Safe Zone Ally Training Program
The Safe Zone Ally Training Program is designed to certify Allies who identify themselves as being able to provide support of LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender/ transsexual, questioning) individuals. Through this one hour session, participants are engaged in a number of activities to provide a sense of empathy, keep their interest, and provide them with information on how to best support LGBTQ individuals.

At the conclusion of a training session, interested students are invited to sign the Ally Pledge and receive a personalized, dated Ally Safe Zone sign to post on their door, which serves both to advertise their ally status and to verify that the individual has completed training and signed the pledge of support. This new process ensures that students who want to be an ally have the skills and knowledge to handle a situation of anti-LGBTQ bias or a request for support by another individual. 

Programs such as this Safe Zone Ally Training have been growing in prevalence in larger universities (including UW-Madison, Green Bay, La Crosse, Milwaukee, Whitewater [ source], and Platteville [ source]) to promote healthy respect for diversity that is so essential in the college setting.  If you are involved with a campus organization, department, or other group who would like an Ally Training Session, please contact us and we'll be more than happy to work with you!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why train as an Ally?

The training provides information and tools for individuals to overcome bias and discrimination against LGBTQ individuals on campus and out in the community.  Displaying the Ally Safe Zone sign (which certifies completion of training) identifies one as being available to provide support and appreciation for LGBTQ individuals.

What should I do if I see a situation of bias or discrimination?

Use the techniques taught in the training session to intervene if it is safe for you to do so.  Afterward, please let us know about it.  We are working on a web form to report incidents; until then, send an email to Rainbow Alliance .  If you need personal support, please contact us and/or the Counseling Center on campus.

How do I tell who is an Ally?

Look for the certificate!  After completing the training program and signing the Ally Pledge, Allies receive a customized sign/certificate.  They are diamond-shaped, bright pink, and contain both the St. Norbert College and Rainbow Alliance logos.  They also contain the name of the person certified as an Ally and the date that they were trained.  Many students and faculty/staff place their sign outside their residence hall room or office.  By looking for these elements on the sign, you can be sure that the person participated fully in the program and can provide positive, compassionate support.