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Safe Zone for All Program
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Safe Zone for All Program

​The purpose of the Safe Zone for All is to create beacons, Safe Zone for All Allies, whose roles are to be visible ambassadors, so that we ensure the campus climate feels safe, receptive, and accepting to community members regardless of any human condition, characteristic, or circumstance that they may have.

We do this by recruiting, training and supporting members of the ATSU community who volunteer to be visible first points of contact and advocates for our diverse and unique students, faculty and staff. Safe Zone for All Allies display the ATSU Safe Zone for All emblem (shown below) on their person or in their work spaces. They act as beacons to the campus community, guiding community members to a safe harbor.

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How it Works

Safe Zone for All Program Allies display their Safe Zone for All emblem on their person or in/around their work spaces becoming beacons of acceptance and demonstrating their support and advocacy for cultural competency. These allies act as people who will listen to a person’s situation and circumstances and provide support in the form of encouragement, advice, information and/or referral. Students, faculty and staff who fear rejection or judgment because of who they are or from where they come may approach a Safe Zone for All Ally to speak about their concerns.

Safe Zone for All Allies do not act as professional therapists or behavioral health counselors. They do not provide therapy, assessment or counseling, but will listen authentically and without judgment. They have agreed to operate on the Safe Zone for All Creed:

“I will aspire to positively influence and encourage all people. I will earnestly avoid judging anyone on the basis of any condition, characteristic, or circumstance. I will make every effort to keep an open mind and value all forms of diversity. I will strive to maintain good, positive, and honest relationships; and shall not have or create any enemies. And finally, I will challenge any ideas that do not support a positive or constructive leaning environment.”

 

Allies will not attempt to handle situations for which they are not prepared, but will make effective referrals to open and accepting people and services both on and off campus that can meet the needs of the person for whom they are advocating.

 

  • Mission and Goals +

    • The mission of the Safe Zone for All program at A.T. Still University is to identify, educate, and support allies. Allies are individuals within the ATSU community who consider themselves to be open and knowledgeable about valuing diversity, cross-cultural communication, and multicultural issues; and who choose to be visible supports and advocates with those who may be outside the dominant culture.

      Safe Zone allies can be ATSU faculty, staff, or students who have successfully completed the Safe Zone for All Basic training and choose to support and advocate for others. Allies will display a Safe Zone for All emblem (like the one to the left on their person, outside their office door or in their work space).

      Goals

      Safe Zone for All will aspire to positively influence and positively encourage all people. Members will earnestly avoid judging anyone on the basis of any condition, characteristic, or circumstance. Allies and trainers will make every effort to keep open minds and value diversity in all its manifestations. Members will strive to maintain good, positive, and honest relationships, and shall not have or create any enemies. And finally, the group will challenge any ideas that do not support a positive or constructive learning environment.

      Some of these conditions, characteristics, and circumstances include:

      • Ability/Disability
      • Culinary
      • LGBTQIA+/Gender
      • Race/Ethnicity
      • Religion/Spirituality
      • Socio-Cultural

  • Become an Ally +

    • ​ATSU faculty, staff and students are welcome to become a Safe Zone for All Ally.

      Safe Zone for All course for students is taken through Canvas and the Safe Zone for All course for Faculty and Staff is located on the ATSU Portal on UKG pro.

      We will send out a campus email when this course is ready to be taken, be on the look out via email to know when you can enroll and take the course.

      Applicants will need to:

      • complete a basic Safe Zone for All Training session
      • complete the training agreement form
      • sign the Safe Zone for All contract - commits applicants to complete one additional training in the first year and two additional training sessions in the second year.

      Ally certification lasts two years, re-certification requires repeating basic training and all other required continued training.

      Additional or advanced training may include a Safe Zone for All Communication Skills Training, a Safe Zone for All sponsored training or other cultural experiences, events and diversity training available outside of Safe Zone for All.

      Email diversity@atsu.edu for additional information.

      Benefits for being an Ally

      Being an Ally is an opportunity to make a difference on ATSU’s campus by helping to ensure that it is a safe, receptive and accepting community. It’s a chance to empower yourself to take an active role in creating a more accepting world by countering prejudice and discrimination with understanding and support.

      • have opportunities to learn from, teach, and have an impact on a population with whom you might not have otherwise interacted.
      • learn more accurate information about the reality of community members regardless of their human condition, characteristics, or circumstance.
      • learn more about how values and beliefs about diversity affect your own and other’s lives.
      • be a role model for others and your actions may help someone else gain the courage to speak and act in support of others.
      • be the reason a friend, sibling, child, coworker, or someone else you know finds greater value in their life and develops a higher level of self-esteem.
      • open yourself up to the possibility of close relationships with a wider range of people.

