issue, some ways you can de-escalate early include:

Positioning yourself visibly. Just being present and aware can deter disruptive behavior.
Keeping an open but confident stance. Non-verbal cues can communicate control without aggression.
Making eye contact and engaging calmly. A simple friendly question like “Hey, can I help you find something?” can act as a way to defuse tension.
Redirecting – If someone is blocking a space or standing too close to attendees, a polite but firm request can resolve it.

If you notice something, don’t ignore it—When we assess and act early, we can often prevent a situation from escalating.

Sometimes, stepping in isn’t enough, and the situation requires team support. Knowing when and how to seek assistance is just as important as knowing when to act. If a situation escalates beyond what you can handle, don’t hesitate to involve a team lead.

But what if the situation is still developing? Many interactions can be defused before they reach the point of being disruptive. In the next section, we’ll explore practical de-escalation techniques—small but effective ways to keep conversations calm, shift the focus, and maintain a welcoming environment

12 of 19

La désescalade en action

Guider les conversations et fixer des limites

Restez calme, restez ouvert

Votre humeur et votre langage corporel donnent le ton de la conversation.

Reconnaissez, puis redirigez

Reconnaissez brièvement les préoccupations, puis concentrez-vous sur les valeurs de l'événement.

Établissez des limites avec confiance

Utilisez des phrases calmes et claires pour mettre fin aux comportements nuisibles.

Soyez bref et neutre

Moins, c'est plus : évitez les débats et maintenez une approche stable et non émotionnelle.

Sachez quand prendre du recul

Si quelqu'un refuse de désamorcer la situation, désignez un chef d'équipe. Votre sécurité passe avant tout

De-escalation is not about proving a point or winning an argument—it’s about maintaining the event’s safe and inclusive environment.

When faced with a challenging question or someone seeking confrontation, your role is to keep interactions respectful, prevent tension from rising, and ensure everyone feels secure. You don’t need to engage in debates, but knowing how to respond calmly and set firm boundaries can stop a situation from escalating.

Let’s look at some simple ways to de-escalate conversations while staying in control of the moment.

Stay Calm, Stay Open

Your tone and body language set the mood for the conversation.
Breathe before responding. A rushed or defensive reaction can escalate tension.
Keep your stance neutral and open and avoid crossing arms or stepping too close.

If you must respond, Acknowledge, Then Redirect

Recognize the concern briefly, then shift the focus.

You can use a statement like: “This event is about creating a space where everyone is treated with respect. We ask all attendees to uphold that.”

Set Boundaries with Confidence

Clear, calm phrasing helps stop harmful behavior.

“We expect all attendees to be respectful.”
“This space is about inclusion, now is not the time for a debate.”
“I won’t engage in conversations that target people’s identities.”

Keep It Short & Neutral

Less is more. If someone pushes for a debate, don’t engage.
For example if an Attendee ask you an inappropriate question like: “Why are you pushing your queer agenda?” you could respond with “We’re here to create a welcoming space. If you’d like to participate respectfully, we’d love to have you stay.”

Know When to Step Back

If someone gets aggressive or is making others uncomfortable, and continues to escalate, get a team lead.

You are not expected to handle confrontations alone—your safety comes first.

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Rassembler tout cela

La sécurité inclusive en action

Favoriser la sécurité inclusive�Créer un espace sûr est une question de respect, d'appartenance et d'accueil. Les bénévoles contribuent à donner le ton en étant accessibles et proactifs.

Votre rôle en tant que bénévole�Donnez l’exemple : faites preuve de chaleur, de patience et d’inclusion. Si quelque chose ne vous semble pas normal, signalez-le à un responsable de l’événement.

Gestion du harcèlement et des perturbations�Évaluer — La situation nécessite-t-elle une intervention ? Agir — Si le problème est mineur, rediriger calmement. Transférer — Obtenir l'aide d'un chef d'équipe.

