Difference between revisions of "Safer Space Policy"

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=Proposed Safe Space Policy [draft in progress; please edit / amend!]=
'''Relevant Pages:'''
* [[Conflict Resolution Policy]]
* [[Crisis Resources]]
* [[Statement of Solidarity]]
* [[Asked to Leave|Unwelcome Individuals]]
* [[Closing|Closing the Omni]]


==1.‭ ‬Purpose==
==1.‭ ‬Purpose==


A‭ ‬primary‭ ‬goal‭ ‬of‭ The Omni‭ ‬is‭ ‬to‭ ‬be‭ ‬inclusive‭ ‬of‭ ‬the‭ ‬largest‭ ‬number‭ ‬of‭ ‬contributors,‭ ‬with‭ ‬the‭ ‬most‭ ‬varied‭ ‬and‭ ‬diverse‭ ‬backgrounds‭ ‬possible.‭ ‬As‭ ‬such,‭ ‬we‭ ‬are‭ ‬committed‭ ‬to‭ ‬providing‭ ‬a‭ ‬friendly,‭ ‬safe‭ ‬and‭ ‬welcoming‭ ‬environment‭ ‬for‭ ‬all,‭ ‬regardless‭ ‬of‭ ‬gender,‭ ‬sexual‭ ‬orientation,‭ ‬ability,‭ ‬ethnicity,‭ ‬socioeconomic‭ ‬status,‭ ‬and‭ ‬religion‭ (‬or‭ ‬lack‭ ‬thereof‭)‬.‭
A‭ ‬primary‭ ‬goal‭ ‬of‭ The Omni‭ ‬is‭ ‬to‭ ‬be‭ ‬inclusive‭ ‬of‭ ‬the‭ ‬largest‭ ‬number‭ ‬of‭ ‬contributors,‭ ‬with‭ ‬the‭ ‬most‭ ‬varied‭ ‬and‭ ‬diverse‭ ‬backgrounds‭ ‬possible.‭ ‬As‭ ‬such,‭ ‬we‭ ‬are‭ ‬committed‭ ‬to‭ ‬providing‭ ‬a‭ ‬friendly,‭ ‬safe‭ ‬and‭ ‬welcoming‭ ‬environment‭ ‬for‭ ‬all,‭ ‬especially with regard to race,‭ ‬gender,‭ ‬sexual‭ ‬orientation,‭ ‬ability,‭ ‬ethnicity,‭ ‬socioeconomic‭ ‬status,‭ ‬and‭ ‬religion‭ (‬or‭ ‬lack‭ ‬thereof‭)‬.‭


This‭ ‬code‭ ‬of‭ ‬conduct‭ ‬outlines‭ ‬our‭ ‬expectations‭ ‬for‭ ‬all‭ ‬those‭ ‬who‭ ‬participate‭ ‬in‭ ‬our‭ ‬community,‭ ‬as‭ ‬well‭ ‬as‭ ‬the‭ ‬consequences‭ ‬for‭ ‬unacceptable‭ ‬behavior.  
This‭ ‬code‭ ‬of‭ ‬conduct‭ ‬outlines‭ ‬our‭ ‬expectations‭ ‬for‭ ‬all‭ ‬those‭ ‬who‭ ‬participate‭ ‬in‭ ‬our‭ ‬community,‭ ‬as‭ ‬well‭ ‬as‭ ‬the‭ ‬consequences‭ ‬for‭ ‬unacceptable‭ ‬behavior.  


This policy is instated in recognition and rejection of rape culture as the status quo. Rape culture is that in which sexual assault and other forms of sexual violence are condoned, excused and even encouraged. Rape culture is part of a broader culture of violence, wherein people are socialized to inhabit different positions in hierarchical relationships, to commodify their fellow human beings, and to relate to each other through violence and coercion. It is also rooted in broader systems of oppression such as patriarchy, white supremacy, capitalism, homophobia, transphobia and colonialism and is not separable from them in how and why it is perpetrated, experienced, and dealt with.
This policy is instituted in recognition and rejection of rape culture as the status quo. Rape culture is that in which sexual assault and other forms of sexual violence are condoned, excused and even encouraged. Rape culture is part of a broader culture of violence, wherein people are socialized to inhabit different positions in hierarchical relationships, to commodify their fellow human beings, and to relate to each other through violence and coercion. It is also rooted in broader systems of oppression such as patriarchy, white supremacy, capitalism, homophobia, transphobia and colonialism and is not separable from them in how and why it is perpetrated, experienced, and dealt with.
[ taken directly from http://www.anarchistbookfair.net/saferspace ]


