welcome to second space

About Us

Second Space (2ndsp) is a non-partisan, student-led group that hosts in-person discussions about social issues. Our aim is to encourage students to express opinions and ask questions without fear of being 'too ignorant' or unqualified to speak.

Our good-faith principle: speakers aren't here to offend, as much as listeners aren't here to be offended. 

Although not mutually exclusive with safe spaces, Second Space emphasises an open space, where diversity of perspective is a matter of course.

So, how does it work?

Our events begin with a topic, usually a subject of the online culture wars. Held in a theatre, attendees are seated in audience chairs, facing the moderators on stage. The purpose is discussion, not debate. The moderators outline key context, and offer testimonials from various perspectives, emphasising 'unpopular' alongside well-represented discourse. 

The discussion then broadens to the attendees, who are invited to raise their hands and take turns to speak. The moderators try to allow as many people as possible the opportunity to share, facilitating an even flow of conversation.

At Second Space, moderators rely on a presumption of innocence: people usually have reasons to believe what they do. We hope attendees are motivated less by a desire to persuade, than to find out what others believe, and why they think what they do. 

Our rationale is this: if I'm missing something, I'd want to know. Show me your perspective, and help me notice my assumptions. You wouldn't let a friend go out with food in their teeth... 

House Rules

Recording at Second Space is strictly forbidden. All students, irrespective of one's identities, stances, or orientations, are welcome to attend.

Based in University College London.