Connaissez vos droits�Vous méritez une expérience sûre et respectueuse. Si vous êtes victime de harcèlement ou si vous ne vous sentez pas en sécurité, signalez-le.

You’ve already learned so much about how to create a safe, welcoming space. Now, let’s bring it all together.

As a volunteer, you help set the tone. A warm greeting, a calm presence, and an open approach make a real difference. Your role isn’t about solving every challenge alone—it’s about working together, staying aware, and knowing when to step in or seek support.

We’ve talked about the Assess, Act, and Escalate method. But ultimately, that all comes down to Trusting yourself—if something doesn’t feel right, take a moment to evaluate. Small actions, like repositioning yourself, redirecting a conversation, or checking in with a team lead, can help prevent bigger issues.

But sometimes, a situation requires a firm boundary. If someone is being disruptive or making others feel unsafe, it’s okay to ask them to leave. Keep it direct, calm, and clear:�🗣 "This is a space for respect and inclusion. If you can’t participate respectfully, I’ll have to ask you to leave."�If they refuse, escalate to an event lead—they’ll take it from there.

Finally, remember: Your safety and well-being matter, too. Just as you help create a respectful space for others, you deserve the same. If you feel uncomfortable, step back and get support.

By working together, supporting one another, and leading with confidence, we create an event where everyone feels valued and included. Thank you for being part of that.

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Intervention d'urgence

Savoir réagir garantit un événement sûr pour tous

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Sécurité des lieux et sensibilisation aux risques

Sachez qui contacter�En cas d’urgence, votre rôle n’est pas de prendre le contrôle de la situation, mais d’avertir les bonnes personnes.

Procédures d’évacuation�Sachez à l’avance où se trouvent les sorties et soyez prêt à aider les autres à évacuer.

Premiers secours et bien-être�Vous n’êtes pas censé prodiguer des soins médicaux, mais plutôt orienter les personnes vers les premiers secours.

Quand appeler le 911�Vous devez appeler le 911 pour toute urgence médicale, incendie ou menace immédiate pour la sécurité qui nécessite des services d’urgence.

Emergencies are rare, but being prepared makes all the difference. As a volunteer, your role isn’t to take control—it’s to stay calm, notify the right people, and assist where possible.

Know Who to Contact�If an emergency happens, your first step is to alert a team lead, security, or first aid volunteer. You don’t need to handle the situation alone—getting the right support quickly is the priority.

Evacuation Procedures�Know where the nearest exits are before the event begins. If an evacuation is necessary, your role is to help direct attendees calmly, assist those who need help, and avoid blocking exits yourself.

First Aid & Well-Being�You are not expected to provide medical care. If someone is unwell or injured, direct them to first aid. If there is no first aid on-site, contact a team lead for next steps.

When to Call 911�You should call 911 if there is a medical emergency, a fire, or any immediate safety threat that requires emergency services. If you are unsure, err on the side of caution—getting help quickly is more important than hesitating.

By knowing these basics, you help keep the event safe and ensure that attendees and volunteers get the assistance they need.

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Soutenir soi-même, soutenir les autres

On ne peut pas verser l’eau d’une tasse vide. Parlons plutôt de soins personnels.

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Prendre soin de soi sur place

S'éloigner de manière responsable

Faites savoir à un bénévole ou à un responsable que vous avez besoin d'une pause
Planifiez à l'avance et placez-vous près d'une sortie
Restez hydraté et prenez une collation rapide si possible�

Techniques de réinitialisation rapide

Si vous n'avez qu'une minute, essayez ceci :

Respiration en boîte – Inspirez pendant 5 secondes, maintenez votre souffle pendant 5 secondes, expirez pendant 5 secondes, maintenez à nouveau votre souffle pendant 5 secondes. Répétez.
Petits mouvements – Roulez les épaules, desserrez la mâchoire, déplacez le poids d'un côté à l'autre. Libérez les tensions et restez concentré.

