22 Dec
2017
22 Dec
'17
5:58 p.m.
We put that sign in the women's room because it's not just about declining
a dance. It's about having permission to say no, AND what to do about
creepy behavior. There's a sign in the men's room about creepy behavior. We
haven't specifically addressed the issue of declining a dance with the
whole community yet.
-Amy
On Dec 19, 2017 6:16 AM, "Read Weaver" <rweaver(a)igc.org> wrote:
Why do you only put this in the women’s room? Perhaps
you live somewhere
where it’s unusual for a woman to ask a man to dance, but you say your sign
goes on to say to find a dancer you want to dance with. And while I don’t
question that men are more likely to do things to make a female partner
uncomfortable, the reverse isn’t unheard of. And even if that never
happened, putting it in both restrooms would let the men know what to
expect.
Read Weaver
Jamaica Plain, MA
http://lcfd.org
On Dec 17, 2017, at 12:30 PM, Amy Wimmer via
Callers <
callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
Greetings All,
I really like JD's methods. When teaching I do an abbreviated version of
that,
but I think I'll expand it to include a _kind_ refusal, and universal
participation during the lesson.
My husband and I are dance organizers, and for several years have been
working
hard to make the atmosphere of the dance welcoming and safe for
all. We have signs in the restrooms about behavior. The one in the women's
states that if one doesn't want to dance with someone, for any reason, it
is best to be quick about it, saying, "No, thank you," so the ask-er has
time to find a different partner. Skip the lengthy excuse, then find a
partner you _want_ to dance with.
Also, at the end of a dance, I often encourage people to invite someone
who's
sitting out to dance. Every once in a while I ask new folks to
identify themselves, then ask experienced dancers to dance with them.
-Amy