  • Become a Master Ally +

    • If you are interested in becoming a Master Ally, you must complete the following:

      • Experience as an Ally (Taken the Safe Zone course)
      • Have qualifications including communications skills, organizational skills, dependability, willingness to learn, interest in group dynamics and conflict resolution.
      • Observe at least 2 trainings presented by Master Allies
      • Complete Master Ally Training check list

      Contact the Diversity & Inclusion Department for any further questions Diversity@atsu.edu

  • Diversity Events +

    • ATSU Diversity Event Calendar

      The Department of Diversity & Inclusion hosts a variety of events, educational programs, and workshops both on campus and online to help build a community of culturally proficient students and employees.

  • Our Master Allies +

    • Brian Castillo Brian Castillo, BA
      Coordinator for Diversity & Inclusion

      Brian Castillo (he/they) is a dedicated professional with a deep commitment to advocating for historically underrepresented groups, promoting social justice and human rights, and advancing LGBTIA+ advocacy. He currently serves as the Coordinator for Diversity & Inclusion at A.T. Still University of Health Sciences (ATSU), a position he assumed in September 2022.

      Mr. Castillo holds a bachelor’s degree in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, from Arizona State University. He brings a wealth of experience to his current role, having worked extensively in case management services and with LGBTQIA+ youth support therapy groups. He has helped create safe spaces for youth and supported individuals with a wide range of mental health challenges.

      Mr. Castillo has also spent more than six years coordinating and planning events and providing invaluable support in various administrative roles. In addition, he has personal experience as an intersectional individual, giving him a unique perspective and insights into the challenges faced by marginalized communities.

      Overall, Mr. Castillo is a passionate and dedicated professional committed to creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all individuals, especially those who have been historically marginalized.

      Stephanie McGrew Stephanie McGrew, MS
      Assistant Director for the Diversity & Inclusion

      Stephanie McGrew is the Assistant Director for the Diversity & Inclusion office at A. T. Still University. She has been a part of the Diversity & Inclusion team since 2018.

      Stephanie holds a Master’s Degree in “Healthcare Administration” from A. T. Still University. Stephanie also received her degrees in “Exercise Science and Biology” from Truman State University, and is a proud member of the Mu Tau chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

      Stephanie previously worked at Truman State University, in the “Multicultural Affairs” office working with the various student organizations, facilitated other campus activities and maintained the budget for the office. She also worked in the “S.T.E.P” Office as the program coordinator.

      Stephanie works with faculty, staff and students from all of ATSU’s six graduate health professions schools on campuses in Kirksville, Missouri, Mesa, Arizona, and the ATSU online school “College of Graduate Health Studies.” She provides diversity workshops, “Safe Zone for All training,” cultural biases training, and other related training to the ATSU campuses. She is also in charge of the “Dreamline programming” that is implemented in surrounding communities through the Diversity & Inclusion office. Stephanie also assists students that have received the “Graduate Health Professionals Scholarship.” She works towards the universities recruitment efforts and accompanies students to national conferences and conventions. She serves as a mentor for all students throughout the ATSU’s campuses.

      Clinton Normore Clinton J. Normore, MBA
      Associate Vice President Diversity & Inclusion
      Diversity Department
      Linkedin logo

      Clinton Normore is the Vice President for Diversity & Inclusion. Clinton leads a university-wide diversity effort, encompassing ATSU’s seven graduate health professions schools on campuses in Kirksville, Missouri, Mesa, Arizona, and Santa Maria, California, and an online school of graduate health studies. This work also touches community health centers nationwide. Clinton works with faculty, staff, students, deans, and leadership at the University’s highest levels in support of ATSU’s mission of providing healthcare to the underserved and serving on many University committees. Mr. Normore was a National Institution on Minority Health Disparities (NIMHD) Scholar in 2015. He is a trained Civil Rights Investigator and is a certified Campus Security Authority (CSA). Since joining the ATSU community, Clinton has been instrumental in developing a framework for diversity and a diversity strategic plan. Under his leadership, the University was the first Health Professions University to receive the coveted Higher Education in Excellence (HEED) Award in 2017, and consecutively the next five years. The university has also trademarked its award-winning Dreamline Pathways™ program and received numerous other grants and awards for diversity. Since August 2014, he has been a faculty member of ATSU’s Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health and in 2020 with the ATSU Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health. The university was awarded the 2022 National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education (NADOHE) Excellence in Diversity award for a professional school. Clinton has also served as an Instructor in the Business Department of Phoenix College and is a Lead Consultant for Ben Harrison & Associates on its community policing initiative providing workshops for police departments in Arizona. He chairs the ATSU Advisory Council On Diversity (ACOD) and serves on many University level committees and task forces.

