You Are Welcome Here

Support and allyship are critical components to building and promoting a campus community that feels safe and inclusive. The “You are Welcome Here (YAWH)” campaign was created based on the structure and idea of “Safe Space” or “Safe Zone” programs you may be familiar with from other schools, universities, companies, and communities across the United States.

There is both an informal and formal process for participating in the YAWH program. The YAWH White Card can be requested by anyone, while those seeking to obtain the YAWH Black Card go through a more formal process that includes valuable training and resources.

YAWH White Card

There are two versions of the YAWH White Card, both of which are welcome and valid. The cards include links to resources that is set to redirect even if changes are made to the LBGTQ+ website structure. Having a YAWH White Card is meant as a show of LBGTQ+ support and allyship.

White cards come in both physical and digital formats. To obtain a physical card, stop by LBGTQ+ Services and grab one from the office mailbox (50-256 or 50-260) or the resource table in the Rainbow Lounge (50-250). You can get a digital card to put in your email signature or on your website by emailing our office.

YAWH Black Cards

If you are looking to make a deeper commitment, you might want to consider applying for the YAWH Black Card.

Unlike the white card, black card holders must complete a training session in order to receive their card. The training reviews topics including but not limited to allyship, terminology, statistics, gender bias, stereotypes, LBGTQ+ resources, and current events. The goal of the black card training is to equip participants with vital skills that will turn them into a resource for the community.

Trainings are two hours and taught by an experienced facilitators. In addition to attending the training, you are also agreeing to:

• Be an active, visible, and vocal ally
• Keep your YAWH trained card/virtual card with you
• Challenge others’ language
• Be familiar with resources at MIT so that you may refer them to students and staff
• Continue to educate yourself
• Know how to respond to hate/bias incidents
• Continually make changes for a more inclusive environment

Requesting YAWH Black Card Training

Your groups, communities, and departments who are interested in the black card training can fill out the YAWH request form which is reviewed by YAWH team. The YAWH team is comprised of LBGTQ+ Services, the Institute Community and Equity Office (ICEO), and Human Resources (HR). You will receive a response to your request in two to three business days.

HR runs YAWH trainings for faculty and staff once a month through Atlas (course code: BSK34080c). If you cannot find a date that works, you may either sign up to be notified when new dates are posted use the YAWH request form to request an alternative date for your group.

If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to the team at anytime.