We‭ ‬invite‭ ‬all‭ ‬those‭ ‬who‭ ‬participate‭ ‬in‭ ‬The Omni ‬to‭ ‬help‭ ‬us‭ ‬create‭ ‬safe‭ ‬and‭ ‬positive‭ ‬experiences‭ ‬for‭ ‬everyone.
We‭ ‬invite‭ ‬all‭ ‬those‭ ‬who‭ ‬participate‭ ‬in‭ ‬The Omni ‬to‭ ‬help‭ ‬us‭ ‬create‭ ‬safe‭ ‬and‭ ‬positive‭ ‬experiences‭ ‬for‭ ‬everyone by seeking:
 
[need to edit below. taken directly from http://www.generationfive.org/the-issue/transformative-justice/]


*Safety, healing, and agency for survivors
*Safety, healing, and agency for survivors
Line 18: Line 22:
*Transformation of the social conditions that perpetuate violence – systems of oppression and exploitation, domination, and state violence
*Transformation of the social conditions that perpetuate violence – systems of oppression and exploitation, domination, and state violence


==2.‎ ‏Open‭ ‬Citizenship==
[taken directly from http://www.generationfive.org/the-issue/transformative-justice/]
 
==2.‎ ‏Open‭ ‬Participation==


A‭ ‬supplemental‭ ‬goal‭ ‬of‭ ‬this‭ ‬Code‭ ‬of‭ ‬Conduct‭ ‬is‭ ‬to‭ ‬increase‭ ‬open‭ ‬citizenship‭ ‬by‭ ‬encouraging‭ ‬participants‭ ‬to‭ ‬recognize‭ ‬and‭ ‬strengthen‭ ‬the‭ ‬relationships‭ ‬between‭ ‬our‭ ‬actions‭ ‬and‭ ‬their‭ ‬effects‭ ‬on‭ ‬our‭ ‬community.
A‭ ‬supplemental‭ ‬goal‭ ‬of‭ ‬this‭ ‬Code‭ ‬of‭ ‬Conduct‭ ‬is‭ ‬to‭ ‬increase‭ ‬open‭ ‬participation‭ ‬by‭ ‬encouraging‭ ‬everyone to‭ ‬recognize‭ ‬and‭ ‬strengthen‭ ‬the‭ ‬relationships‭ ‬between‭ ‬our‭ ‬actions‭ ‬and‭ ‬their‭ ‬effects‭ ‬on‭ ‬our‭ ‬community.


Communities mirror the societies in which they exist and positive action is essential to counteract the many forms of inequality and abuses of power that exist in society.
Communities mirror the societies in which they exist and positive action is essential to counteract the many forms of inequality and abuses of power that exist in society.


If‭ ‬you‭ ‬see‭ ‬someone‭ ‬who‭ ‬is‭ ‬making‭ ‬an‭ ‬extra‭ ‬effort‭ ‬to‭ ‬ensure‭ ‬our‭ ‬community‭ ‬is‭ ‬welcoming,‭ ‬friendly,‭ ‬and‭ ‬encourages‭ ‬all‭ ‬participants‭ ‬to‭ ‬contribute‭ ‬to‭ ‬the‭ ‬fullest‭ ‬extent,‭ ‬we‭ ‬want‭ ‬to‭ ‬know.
We encourage everyone to participate by‭ ‬ensuring‭ ‬our‭ ‬community‭ ‬is‭ ‬welcoming and friendly.
 