  • LGBTQ+ Resources +

    • LGBTQI Health Research & Practice
      guides.atsu.edu/lgbtqihealth
      Recommended research and community resources to support education, research and clinical practice focusing on LGBT populations and patients.

      Parents, Families, Friends, and Allies United with LGBTQ People (PFLAG)
      community.pflag.org
      PFLAG is the nation’s largest family and ally organization. Uniting people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) with families, friends, and allies, PFLAG is committed to advancing equality and full societal affirmation of LGBTQ people through its threefold mission of support, education, and advocacy.

      Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network
      glsen.org
      Every day GLSEN works to ensure that LGBT students are able to learn and grow in a school environment free from bullying and harassment.

      Pride Guide Arizona
      gayarizona.com
      Includes a list of resources, businesses, and
      information for the LGBT community in Arizona.

      Phoenix Pride LGBT Center
      phoenixpridelgbtcenter.org
      The primary focus of the Phoenix Pride LGBT Center is to effectively service, be a resource for, and to educate the LGBTQ community. The Center has a variety of services, resources and programs that are open to all. They offer support groups, wellness services, education, health, resource materials and more.

      National LGBTQ Task Force
      thetaskforce.org
      The National LGBTQ Task Force advances full freedom, justice and equality for LGBTQ people.

      GLBT National Help Center
      glbthotline.org
      Serving gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning people by providing free and confidential peer-support.

      National Center for Transgender Equality
      transequality.org
      The National Center for Transgender Equality is the nation’s leading social justice advocacy organization winning life-saving change for transgender people.

      Gender Proud
      genderproud.com/advocacy
      Gender Proud’s advocacy work aims to uplift transgender communities around the globe, with specific focus on empowering marginalized to advocate for their own legal rights.

      Black Trans Advocacy
      blacktrans.org
      A national social justice organization working to overcome violence and injustice in the world through the power, value and love of all people.

      TransWomen of Color Collective
      twocc.us
      TWOCC is a grass-roots funded global initiative created to offer opportunities for trans people of color, families and comrades to engage in healing, foster kinship, and build community.

      TransYouth Family Allies
      imatyfa.org
      TYFA empowers children and families by partnering with educators, service providers and communities, to develop supportive environments in which gender may be expressed and respected.

      Trinity Episcopal Church
      trinitykirksville.org/wordpress
      Carrol Davenport, Priest Associate - 660.349.1888 / davenport1959@yahoo.com Johnnette Shane, Vicar - 660.956.0328

      LDS Family Fellowship: Gay & Lesbian Mormons
      ldsfamilyfellowship.org
      LDS Family Fellowship is a support organization, engaged in strengthening relationships between LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning) individuals, their families and friends.

      The Center Project in Columbia, MO
      thecenterproject.org -Linda Hayes - 573.864.1431
      The Center Project is Mid-Missouri’s first and only lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning and ally community space. Located in downtown Columbia, Mo., offering a friendly, safe facility for a wide variety of groups and events.

      Truman State University Victim Support Services
      truman.edu/gender-based-misconduct/resources/
      660.665.0020 or Hotline 660.665.1617

      National 24-Hour Domestic Violence Hotline
      www.thehotline.org - 800.799.SAFE(7233) / TTY 800.787.3224
      Provides confidential, one-on-one support to each caller and chatter, offering crisis intervention, options for next steps and direct connection to sources for immediate safety.

      Rape Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN)
      rainn.org- 800.656.4673
      RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization.

      The Trevor Project
      thetrevorproject.org
      Founded in 1998 by the creators of the Academy Award®-winning short film TREVOR, The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) young people ages 13-24.

      Movement Advancement Project
      www.lgbtmap.org
      The Movement Advancement Project is an independent think tank that provides rigorous research, insight and analysis that help speed equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people. MAP’s work is focused on three primary areas: Policy, Movement Capacity, Effective Messaging.

      LGBTQ Consortium
      www.lgbtqconsortium.org
      The mission of this consortium is to honor individuals’ gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation, and work to increase the health and wellness of Arizonans by eliminating health disparities and injustice.

