OpenAI's release of the gpt-oss-safeguard, an open-weight safety reasoning model, marks a significant step towards democratizing AI safety by allowing developers to implement their own safety policies. This initiative signifies a shift from proprietary safety tools locked within major labs to a community-driven approach, emphasizing transparency and adaptability. While the model's technical infrastructure is open, the policies guiding OpenAI's safety systems remain undisclosed, highlighting a gap between technical transparency and normative openness. The release aligns with open innovation principles and recognizes that safety is context-dependent and requires collaboration with diverse stakeholders. It emphasizes the need for open safety benchmarks, community-developed safeguards, and participatory testing frameworks. By fostering partnerships and community involvement, such as through ROOST and various hackathons, the initiative aims to build a resilient and democratic AI ecosystem that aligns with societal values and expectations.