Brave Space training offers intersectional ally training developed through the lens of gender and sexuality awareness. The program aims to foster an open, supportive, and inclusive campus environment for all, empowering participants with knowledge and tools to better support LGBTQIA+ individuals and other marginalized groups through education, self-reflection, and advocacy.
The goals of our training sessions include:
- Provide an overview of what it means to be an "ally" for any 91Ѱ faculty, staff or student.
- Educate the community on issues/trends/concerns with LGBTQ students, faculty and staff.
- Provide additional resources (websites, theories, contacts, etc.) that might be of use to an ally.
Brave Space Ally Certification
2025
Fall Faculty & Staff Training Dates
Fall Training Dates for Students There will be two Safe Space Training for undergraduate students offered each semester. Private group training for student organizations is available upon request for groups of 5 or more people.
Monday, Sept. 29 | 1:00-3:00 PM | Virtual
Friday, Nov. 7 | 12:00-2:00 PM | In-Person
Email C3robert@odu.edu to register for either event.
The purpose of becoming a Brave Space Ally is to become a part of the movement on campus to create a more inclusive and affirming environment for LGBTQIA+ students, faculty, and staff. Brave Space Allies are change agents on campus who ensure the gender and sexual diversity of our Monarch community is celebrated and respected. Brave Space Allies ensure the inclusion of the LGBTQIA+ communities and support the advancement of a campus community that values diversity specifically around gender/sexual identity. Through volunteerships and collaborations, Brave Space Allies bring together Monarchs to freely explore issues of gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, and the intersections with each other and other identities, while advocating for awareness and social justice.
To claim allyship is to commit to a lifelong journey of self-learning. To be an ally is more than a label to claim or a hat to wear. Allyship is only demonstrated through action. Beginning Fall 2023, the Brave Space Ally Program will be implementing a new experiential certification process with additional requirements in an effort to center accountability and action as key components to allyship.
Historically, Brave Space Ally Certification only required attending Brave Space Ally Training. With the previous model, there was no long-term commitment or engagement expected making it difficult to measure the impact of the training program itself. Beginning Fall 2023, in addition to attending a Space Ally Training, participants will be required to attend educational programs and volunteer at select social programs throughout the year to support LGBTQIA+ initiatives on campus.
In order to complete the certification program, participants must complete the following within the same academic year:
- Attend & Complete Brave Space Ally Training
- Attend two educational events or trainings offered through the Women's & Gender Equity Center's LGBTQIA+ Initiatives
- Volunteer at two LGBTQIA+ Initiatives sponsored events OR co-sponsor/collaborate with the LGBTQIA+ Initiatives on an LGBTQIA+ campus program
The certification review period will begin May 1st through May 31st. Participants Ally placards will be available for pick up beginning June 1st. The placards can be picked up at the Women's & Gender Equity Center (1101 Monarch Hall).
Certification will be valid for 1 academic year.
Yes, Brave Space Ally Certification will be valid for only 1 academic year. Recertification begins the first day of Fall semester and ends April 30th which means requirements must be met within that time period.
Beginning Fall 2023, in order to integrate this new model for ally certification, if you have not attended a Brave Space Ally Training since Fall 2020, you will need to go through the entire training and new requirements in order to "renew" your ally certification.
If you have attended a training within the previous academic year, in order to renew your certification, you will need to complete the following within 1 academic year:
- Attend two educational events or trainings offered through the Women's & Gender Equity Center's LGBTQIA+ Initiatives
- Volunteer at two LGBTQIA+ Initiatives sponsored events OR co-sponsor/collaborate with the LGBTQIA+ Initiatives on an LGBTQIA+ campus program
Also, those who's recertification has not lapsed may recertify without having to attend Brave Space Ally Training.
The Brave Space Ally Training itself is designed to provide a strong foundation to begin one's journey to allyship. While these new requirements ask more from prospective allies, they are designed to be experiential learning opportunities for you to continue to sharpen the skills you learn during the training. Ultimately, these new requirements support efforts focused on creating a stronger sense of belonging for LGBTQIA+ students. They are allyship in action.
2024
Fall Training Dates for Students
There will be two Brave Space Training for undergraduate students offered each semester. Private group training for student organizations is available upon request for groups of 9 or more people.