Quand demander de l’aide�Demandez de l’aide si vous ne vous sentez pas bien ou si vous avez besoin d’une pause. On ne s’attend pas à ce que vous surmontiez l’inconfort.

Events like this can be exciting and fast-paced, but that also means they can be draining. As a volunteer, you’re giving your time and energy to help create a welcoming space, but your well-being matters too. If you start feeling overwhelmed, taking a short break can help you reset and stay effective in your role. Stepping away when needed is part of taking care of yourself so you can continue to support others.

Stepping Away Responsibly�If you need a break, let another volunteer or team lead know so they can cover your station. A quick message like, "I need five minutes to step away—can you hold down this spot for me?" ensures things keep running smoothly. Planning ahead can help too—if you know you might need a moment, try to position yourself near an exit or quieter space so stepping away is easier. And don’t forget the basics—staying hydrated and having a small snack if needed can make a big difference in how you feel.

Reset Techniques�If you only have a minute or two, you can try a reset technique to regulate stress without leaving your post.

You can try:

🔹 Deep Breathing (Box Breathing)�Over a full five seconds, Inhale slowly through your nose, hold your breath for five seconds, then exhale through your mouth for five seconds, and hold your lungs empty for 5. Repeat a few times to steady your nerves.

or

🔹 Small Movements to Release Tension�Roll your shoulders, unclench your jaw, and shift your weight from side to side. These simple movements help release tension and keep you feeling grounded.

When to Get Support�If a short break isn’t enough, or if you feel unwell, overwhelmed, or unable to focus, check in with a team lead. You’re not expected to push through exhaustion or discomfort—your well-being is just as important as the work you’re doing.

Remember, these on-the-spot self-care strategies are meant to keep you functioning during the event. They are immediate tools to help you stay safe, composed, and effective in a high-pressure environment. By stepping away responsibly, using quick calming techniques, asking for help when needed, and making small adjustments moment-to-moment, you can take care of your well-being and continue to contribute to a successful event. Taking care of yourself in real time isn’t selfish – it’s what enables you to be the best volunteer you can be, even on the busiest of days.

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Post-événement

Soins personnels et soutien

Faites le point avec vous-même

Comment vous sentez-vous après l'événement ?
Quelque chose vous a marqué ? Un point positif ou un point difficile ?
Prenez un moment pour reconnaître les efforts que vous avez fournis !

Traitement et décompression

Entrez en contact avec un autre bénévole ou une personne en qui vous avez confiance
Engagez-vous dans une activité qui vous aide à vous ressourcer

Où trouver de l'aide

Si quelque chose lié à l’événement vous pèse, n’hésitez pas à nous contacter
Des ressources en matière de santé mentale sont disponibles auprès des organisateurs de l’événement
Prenez du temps pour vous-même : prendre soin de soi n’est pas égoïste, c’est nécessaire

Volunteering at an event can be a rewarding experience, but once it’s over, it’s important to take a moment to check in with yourself. Whether you feel energized, drained, or somewhere in between, giving yourself space to process the experience can help you move forward feeling balanced.

How are you feeling? Did anything stand out, whether positive or challenging? Acknowledge the effort you put in—you played a key role in making this event a success.

Next, take time to decompress.�Socializing with another volunteer or someone you trust can help you process your experience. If you prefer to reflect on your own, journaling, taking a walk, or simply spending some quiet time can help you reset. Everyone processes things differently, so do what feels best for you.

If something from the event is weighing on you, don’t hesitate to reach out.�Mental health resources and event organizers are available if you need support. Whether it’s a debrief conversation or professional resources, there’s no shame in seeking help if needed.

Taking care of yourself after an event is just as important as what you do during it. Your well-being matters, and making time for self-care ensures you’re ready for whatever comes next.

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Schuyler H Smith, ccip

Ils/Elles

Diversité | Équité | Inclusion | Appartenance

sky.ca@live.ca • (902) 402-3882