      LGBTQ+ Resources & Counselor training

      https://addiction-counselor.org/lgbtq-resource/

      At Addiction Counselor, we connect our readers with the tools and resources they need to begin a successful career in the field of addiction counseling. We have education guides, licensure information by state and much more.

      https://www.drugrehab.com/guides/lgbtq/

      Drugrehab.com is an organization that provides information and answers for people fighting addiction.

      LGBTQ+ guide to health and wellness

      TED Talk/YouTube Resources:

      Educators must be more than allies | Kelly Holstine

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQofZc0aLC0

      In order to create a safe and productive learning environment in schools, we need educators to be advocates, not just allies.

  • Pronouns Guide +

    • View Pronouns Guide

  • Race and Ethnicity Resources +

    • African American Organizations

      National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
      naacp.org
      The mission of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is to ensure the political, educational, social and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination.

      National Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC)
      nationalbcc.org
      Represents 95,000 African-American–owned businesses and provides advocacy that reaches one million African-American-owned businesses. Throughout the 1990s, African-American businesses in the United States posted sales of more than $100 billion annually. In general, African Americans represent an annual spending base of more than $800 billion. NBCC has harnessed much of the power of these dollars and provides unique opportunities for corporations and African-American businesses to partner in creating greater opportunity for all people.

      National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW)
      ncnw.org
      An assembly of national African-American women’s organizations and community-based sections. Founded in 1935, the NCNW’s mission is to lead, develop and advocate for women of African descent as they support their families and communities. NCNW fulfills this purpose through research, advocacy and national and community-based services and programs on issues of health, education and economic empowerment in the United States and Africa.

      National Medical Association (NMA)
      nmanet.org
      Promotes the collective interests of physicians and patients of African descent. The organization is a leading force for parity in medicine, the elimination of health disparities and the promotion of optimal health.

      National Urban League
      nul.iamempowered.com
      A civil-rights organization focused on the economic empowerment of underserved urban communities. The National Urban League works through 100 local affiliates in 36 states and the District of Columbia to provide programming, public policy research and advocacy designed to improve the lives of more than 2 million people nationwide.

      National Coalition of 100 Black Women (NCBW)
      ncbw.org
      To meet the diverse needs of its members and to empower African American women in general, NCBW implements programs that provide an effective network among African-American women, establish links between NCBW and the corporate and political sectors, enable African-American women to be a visible force in the socioeconomic arena and meet the career needs of these women and facilitate their access to mainstream America.

      100 Black Men of America
      100blackmen.org
      The mission of 100 Black Men of America is to improve the quality of life and enhance educational and economic opportunities for all African Americans.

      United Negro College Fund (UNCF)
      uncf.org
      The nation’s largest, oldest, most successful and most comprehensive minority higher-education assistance organization. The UNCF provides operating funds and technology enhancement services for 39 member historically African-American colleges and universities, scholarships and internships for students at approximately 900 institutions and faculty and administrative professional training.

      Asian-American Organizations

      Asian American Legal Defense & Education Fund (AALDEF)
      aaldef.org
      The first legal rights organization on the East
      Coast serving Asian Americans. It was founded by a group of lawyers, law
      students and community activists who believed that the law should be used as a
      tool to achieve social and economic justice for Asian Americans and all
      Americans.

      Asian Pacific

      American Medical Students Association
      apamsa.org
      A national organization that aims to address issues important to Asian-American students studying medicine.

      Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce
      apacc.net
      To facilitate business relationships among Asian and U.S. based companies and to promote the economic advancement of Asian Pacific Americans.

      The Center for Asian Pacific American Women
      apawomen.org
      The only national, nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing and enriching leadership skills for Asian-American and Pacific-Islander women leaders. Its mission is to address the challenges facing Asian-American and Pacific-Islander women and to nurture trusteeship within their communities by expanding leadership capacity, fostering awareness of Asian-American and Pacific-Island issues, creating a supportive network of Asian-American and Pacific-Island women and strengthening community.

      Committee of 100
      committee100.org
      The Committee of 100 is a national non-partisan organization composed of American citizens of Chinese descent. With these diverse backgrounds, members collectively pool their strengths and experience to address important issues concerning the Chinese-American community, as well
      as issues affecting U.S.-China relations.

      Japanese American Citizens League (JACL)
      jacl.org
      Founded to address issues of discrimination against people of Japanese ancestry residing in the United States. It is the largest and one of the oldest Asian-American organizations in the United Sates.

