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Introduce community agreements and codes of conduct early, using clear and accessible language rather than legal or technical jargon. 

• Clearly explain how reporting works, how moderation decisions are made, and how conflicts are addressed, so participants understand what to expect if something goes wrong. 

• Frame safety as a shared responsibility: everyone helps maintain a respectful space, not just moderators or those who experience harm. When possible, make moderation decisions transparent to build trust and accountability. 

A useful example comes from Wiki Art Feminism initiatives, where organisers begin edit-a-thons by collectively reviewing friendly space policies, explaining how to ask for help, and naming who to contact if issues arise. They often revisit these agreements at the start of each session, sometimes in person and sometimes on the shared digital platform, reinforcing that community standards are living commitments rather than static rules.

Figure: Art+Feminism Digital Toolkit for their Safe, brave Space Policy and Security Toolkit

People are more likely to participate meaningfully when they believe they will not be attacked without consequence, that there is a clear and fair process if something goes wrong, and that those facilitating the space are actively paying attention. From an intersectional perspective, participation is never evenly distributed: power relations shape who feels entitled to speak, whose knowledge is recognised, and who anticipates risk in doing so (Collins, 2019). If participants perceive that harm will be ignored or that accountability is unclear, those already positioned at the margins are more likely to withdraw. 

Explain What the Space Can and Cannot Do

Following the Art+Feminism model, organisers should be honest about the limits of what they can and cannot do. This means clearly stating what behaviour they can enforce within the space, what actions they can take if rules are broken, and where their authority ends beyond the events, spaces, or the platform itself. It is also important to explain what participants should do if harm extends beyond the space, including where they can seek additional support. Being transparent about these boundaries prevents false expectations and strengthens the credibility of the organisers, showing that safety commitments are realistic, accountable, and clearly defined.