==3.‎ Safer Space Code of Conduct ==


==3.‎ ‏Expected‭ ‬Behavior==
===‏Expected‭ ‬Behavior===


Participate‭ ‬in‭ ‬an‭ ‬authentic‭ ‬and‭ ‬active‭ ‬way.‭ ‬In‭ ‬doing‭ ‬so,‭ ‬you‭ ‬contribute‭ ‬to‭ ‬the‭ ‬health‭ ‬and‭ ‬longevity‭ ‬of‭ ‬this‭ ‬community.
Rather than call-outs, the Omni supports a culture of calling people in to a greater understanding of the intersecting systems of oppression that affect us all. We strive to support each other's growth and learning and acknowledge that we all make mistakes. The Omni seeks conflict resolution strategies that are both transformative as well as honor the needs of survivors. We are not experts at this but we are committed to identifying resources for continued self-education.
Exercise‭ ‬consideration‭ ‬and‭ ‬respect‭ ‬in‭ ‬your‭ ‬speech‭ ‬and‭ ‬actions.
Attempt‭ ‬collaboration‭ ‬before‭ ‬conflict.
Refrain‭ ‬from‭ ‬demeaning,‭ ‬discriminatory,‭ ‬or‭ ‬harassing‭ ‬behavior‭ ‬and‭ ‬speech.
Rather than calling out, the OMNI supports a culture of calling people in to a greater understanding of the intersecting systems of oppression that affect us all. We strive to support each other's growth and learning and acknowledge that we all make mistakes.
Be‭ ‬mindful‭ ‬of‭ ‬your‭ ‬surroundings‭ ‬and‭ ‬of‭ ‬your‭ ‬fellow‭ ‬participants.‭ ‬Alert‭ ‬community‭ ‬leaders‭ ‬if‭ ‬you‭ ‬notice‭ ‬a‭ ‬dangerous‭ ‬situation,‭ ‬someone‭ ‬in‭ ‬distress,‭ ‬or‭ ‬violations‭ ‬of‭ ‬this‭ ‬Code‭ ‬of‭ ‬Conduct,‭ ‬even‭ ‬if‭ ‬they‭ ‬seem‭ ‬inconsequential.


==4.‎ ‏Unacceptable‭ ‬Behavior==
*Participate‭ ‬in‭ ‬an‭ ‬authentic‭ ‬and‭ ‬active‭ ‬way.‭ ‬In‭ ‬doing‭ ‬so,‭ ‬you‭ ‬contribute‭ ‬to‭ ‬the‭ ‬health‭ ‬and‭ ‬longevity‭ ‬of‭ ‬this‭ ‬community.
*Exercise‭ ‬consideration‭ ‬and‭ ‬respect‭ ‬in‭ ‬your‭ ‬speech‭ ‬and‭ ‬actions.
*Attempt‭ ‬collaboration‭ ‬before‭ ‬conflict.
*Refrain‭ ‬from‭ ‬demeaning,‭ ‬discriminatory,‭ ‬or‭ ‬harassing‭ ‬behavior‭ ‬and‭ ‬speech.
*Be‭ ‬mindful‭ ‬of‭ ‬your‭ ‬surroundings‭ ‬and‭ ‬of‭ ‬your‭ ‬fellow‭ ‬participants.‭ ‬Alert‭ ‬community‭ ‬leaders‭ ‬if‭ ‬you‭ ‬notice‭ ‬a‭ ‬dangerous‭ ‬situation,‭ ‬someone‭ ‬in‭ ‬distress,‭ ‬or‭ ‬violations‭ ‬of‭ ‬this‭ ‬Code‭ ‬of‭ ‬Conduct,‭ ‬even‭ ‬if‭ ‬they‭ ‬seem‭ ‬inconsequential.
 
