Resources: http://geekfeminism.wikia.com/wiki/Code_of_conduct_evaluations
- Why have one?
- To have a visible policy in place before an incident occurs
- To let it be known that there will be consequences to violations
- To let speakers, attendees, sponsors, and anyone else within a community know that there is an expectation of maintaining a certain level of professional conduct at all times related to the event, including before/during/after, and in related communications
- What is its purpose?
- To help marginalized people feel welcome
- To provide a guideline for action when (not if) incidents occur
- To demonstrate the scope of the policy
- To document potential interventions
- What does it look like?
- Include specific examples of inappropriate behavior
- Roleplay exercise in finding where people’s comfort zone/personal space is.
Resources: http://geekfeminism.wikia.com/wiki/Conference_anti-harassment/Higher_risk_activities
- Be visible in person and online
- Consider wearing a signifier that you are someone who can be approached in-person for things like this
- Have dedicated operators for IRC channel(s)
- Have moderation for group's comments/posts
- Make your code of conduct visible in person and online
- Put it prominently on your website
- Consider linking to it in the details of every gathering
- Mention it at the opening of every meeting
- Consider having a copy on hand
- Anatomy of a code of conduct violation
- Some says something offensive, sexist, racist, homophobic or transphobic, body-shaming, etc that makes someone else uncomfortable enough to feel unsafe or like they were verbally attacked.
- Someone says something that is violent in nature against other people.
- Someone says something incredibly harassing in nature.
- Someone will not stop following another person, to the point of them fearing for their safety.
- Someone makes physical or sexual advances and doesn't stop when told no, or wasn't given permission to have contact in that way in the first place.
Would be awesome to have a sample reporting form
- When someone makes a report
- When something happens publicly
- When you find out about it after the fact
Would be awesome to have sample reporting guidelines and response templates for first contact with a reporter, final report, responding to reporter
- Consider implementing reporting guidelines
- As much as possible, involve another incident response person
- In person
- Take any necessary action to mitigate immediate safety risks
- Give the reporter whatever they need to feel more secure and comfortable
- Private space to be alone, to bring a friend with them while they make a report, food or water, etc.
- Over email
- Take any necessary action to mitigate immediate safety risks
- Acknowledge receipt
- Follow up materials for take-home reading?
- How to get help if attendees get stuck or need more advice and support