Awareness information page
Awareness is a topic that is increasingly being considered in the event context, and for good reason. On this page, we explain exactly what awareness is, answer questions and provide documents that you can use when planning your event.
What is awareness?
Awareness means becoming aware in our dealings with one another. At the University of Bonn, awareness stands for appreciative and respectful interaction aimed at recognizing and eliminating discriminatory and aggressive behavior. It means taking responsibility for oneself and for each other in order to create a safe atmosphere in which everyone feels comfortable and personal boundaries are respected.
In the context of events, these goals can only be achieved if both organizers and visitors develop an attitude and practice that counteracts discrimination. Awareness also includes an awareness of social inequalities that result from different experiences, positionings and positionalities. This makes it possible to better understand, respect and recognize different privileges, resources and experiences of discrimination.
A well-thought-out awareness concept helps to combat discrimination and abusive behavior and creates a safer, appreciative space for all participants.
Downloads
Here you will find various documents for planning a discrimination-sensitive event. The questionnaire for event planning deals with what should be considered in advance when planning the event, while the “Awareness Code” and “Agreements for Cooperation” can be handed out to visitors to the event. You can also find a handout for awareness staff here to help you with your work in the awareness team.
FAQs
An awareness concept for an event serves to ensure or deepen the organizers' reflection on the fact that all participants (can) feel comfortable and safe at the event. The aim is to act in a discrimination-sensitive manner and promote mindful communication. This is not only about avoiding obvious unequal treatment, but also about subtle, unintentional cross-border language and behavior. The concept primarily involves the creation of a comprehensive guide that explains the principles and objectives of the concept as well as practical measures to protect participants. An example of an awareness code that you can adapt for your events can be found under Downloads.
Awareness benefits all participants at an event as it creates a safe and inclusive environment. Those who may be discriminated against or who (could) feel marginalized due to different identity characteristics benefit in particular. A well-designed awareness concept ensures that their needs are considered and respected. But those who are less aware of the impact of their words and actions also benefit, as they learn to act more sensitively and mindfully. Overall, awareness promotes a more open and considerate communication culture. An example of an agreement on respectful cooperation that you can adapt for your events can be found under Downloads.
Awareness concepts help to make an event a safer and more welcoming place for all participants. It is about creating an environment that prioritizes the participation of all participants and raises awareness of different perspectives and experiences. Awareness helps to recognize and avoid transgressive and discriminatory behaviour, whether in language or in actions. This not only improves the well-being of participants, but also the quality of interactions and the overall atmosphere of the event. A high level of mindfulness promotes equal opportunities and diversity and helps to ensure that all participants feel valued and respected.
Discrimination can arise, for example, through offensive (often unintentional) language and behavior. Examples include the disregard of desired pronouns, unconscious racist, sexist or antisemitic statements and actions as well as microaggressions. Discrimination can also be caused by structural factors such as a lack of accessibility or insufficient consideration of diversity aspects in the planning and implementation of the event. An awareness concept aims to recognize such discrimination in advance and counteract it in order to ensure an inclusive and respectful atmosphere. As a measure, you can, for example, provide participants with the University of Bonn's diversity glossary, which supports the use of language that respects boundaries. You can find the diversity glossary here.
As awareness takes place in the cross-section of event planning, the concept requires resources, but the benefits far outweigh the effort, as reflecting on the participants' experiences can also serve as a feedback tool for the success of the event. In addition to the creation or adaptation of awareness guidelines and materials, the preparation of all organizers for the implementation of the concept must also be considered. In addition to the possible use of an awareness team to accompany the event, other people involved in the organization should also be informed about the goals and intentions of the awareness concept to ensure that everyone involved understands and can apply the principles of the concept.
In addition, further organizational measures may need to be taken, such as the provision of retreat or quiet rooms, the rededication of toilets for all genders, etc. To help you plan an event from an awareness perspective, you will find a list of questions for event planning under Downloads.
The success of the concept depends on the cooperation and commitment of all those involved. Therefore, all those responsible should be informed about the concept. In addition, it is highly recommended to have a team of awareness persons accompany an event. They serve as a point of contact for all those involved and support the implementation of possible awareness measures on site. To help you work in an awareness team, you will find a handout for awareness staff under Downloads.
If you have any further questions, please contact the Equal Opportunity and Diversity Unit.
Contact
Naomi Salbert
Dechenstraße 3-11
53115 Bonn