Building a Community in Trust and Safety

Trust and safety is often misunderstood—seen as reactive, political, or merely procedural. But for those doing the work, it’s something much deeper: a profession built on care, resilience, and community.Charlotte Willner, Executive Director of the Trust and Safety Professional Association (TSPA), joins Katie to share how she got into the field, what it was like writing the first rules of the internet at Facebook, and why building professional support networks is critical to the field’s future.This episode goes beyond tech policy headlines to explore:* The early days of trust and safety before it had a name* Career pivots, burnout, and when it’s time to leave* How AI is changing the work—not replacing it* Why community is essential for people doing invisible labor* The deeper gender and cultural dynamics in caregiving roles like trust and safetyWhether you’re in the field or just trying to understand it better, this episode sheds light on the people and values holding up the internet behind the scenes.Anchor Change with Katie Harbath is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit anchorchange.substack.com/subscribe