===Unacceptable‭ ‬Behavior===


Unacceptable‭ ‬behaviors‭ ‬include:‭ ‬intimidating,‭ ‬harassing,‭ ‬abusive,‭ ‬discriminatory,‭ ‬derogatory‭ ‬or‭ ‬demeaning‭ ‬speech‭ ‬or‭ ‬actions‭ ‬by‭ ‬any‭ ‬participant‭ ‬in‭ ‬our‭ ‬community‭ ‬online,‭ ‬at‭ ‬all‭ ‬related‭ ‬events‭ ‬and‭ ‬in‭ ‬one-on-one‭ ‬communications‭ ‬carried‭ ‬out‭ ‬in‭ ‬the‭ ‬context‭ ‬of‭ ‬community‭ ‬business.‭ ‬Community‭ ‬event‭ ‬venues‭ ‬may‭ ‬be‭ ‬shared‭ ‬with‭ ‬members‭ ‬of‭ ‬the‭ ‬public‭; ‬please‭ ‬be‭ ‬respectful‭ ‬to‭ ‬all‭ ‬patrons‭ ‬of‭ ‬these‭ ‬locations.
Unacceptable‭ ‬behaviors‭ ‬include:‭ ‬intimidating,‭ ‬harassing,‭ ‬abusive,‭ ‬discriminatory,‭ ‬derogatory‭ ‬or‭ ‬demeaning‭ ‬speech‭ ‬or‭ ‬actions‭ ‬by‭ ‬any‭ ‬participant‭ ‬in‭ ‬our‭ ‬community‭ ‬online,‭ ‬at‭ ‬all‭ ‬related‭ ‬events‭ ‬and‭ ‬in‭ ‬one-on-one‭ ‬communications‭ ‬carried‭ ‬out‭ ‬in‭ ‬the‭ ‬context‭ ‬of‭ ‬community‭ ‬business.‭ ‬Community‭ ‬event‭ ‬venues‭ ‬may‭ ‬be‭ ‬shared‭ ‬with‭ ‬members‭ ‬of‭ ‬the‭ ‬public‭; ‬please‭ ‬be‭ ‬respectful‭ ‬to‭ ‬all‭ ‬patrons‭ ‬of‭ ‬these‭ ‬locations.


Harassment includes but is not limited to:
These are some examples of unacceptable behavior. This list is by no means exhaustive. Harassment includes but is not limited to:


*Offensive comments related to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, mental illness, neuro(a)typicality, physical appearance, body size, race, or religion
*Offensive comments related to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, mental illness, neuro(a)typicality, physical appearance, body size, race, or religion
Line 57: Line 66:
*Deliberate “outing” of any aspect of a person’s identity or history of trauma without their consent except as necessary to protect vulnerable people from intentional abuse
*Deliberate “outing” of any aspect of a person’s identity or history of trauma without their consent except as necessary to protect vulnerable people from intentional abuse
*Publication of non-harassing private communication
*Publication of non-harassing private communication
 
<br>
The Omni prioritizes marginalized people’s safety over privileged people’s comfort. RESPONSE GROUP will not act on complaints regarding:
The Omni prioritizes marginalized people’s safety over privileged people’s comfort. The following are NOT sufficient grounds for a complaint by themselves:


*‘Reverse’ -isms, including ‘reverse racism,’ ‘reverse sexism,’ and ‘cisphobia’
*‘Reverse’ -isms, including ‘reverse racism,’ ‘reverse sexism,’ and ‘cisphobia’
Line 65: Line 74:
*Criticizing racist, sexist, cissexist, or otherwise oppressive behavior or assumptions
*Criticizing racist, sexist, cissexist, or otherwise oppressive behavior or assumptions


==5.‎ ‏Consequences‭ ‬of‭ ‬Unacceptable‭ ‬Behavior==
==4.‎ ‏Consequences‭ ‬of‭ ‬Unacceptable‭ ‬Behavior==


Unacceptable‭ ‬behavior‭ ‬from‭ ‬any‭ ‬community‭ ‬member,‭ ‬including‭ ‬sponsors‭ ‬and‭ ‬those‭ ‬with‭ ‬decision-making‭ ‬authority,‭ ‬will‭ ‬not‭ ‬be‭ ‬tolerated.
Unacceptable‭ ‬behavior‭ ‬from‭ ‬any‭one at the Omni,‭ ‬including‭ ‬sponsors‭ ‬and‭ ‬those‭ ‬with‭ ‬decision-making‭ ‬authority,‭ ‬will‭ ‬not‭ ‬be‭ ‬tolerated.


