Safe Harbour - Respect For All

Who can become a Safe Harbour?

Any smart, forward-thinking business, financial institution, government office, non-profit society, library, or organization can become a Safe Harbour. To qualify, your agency needs to choose key employees to complete a 2-hour staff orientation to Safe Harbourand sign a Participant Commitment Form.

Safe Harbour locations commit to...

… Equitable treatment: Treating all of your clients or customers in an equitable manner. If a concern is expressed regarding a lack of equitable treatment, staff take this concern seriously and take steps to address it.

… Providing a “safe harbour”: Being an immediate and temporary safe refuge where a community member who has experienced mistreatment will receive a helping hand such as a place to sit, a glass of water, a telephone to use, or information about how can seek further assistance.

… Prepared employees: Having all employees prepared to welcome and celebrate diversity and assist those who require refuge from discrimination. Staff members who attend the Safe Harbour orientation commit to sharing the information with their co-workers. One way they do this is by sharing the Participant’s Workbook that everyone receives upon completion of a session.

Why become a Safe Harbour?

Safe Harbours draw in new customers and clients by creating positive, safe, welcoming workplace environments.
They also can attract and retain an increasing number of employees from diverse backgrounds.
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Customers and clients are already diverse, and communities are becoming increasingly so. Safe Harbour allows businesses / agencies to better understand and serve their diverse customers.
Becoming a Safe Harbour will increase customer satisfaction.
Safe Harbour can attract and retain employees from diverse backgrounds.
It is a meaningful way to give back to the local community.

Through dynamic connections across the community, Safe Harbour highlights the fact that diversity is good for business, as well as good for the well-being of the entire community.

Growing the Network

There are currently 22 Community Organizers across the province contributing their energy and expertise to expanding the Safe Harbour Program while creating a more inclusive environment that welcomes the range of diversity of all citizens. AMSSA is expanding the program to 31 communities throughout 2008 and 2009.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Follow these links to locate the Safe Harbour community organizer in your area and to see a list of Safe Harbour locations.