Planning to Be Good to Each Other – A Discussion on Preventing Harm by Building Infrastructure in Movements

Powerful and profound work continues to be done on how to respond interpersonal harm within social justice groups after it happens. But are there things we can do to create an environment within our organizations that limits the likelihood of harm occurring in the first place? All Ottawa-area organizers and activists are invited to a discussion facilitated by the Punch Up Collective exploring this idea.

This event is for anyone interested in building social justice groups that are less hospitable to interpersonal harm and more generative of trust, intentionality, and effectiveness. We will present our recent Briarpatch article “Planning to Be Good to Each Other” and facilitate a discussion about infrastructures and practices that might help prevent harm.

Content Warning: This event will involve a facilitated discussion about preventing harm withing social justice groups. While the intention is not to focus on specific harmful events or behaviours as part of the event, participants should be aware that issues of harm and trauma, in a variety of forms, may be discussed.

Wednesday, May 13th, 2026
6:30-8:00pm (doors open at 6:15pm)
Ottawa location to be shared with registered participants

Number of participants: 35 (max)

Registration

To register, please fill out this form. Because this event has limited attendance, we would like people to register by Friday, May 8. If you’ve registered but won’t be able to attend, please also tell us that by emailing punchup@riseup.net.

Reading

It’s not necessary but we encourage people attending this event to read the article upon which it is based.

Accessibility

• Masks will be required for this workshop and we will have some on hand if you need one. We will have at least two air purifiers running in the space.
• The workshop is taking place in a space that is accessible by ramp.
• There is a washroom that is wheelchair accessible.
• We request all participants refrain from wearing scents to better allow people with chemical sensitivities to attend.
• If you have any accessibility needs not listed here, please get in touch with us.