      Korean American Coalition (KAC)
      kacla.org
      A nonprofit service, education and advocacy organization that facilitates Korean-American participation in civic, legislative and community affairs. KAC has grown into a national organization with membership chapters in several cities along the West Coast, Alaska and Hawaii and affiliate organizations on the East Coast. With more than a dozen full-time staff and a large base of volunteers, KAC provides a variety of direct and indirect services to the fast growing Korean-American communities across the nation.

      U.S. Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce
      uspaacc.com
      A nonprofit organization that represents Asian- and non-Asian-American businesses and professionals in business, sciences, the arts, sports, education, entertainment, community and public service through
      advocacy, education, information and networking.

      Hispanic/Latino-American Organizations

      The Committee for Hispanic Families and Children (CHFC)
      chcfinc.org
      Aims to improve the quality of life for Hispanic children and families. CHFC has developed and implemented programs that meet the needs of low-income Hispanic families and children in such critical areas as youth development, child care, HIV/AIDS prevention and education, immigrant services, public policy and advocacy.

      Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI)
      chci.org
      CHCI seeks to accomplish its mission by offering educational and leadership development programs, services and activities that promote the growth of participants as effective professionals and strong leaders. In the spirit of building coalitions, CHCI seeks to establish partnerships with other Hispanic and non-Hispanic organizations.

      Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund
      maldef.org
      A national nonprofit organization with the principal objective of protecting and promoting the civil rights of U.S. Latinos through litigation, advocacy, educational outreach and the awarding of law scholarships.

      National Council of La Raza
      nclr.org
      The country’s largest national constituency-based Hispanic organization, was established to reduce poverty and discrimination and improve life opportunities for Hispanic Americans.

      National Hispanic Institute (NHI)
      nhi-net.org
      Targets top Hispanics in high school and college and conducts creative leadership training to develop students’ self-marketing, networking, college planning and organizational development skills.

      National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA)
      nhmamd.org
      To improve the health of Hispanics and other underserved populations. As a rapidly growing national resource based in the nation’s capital, NHMA provides policymakers and health care providers with expert information and support in strengthening health service delivery to Hispanic communities across the nation. This organization represents 36,000 licensed Hispanic physicians in the United States.

      Tomas Rivera Policy Institute
      trpi.org
      Founded as an independent, nonprofit research organization to foster sound public policies and programs relevant to the Hispanic community.

      United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC)
      ushcc.com
      Dedicated to bringing the issues and concerns of the nation’s more than 2 million Hispanic-owned businesses to the forefront of the national economic agenda. The USHCC has enjoyed outstanding working relationships with international heads of state, members of Congress and the current White House administration. The organization effectively communicates the needs and potential of the Hispanic enterprise to the public and private sector.

      Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities
      hacu.net/hacu
      A national organization representing the accredited colleges and universities in the United States where Hispanic students constitute at least 25 percent of the total student enrollment.

      Native American Organizations

      American Indian College Fund
      collegefund.org
      Provides scholarships and other support for
      American Indian students. The Fund disburses approximately 6,000 scholarships each year for American Indian students seeking to better their lives through higher education. The Fund also provides support for tribal college needs ranging from capital support to cultural preservation activities.

      American Indian Policy Center
      Its mission is to provide government leaders, policy makers and the public with accurate information about the legal and political history of American Indian nations, and the contemporary situation for American Indians.

      Native American Rights Fund
      narf.org
      The mission of the Native American Rights Fund is to preserve tribal existence, protect tribal natural resources and promote Native American human rights.

      National Congress of American Indians
      ncai.org
      The oldest, largest and most representative American Indian and Alaska Native organization serving the broad interests of tribal governments and communities.

      National Indian Education Association
      niea.org
      Advances comprehensive educational opportunities for American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians throughout the United States.

      National Native American Chamber of Commerce (NNACC)
      www.nnacc.org
      Dedicated to working with all members of the local community to advance the educational and economic opportunities for Native Americans.

      Association of American Indian Affairs
      www.indian-affairs.org
      Committed to providing Native families and youth extensive resources regarding Native issues such as Juvenile Justice, Title IV-E, Indian Child Welfare, International Repatriation, and Sacred Lands.

      Association of Native American Medical Students
      anamstudents.org
      A student organization representing Native American graduate health profession students, enrolled in medical school or in the allied health professions: Dentistry, Veterinary, Optometry, Podiatry, Pharmacy, and Public Health.