Anyone‭ ‬asked‭ ‬to‭ ‬stop‭ ‬unacceptable‭ ‬behavior‭ ‬is‭ ‬expected‭ ‬to‭ ‬comply‭ ‬immediately.
Anyone‭ ‬asked‭ ‬to‭ ‬stop‭ ‬unacceptable‭ ‬behavior‭ ‬is‭ ‬expected‭ ‬to‭ ‬comply‭ ‬immediately.
If‭ ‬a‭ ‬community‭ ‬member‭ ‬engages‭ ‬in‭ ‬unacceptable‭ ‬behavior,‭ ‬the‭ ‬community‭ ‬organizers‭ ‬may‭ ‬take‭ ‬any‭ ‬action‭ ‬they‭ ‬deem‭ ‬appropriate. In cases where a members' safety is at risk, a temporary ban may be put in place until the OMNI's conflict resolution process can be followed to resolution. ‬
If‭ ‬someone‭ ‬engages‭ ‬in‭ ‬unacceptable‭ ‬behavior,‭ anyone at the Omni‬‭ should feel empowered to take action to address the situation (i.e., talk to the person involved, point out violent or threatening behavior, ask them to leave the space, etc.). In cases where someone's safety is at risk, a temporary ban may be put in place until the Omni's conflict resolution process can be followed to resolution. ‬


***suggested addendum from Brel:
<!-- ***suggested addendum from Brel:
"If one collective within the Omni Collective bans someone, this ban must be respected by other collectives within Omni, as well as by the collective as a whole. this is to guarantee the safety needs of individual collectives and the larger collective. It is the responsibility of individual collectives to inform the community of such bans.
"If one collective within the Omni Collective bans someone, this ban must be respected by other collectives within Omni, as well as by the collective as a whole. this is to guarantee the safety needs of individual collectives and the larger collective. It is the responsibility of individual collectives to inform the community of such bans. -->


==6.‎ ‏If‭ ‬You‭ ‬Witness‭ ‬or‭ ‬Are‭ ‬Subject‭ ‬to‭ ‬Unacceptable‭ ‬Behavior==
==5.‎ ‏If‭ ‬You‭ ‬Witness‭ ‬or‭ ‬Are‭ ‬Subject‭ ‬to‭ ‬Unacceptable‭ ‬Behavior==


If‭ ‬you‭ ‬are‭ ‬subject‭ ‬to‭ ‬or‭ ‬witness‭ ‬unacceptable‭ ‬behavior,‭ ‬or‭ ‬have‭ ‬any‭ ‬other‭ ‬concerns,‭ ‬please‭ ‬notify‭ ‬a‭ ‬community‭ ‬organizer‭ ‬as‭ ‬soon‭ ‬as‭ ‬possible.‭ [‬CONTACT‭_‬INFO‭_‬HERE‭]
This section needs to be fleshed out more - please see it as a draft in progress.
 
* Everyone should feel empowered to confront aggressive individuals, but we recommend that you do not approach a potentially violent conflict without another community member, preferably a core organizer, co-present.
 
* If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe for any reason, we encourage you to contact the CDC / Safe Space working group at cdc@lists.omnicommons.org. The confidentiality of any communications sent to this address will be respected and protected (However, if you do wish anything sent to this address to be publicized or distributed, let us know.)
 
The Omni recognizes that keeping survivors safe means respecting their wishes with regards to privacy and confidentiality.


Additionally,‭ ‬community‭ ‬organizers‭ ‬are‭ ‬available‭ ‬to‭ ‬help‭ ‬community‭ ‬members‭‭ ‬experiencing‭ ‬unacceptable‭ ‬behavior‭ ‬feel‭ ‬safe.‭ ‬In‭ ‬the‭ ‬context‭ ‬of‭ ‬in-person‭ ‬events,‭ ‬organizers‭ ‬will‭ ‬also‭ ‬provide‭ ‬escorts‭ ‬as‭ ‬desired‭ ‬by‭ ‬the‭ ‬person‭ ