Fishtrap’s mission is to cultivate clear thinking and good writing in and about the West.
Our Values
Fishtrap invites diverse voices into inclusive, brave spaces.
We value thoughtful, honest, empathetic communication.
Fishtrap inspires creative expression through curiosity, learning, and sharing.
Creating Safe, Brave Spaces Together
Fishtrap is a safe space.
Your physical safety is a priority. We’ve done everything we know how to do to make sure all our gathering spaces are comfortable, dry, clean, well-lit, and fully accessible. Our Code of Conduct takes that a step further by asking you to help us make sure that the people in these spaces, including our virtual environments, are safe from harassment, prejudice, and injustice. And if you have any issues or concerns, we’re more than ready to help.
Safe spaces are a good start, but the work of creating good writing together, exploring new ideas and listening to the stories of others requires courageous people sharing brave spaces.
So, what is a brave space?
The term “brave space” was introduced by Brian Arao and Kristi Clemens in 2013 to describe environments that encourage open dialogue on challenging topics, particularly in educational settings. They proposed this concept as an alternative to “safe spaces,” emphasizing the need for courage to engage in difficult conversations. In 2019, Fishtrap incorporated brave spaces into all of our programming.
Creating a brave space requires that everyone agrees to lean into difficult concepts and conversations, to ask clarifying questions, to center listening and be thoughtful with responses, and to take full responsibility for our own emotions and reactions. Creating a brave space takes courage, a willingness to be vulnerable, an openness to constructive criticism, and a centering of empathy. The goal? To create an environment, a home for your clear thinking and good writing.
In 2024 we underwent a training and audit with BluePath provided by the Eastern Oregon Visitors Association to ensure our event space is fully accessible to those with disabilities.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access (DEIA)
Fishtrap’s commitment to “clear thinking” in our mission statement challenges us to center diversity, equity, inclusion, and access in all our work, and to continue to seek out areas where we need to learn and grow in this effort. Fishtrap is committed to addressing equity issues through evaluation of our programming and education for staff and leadership. We require all staff, board members, volunteers, teaching artists, paid contractors, and writing workshop registrants to read and sign a code of conduct that addresses equity and inclusion.
We actively seek faculty and speakers from diverse backgrounds to ensure representation for all students. Our entire community benefits from the opportunities provided to engage with diverse authors, leading thinkers, and artists.
In 2024 we underwent a training and audit with BluePath provided by the Eastern Oregon Visitors Association to ensure our event space is fully accessible to those with disabilities. Our space is now listed on the BluePath map as a fully accessible space.
Additionally, we recognize that Wallowa County is located in the historic home of the Nez Perce people. Fishtrap is part of a network of local nonprofit organizations that are working together to better educate ourselves and the people we serve about Nez Perce history, as well as to create opportunities that bring native peoples back to their homeland.
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