Oasis of Radical Wellbeing

Oasis blog: How might we face each other with more openness, kindness, and respect?

“We consciously chose to approach these topics through fictional characters, and on that notion, the storylines could be connected to anyone and no one specific – simultaneously. Rather than giving harsh structures, we aimed to ignite ideas, open discussions, and broaden perspectives”, describes Eli Saaresto, who led the Aalto Safer Space project from the OASIS of Radical Wellbeing team.

three caracters talking about their origins — Part of one of the comics by Riina Pesonen

In a multidisciplinary team of three students, the project Aalto Safer Space was born in an effort to offer low-threshold tools to interact with our community more inclusively. The working group included Riina Pesonen (Visual Communication Design) as the visual artist, Yasmin Najjar (Film directing) as a dramaturg, and Eli Saaresto (Marketing) as the project lead. Comic art was chosen as the medium based on the aim to create something that could simultaneously be easily approachable, visual, and informative. The materials are distributed both in physical spaces as well as digitally through social media.

The project name Aalto Safer Space is a play on words – combining safer space principles with outer space. The comics include topics such as consent, boundaries, alcohol usage, microaggressions, and overall, communication and interaction skills. As these are multifaceted and complex topics, we wanted to approach them with pondering perspectives, rather than offer definitive, objective answers.

The comics have so far been utilized in Safer Space Principles workshops organized in the Department of Film (ELO) at the School of Arts, and Harassment Contact Person trainings in collaboration with AYY. Additionally, they have been used as course materials in the School of Business and A! Peda Intro course for educators. Moreover, the posters will be showcased in guild rooms, event spaces, and other spaces at campus. If you wish to print the posters for your own use, you can access the files below.

This project was created under the OASIS of Radical Wellbeing project in Aalto University, from the initiative of Wellbeing Ambassadors, who work on progressing wellbeing and inclusion matters within the Aalto community.

How to promote safer space

The teacher plays a central role in creating a safer space for the course or programme. Creating a safe space for teaching enables a calm and equal discussion about even challenging and sensitive topics. A safe space that encourages interaction develops cognitive and social skills and supports student-led learning and wellbeing.

You can find support material for agreeing on the principles of inclusive and safe interaction here.

Start your course by talking to the students at the first lesson about the ways of working. On the above-mentioned page, there is a set of slides intended for the teacher, which you can download to your computer and show to the students. Allow enough time for discussion. Then ask what the students would like to add, remove or modify from the rules of a safer space. It is important to listen to students and allow everyone who wants to have the opportunity to share their thoughts. Avoid intrusive questions or tasks where the student is forced to tell something about themselves that they don't want to share with others. Tell the students that it is acceptable to leave the space for a while and to safeguard their own boundaries when necessary. Agree on what to do if someone violates the principles of a safer space. Furthermore, it is important to return to the principles later.

You can also use the comics as a way of facilitating discussion.

We all have a responsibility for a safer atmosphere. A large part of the student's work takes place in different groups. A diverse group supports learning new things and sense of belonging. Agreeing on common operating methods immediately at the start of group work facilitates smooth working.

It is important for each participant to commit to teamwork and stick to what has been agreed. Having a feeling of being a valued member of the group and being able to contribute to the common goal improves wellbeing. It is important to respect the jointly agreed division of work, the schedule and the time used by others. It is good to agree on a course of action in case of unexpected situations. A team contract helps, you can find a template here. On the other hand, in group work it is important to remember to be kind to yourself as well as to others.

You support the learning of others with developing and encouraging feedback. By agreeing on things and open communication also group work runs smoothly.

Download the comics here:

Aalto Safer Space Smökki (A3)

11.27 M

Aalto Safer Space Planets (A3)

10.24 M

Aalto Safer Space Crush (A3)

14.72 M