- Friday, Sept. 13 | Virtual
- Thursday, Nov. 19 | In Person
The purpose of becoming a Brave Space Ally as an undergraduate student is to become a part of the student movement on campus aimed at creating a more inclusive and affirming environment for LGBTQIA+ students. Brave Space Allies are change agents on campus who ensure the gender and sexual diversity of our Monarch community is celebrated and respected so that Monarchs across the identity spectrum can equitably attain success. Brave Space Allies ensure the inclusion of the LGBTQIA+ communities and support the advancement of a campus community that values diversity specifically around gender/sexual identity.
To claim allyship is to commit to a lifelong journey of self-learning. To be an ally is more than a label to claim or a hat to wear. Allyship is only demonstrated through action.bIn order to complete the certification program, participants must complete the following within the same academic year:
- Attend & Complete Brave Space Ally Training
- Attend one educational event offered through the Women's & Gender Equity Center's LGBTQIA+ Initiatives
- Volunteer at one LGBTQIA+ Initiatives sponsored events OR co-sponsor/collaborate with the LGBTQIA+ Initiatives on an LGBTQIA+ campus program
- Alternative Qualifying Options:
- Arrange a private group training session with at least 5 attendees
- Evaluate your department/office and implement a change to make it more LGBTQIA+ affirming
- Write two letters to Graduating LGBTQIA+ Students
- Certification will be valid for three (3) academic year
Yes, Brave Space Ally Certification will be valid for three (3) academic years
See the section “How do I become Brave Space certified” for details on how to become recertified.
Beginning Fall 2023, previously distributed placards will no longer be reprinted. In order to obtain a new placard, all previously certified allies will need to go through the recertification process. New placards will be printed on June 1st.
Beginning Fall 2024, all replacement placard requests can be submitted and printed during the first week of each semester.
- For name or pronoun change replacement placards, requests will be taken on an ongoing basis and fulfilled within 1 week's time.
- No placards will be mailed and are available for pick-up only at the Women & Gender Equity Center from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m..
**For questions or additional information regarding the Brave Space Ally Program, please contact Mallory Fields, Administrative Officer for Brave Space & Graduate Assistant for LGBTQIA + Initiatives, directly at c3robert@odu.edu.**
2025
Fall Faculty & Staff Training Dates
Fall Training Dates for Students There will be two Safe Space Training for undergraduate students offered each semester. Private group training for student organizations is available upon request for groups of 5 or more people.
Monday, Sept. 29 | 1:00-3:00 PM | Virtual
Friday, Nov. 7 | 12:00-2:00 PM | In-Person
Email C3robert@odu.edu to register for either event.
The purpose of becoming a Brave Space Ally is to become a part of the movement on campus to create a more inclusive and affirming environment for LGBTQIA+ students, faculty, and staff. Brave Space Allies are change agents on campus who ensure the gender and sexual diversity of our Monarch community is celebrated and respected. Brave Space Allies ensure the inclusion of the LGBTQIA+ communities and support the advancement of a campus community that values diversity specifically around gender/sexual identity. Through volunteerships and collaborations, Brave Space Allies bring together Monarchs to freely explore issues of gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, and the intersections with each other and other identities, while advocating for awareness and social justice.
To claim allyship is to commit to a lifelong journey of self-learning. To be an ally is more than a label to claim or a hat to wear. Allyship is only demonstrated through action. Beginning Fall 2023, the Brave Space Ally Program will be implementing a new experiential certification process with additional requirements in an effort to center accountability and action as key components to allyship.
Historically, Brave Space Ally Certification only required attending Brave Space Ally Training. With the previous model, there was no long-term commitment or engagement expected making it difficult to measure the impact of the training program itself. Beginning Fall 2023, in addition to attending a Space Ally Training, participants will be required to attend educational programs and volunteer at select social programs throughout the year to support LGBTQIA+ initiatives on campus.
In order to complete the certification program, participants must complete the following within the same academic year:
- Attend & Complete Brave Space Ally Training
- Attend two educational events or trainings offered through the Women's & Gender Equity Center's LGBTQIA+ Initiatives
- Volunteer at two LGBTQIA+ Initiatives sponsored events OR co-sponsor/collaborate with the LGBTQIA+ Initiatives on an LGBTQIA+ campus program
The certification review period will begin May 1st through May 31st. Participants Ally placards will be available for pick up beginning June 1st. The placards can be picked up at the Women's & Gender Equity Center (1101 Monarch Hall).
Certification will be valid for 1 academic year.
Yes, Brave Space Ally Certification will be valid for only 1 academic year. Recertification begins the first day of Fall semester and ends April 30th which means requirements must be met within that time period.
