Ddevault/conduct

Draft: TechInc code of conduct

Rationale

TechInc should be a place which is welcoming and safe for everyone.

The proposed draft is limited to describing principles that we should all generally agree with, and aims to be relatively uncontroversial. Its purpose is to provide a document that explains what kind of behavior we expect from members, and that members can point to when someone steps over the line. Additionally, it lays out a stronger framework for the Dispute committee to use to handle complaints about member behavior, so that disputes are subject to an agreed-upon and publicly stated policy regarding acceptable behavior rather than the individual committee member's personal judgement.

The actual text is adapted from a number of sources for FOSS CoC's in the wild, and the main adaptations are loosening some restrictions so that the professionalism which is expected in free software projects is lightened up in deference to TechInc's nature as a social, relaxed space. I kept it simple, short, and straightforward: we should all be able to agree on the points outlined here.

Alternative names

"Code of Conduct" has unfortunately become a bit of an inciting phrase, so, alternatively:

• Community norms
• Community guidelines
• Be excellent to each other

Feel free to add your own ideas if you were sent this draft.

Code of Conduct

In accordance with the hacker's creed of "all creatures welcome", members and visitors strive to make TechInc a welcoming space for members and guests during their visit to our space, and when representing the space elsewhere. We aim to respect interpersonal differences in age, body size, visible or invisible disability, ethnicity, sex characteristics, gender identity and expression, level of experience, education, socio-economic status, nationality, personal appearance, race, caste, color, religion, or sexual identity and orientation.

Standards of behavior

For the purpose of creating a welcoming environment, we encourage members and guests to be kind, welcoming, and patient; open to learning about others' differences; and to share their own experiences and expertise. We encourage discussion and disagreement with respect and the presumption of good faith.

Examples of behaviors which re-enforce our principles include:

• Being empathetic, welcoming, and patient.
• Assuming good faith from others, and acting in good faith yourself.
• Expressing disagreement with respect and compassion.

Behaviors considered unacceptable include:

• Harassment of any kind, particularly on the basis of traits enumerated in the introduction.
• Racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, or other bigoted remarks or behaviors.
• Unwanted sexual advances or remarks.

Enforcement

If you see someone behaving contrary to our shared expectations of good conduct, and you feel safe in so doing, you may tell them how you feel and ask them to stop, or ask others to do so on your behalf. If you are not comfortable doing this, or it does not work, please contact the Dispute committee for assistance. They are experienced mediators of disputes and can seek to remedy the situation informally, or can help you with the process of submitting a formal complaint.