Humans Above Boundaries
START A SAFE SPACE GATHERING
Starting a Safe Space Gathering (SSG) is easier than it sounds. It’s simply a more intentional version of a “girls’ night”—a time when a few women sit together and talk honestly about work, family, relationships, and the parts of life we rarely say aloud. An SSG complements our One Woman at a Time (OW@T) fundraising Circles by offering emotional after-care for women who have experienced an abortion, whether or not OW@T supported their journey.
Every SSG needs a Host to organize and hold the space. You don’t need to be a counselor or a public speaker. You only need to care, to listen, and to want to create a sense of safety among a small group of women. HAB provides all the materials, guidance, and support you need to host your first Gathering. We’ll show you how here.
SSG IN BRIEF
A Safe Space Gathering (SSG) is a small, confidential conversation circle—usually 5–7 women—who come together to share their experiences and feelings around abortion or reproductive care. The Host’s role is not to lead a discussion or offer advice, but to create and protect the conditions for honesty, listening, and mutual respect.
There are two main models for Safe Space Gatherings:
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FRIENDS SSGs
A group of women who already know and trust one another meet in person or online (Zoom, WhatsApp, or another secure platform) to share their experiences in a safe, supportive environment. These Gatherings work well when the women already have an established sense of comfort and connection.
2. AFFINITY SSGs
A group of women who do not know each other yet but share a meaningful affinity—for example, a type of reproductive-care experience, age group, life circumstance, identity, faith background, region, or other shared concern. They meet online for emotional after-care, conversation, and support.
Mixed-affinity groups also work beautifully, bringing different perspectives to a shared topic: abortion and the emotional lives that surround it.
Here’s an easy-to-follow 6-step path to becoming a Safe Space Host:
These walk you through the process from initial curiosity to your first Gathering, with HAB beside you at every stage.
HOW TO BECOME AN SSG HOST
1. Watch and Reflect on the Process
View these two SSG trailers, excerpted from our full 24 minute long tutorial video, which first shows part of a typical attendee / host exchange. The second trailer depicts brief examples the full Hosting process. "Steph" in the upper center is the Host with five other attendees.
Since you’ve already read the OW@T/SSG Presentation, you’re ready to take the next step.
2. Learn What Hosting Involves
Read the SSG Host Overview and Host Agreement. These explain HAB’s values, confidentiality standards, and how we help you prepare before your first Gathering.
3. Connect with HAB
To become a Safe Space Host, email your signed Host Agreement to HumansAboveBoundaries.info@gmail.com.
Once we receive it, we’ll send you the full Host Orientation Kit—including guides, reflection prompts, and access to our full video tutorial—so you can begin right away. (click here to see the kit's Table of Contents).
4. Gather Your Circle
Invite 4–6 trusted friends who understand the purpose: a safe, nonjudgmental space for sharing and listening. A home living room, porch, or quiet outdoor spot works beautifully.
5. Hold Your First GatheringFollow the SSG Host QuickStart Guide and video tutorial to set the tone, open the conversation, and close respectfully. HAB’s materials include sample invitations, guiding questions and reflection prompts.
6. Stay in Touch
After your first Gathering, you can debrief with HAB, share totally anonymous feedback, and decide whether to hold another. Each group grows at its own pace.
You may find that the benefits of the SSG experience will move some of you to start an One WOman at a Time fundraising Circle to help other women obtain care.
READY TO BEGIN?
You can start today by reading the Host Agreement and reaching out to HAB for your orientation materials. Every SSG begins with one woman deciding that her voice—and others’—deserves to be heard.
Interested but not yet sure you’re ready to sign?
You can always reach out to HAB at HumansAboveBoundaries.info@gmail.com to ask questions or talk through what being an SSG Host involves. We’ll help you understand the process and connect you with others who’ve already launched their own Safe Space Gatherings.