TL;DR
The foundation of our house rules is simple: treat others as you would like to be treated yourself. With patience, respect and empathy.
Across all PublicSpaces projects, events, gatherings and online spaces, we expect everyone to interact with others in a respectful and courteous manner. We embrace the full diversity of people in all its forms, regardless of religion, ethnicity, cultural background, gender, sexual orientation, age, social class, economic status, physical and/or mental ability, or any other characteristic.
Everyone involved in or participating in PublicSpaces projects, events, gatherings and online spaces is expected to be familiar with these house rules and to abide by them. These rules also apply to our online spaces, including mailing lists, forums, chat rooms and any other communication channels.
Respectful Communication
We expect everyone to communicate respectfully. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- Be empathetic in your communication and behaviour. Listen to one another. Be willing to challenge and adjust your own understanding, expectations and behaviour.
- Assume good faith and positive intentions. Be constructive and considerate when offering criticism, and remain open to constructive feedback yourself. Support one another wherever possible.
- Respect the way people identify and describe themselves.
Unacceptable Behaviour
We do not tolerate harassment or discrimination in any form. To illustrate what we consider unacceptable behaviour, the following non-exhaustive list is provided:
- Racist, homophobic, transphobic, misogynistic or otherwise exclusionary, prejudiced or offensive language or behaviour is not welcome.
- Do not harass others. Stalking, physical contact without consent, or unwanted sexual attention, such as staring or following someone, constitute harassment. Pursuing individuals across websites or platforms with the intention of upsetting, intimidating or discouraging them also constitutes harassment. Harassment of any kind will not be tolerated.
- Aggressive or arrogant behaviour is not welcome. Everyone should feel able to ask questions and participate openly.
- Privacy and confidentiality matter. Always ask for permission before filming, photographing or quoting someone, and respect their wishes. Remove images, recordings or other media if requested by someone who appears in them.
- Threats of any kind are unacceptable.
What Happens If These Rules Are Not Followed?
If a situation arises in which these house rules are not respected, you can contact Jantien Borsboom, Director of PublicSpaces, or Cristina Anca Fodor, Board Member of PublicSpaces, via coc@publicspaces.net. During events, you may also approach a member of the organising team (wearing green shirts or stationed at the PublicSpaces stand), who will be able to direct you to the appropriate person. PublicSpaces will investigate reported incidents and take appropriate action where necessary. In serious cases, individuals may be denied access to our events and/or online spaces.
If you have any comments, questions or suggestions regarding these house rules or this Code of Conduct, please contact PublicSpaces at info@publicspaces.net.
With thanks to NLUUG, MCH2022 and MediaWiki, whose codes of conduct helped inform the development of these house rules.