Beginning Fall 2023, in order to integrate this new model for ally certification, if you have not attended a Brave Space Ally Training since Fall 2020, you will need to go through the entire training and new requirements in order to "renew" your ally certification.
If you have attended a training within the previous academic year, in order to renew your certification, you will need to complete the following within 1 academic year:
- Attend two educational events or trainings offered through the Women's & Gender Equity Center's LGBTQIA+ Initiatives
- Volunteer at two LGBTQIA+ Initiatives sponsored events OR co-sponsor/collaborate with the LGBTQIA+ Initiatives on an LGBTQIA+ campus program
Also, those who's recertification has not lapsed may recertify without having to attend Brave Space Ally Training.
The Brave Space Ally Training itself is designed to provide a strong foundation to begin one's journey to allyship. While these new requirements ask more from prospective allies, they are designed to be experiential learning opportunities for you to continue to sharpen the skills you learn during the training. Ultimately, these new requirements support efforts focused on creating a stronger sense of belonging for LGBTQIA+ students. They are allyship in action.
2024
Fall Training Dates for Students
There will be two Brave Space Training for undergraduate students offered each semester. Private group training for student organizations is available upon request for groups of 9 or more people.
- Friday, Sept. 13 | Virtual
- Thursday, Nov. 19 | In Person
The purpose of becoming a Brave Space Ally as an undergraduate student is to become a part of the student movement on campus aimed at creating a more inclusive and affirming environment for LGBTQIA+ students. Brave Space Allies are change agents on campus who ensure the gender and sexual diversity of our Monarch community is celebrated and respected so that Monarchs across the identity spectrum can equitably attain success. Brave Space Allies ensure the inclusion of the LGBTQIA+ communities and support the advancement of a campus community that values diversity specifically around gender/sexual identity.
To claim allyship is to commit to a lifelong journey of self-learning. To be an ally is more than a label to claim or a hat to wear. Allyship is only demonstrated through action.bIn order to complete the certification program, participants must complete the following within the same academic year:
- Attend & Complete Brave Space Ally Training
- Attend one educational event offered through the Women's & Gender Equity Center's LGBTQIA+ Initiatives
- Volunteer at one LGBTQIA+ Initiatives sponsored events OR co-sponsor/collaborate with the LGBTQIA+ Initiatives on an LGBTQIA+ campus program
- Alternative Qualifying Options:
- Arrange a private group training session with at least 5 attendees
- Evaluate your department/office and implement a change to make it more LGBTQIA+ affirming
- Write two letters to Graduating LGBTQIA+ Students
- Certification will be valid for three (3) academic year
Yes, Brave Space Ally Certification will be valid for three (3) academic years
See the section “How do I become Brave Space certified” for details on how to become recertified.
Beginning Fall 2023, previously distributed placards will no longer be reprinted. In order to obtain a new placard, all previously certified allies will need to go through the recertification process. New placards will be printed on June 1st.
Beginning Fall 2024, all replacement placard requests can be submitted and printed during the first week of each semester.
- For name or pronoun change replacement placards, requests will be taken on an ongoing basis and fulfilled within 1 week's time.
- No placards will be mailed and are available for pick-up only at the Women & Gender Equity Center from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m..
**For questions or additional information regarding the Brave Space Ally Program, please contact Mallory Fields, Administrative Officer for Brave Space & Graduate Assistant for LGBTQIA + Initiatives, directly at c3robert@odu.edu.**
Become a Facilitator
We are happy that you are interested in becoming a Brave Space Ally Training facilitator and helping us to educate the Monarch community on LGBTQIA+ experiences and identities. We would love to talk with you about this! A few notes
- This opportunity is available to faculty, staff and graduate assistants. If you are an undergraduate student leader, we would love to still meet with you and discuss how you can also be engaged with the 91Ѱ LGBTQIA+ community.
- To qualify, you must register for and attend one Brave Space Certification session in its entirety as a participant, where you will sign our Ally Agreement, and note that you are interested in becoming a facilitator. If you have already attended a training, and now wish to become a faciltator, please email safespace@odu.edu.
- After expressing interest, you will meet with one or both of the Brave Space co-chairs to discuss any questions you have, receive your facilitation guide, and schedule your observation of a second Brave Space session. After your observation, there will be a debrief, and you will be added to the training schedule!
- If you have any questions about this policy or how it applies to you, please email c3robert@odu.edu.