How to Create a Brave Space: A Respect Charter for Meaningful Learning

Training can be a nerve wracking experience for everyone involved (she wrote as a trainer that still gets the occasional stage fright). It can especially be difficult for volunteers who may be walking into a room full of strangers, and starting a brand new role.

A respect charter/training manifesto/learning mission statement can be a great way to welcome everyone in the space and let them know what they can expect from you, their peers and what is expected of them. I find respect charters are vital when you may be tackling sensitive issues like safeguarding, anti-oppression or talking about lived experiences that may have impacted your beneficiaries.

Here are some things to consider having in your Learning Respect Charter:

1. Let’s Lead with Respect

Everyone here brings their own experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives. Let’s honour that by listening to understand, not just to respond. Respect means staying curious, assuming positive intent, and treating each other with kindness.

• Practice active listening: Give your full attention when someone speaks—no interruptions, no dismissiveness.
• Pause before reacting: If something challenges you, take a moment before responding. Consider where the other person is coming from.

2. Growth Comes Through Discomfort

Tough conversations are part of learning, especially when we’re talking about things like race, gender, and identity. Discomfort isn’t a sign to pull back—it’s often where real growth happens.

• Stay open to being challenged: If an idea makes you uncomfortable, sit with it and explore why.
• Lean in, don’t check out: Growth happens when we engage, not when we shut down.

3. Speak Your Truth, Hear Others’ Truths

Your voice matters, and so does everyone else’s. This space is about honesty, vulnerability, and the understanding that truth looks different for each of us.

• Use “I” statements: Talk from your own experiences instead of making broad statements about “everyone” or “we all.”
• Listen without judgment: Even if someone’s experience is different from yours, it’s still valid.

4. Accountability Without Shame

We’re all learning. Mistakes will happen, and that’s okay—it’s how we grow. The key is to hold each other accountable in ways that foster understanding rather than shutting people down.

• Call in, not out: If someone says something harmful, approach the conversation with care and an intent to educate, not to punish.
• Own it and move forward: If you misstep, acknowledge it, apologise sincerely, and commit to doing better.

5. Make Inclusion a Priority

An inclusive space isn’t just about making room—it’s about making sure that room is welcoming and accessible for everyone, especially those whose voices often go unheard.

• Be mindful of power and privilege: Recognise that not everyone walks into this space with the same experiences or ease.
• Acknowledge the time and space we take up: Are you allowing others to share equally or accidentally dominating conversation
• Respect different communication styles: People express themselves in different ways—some might need more time to process, some might be more direct. Make room for all of it.

6. What’s Shared Here Stays Here

For this space to feel safe, we need to trust that personal stories and experiences won’t leave the room unless explicitly permitted.

• Respect people’s privacy: If someone shares something vulnerable, respect their trust by keeping it within the group.
• Protect emotional safety: Acknowledge the courage it takes to share personal experiences. Handle them with care.

7. Reflection Is Part of the Process

Learning doesn’t stop when the session ends. Staying open to feedback, revisiting our own biases, and committing to continuous learning makes all the difference.

• Self-check regularly: Ask yourself, “How am I showing up in this space? Where can I grow?”
• Ask, don’t assume: When in doubt, seek clarity rather than making assumptions.

8. Find the Balance in Participation

Some of us are natural talkers, some of us need time to warm up. Let’s be mindful of creating space for everyone.

• Make space, take space: If you tend to speak a lot, step back and let others have the mic. If you’re quieter, challenge yourself to contribute.
• Give people time to process: Not everyone is ready to respond immediately—patience is key.

9. Respect Boundaries—Emotional and Physical

People have different levels of comfort when it comes to sharing and engaging. Let’s be mindful of that.

• Listen to other people’s limits: If someone isn’t comfortable with a topic, respect that without pushing.
• Check in with others: If a discussion gets heavy, take a moment to see how everyone is doing.

A learning space isn’t about being perfect—it’s about showing up, being open, and committing to a space where we all feel safe to learn and grow. By agreeing to this Respect Charter, we’re saying yes to accountability, kindness, and curiosity.

To learn more about designing training that is inclusive and accessible check out our training toolkit.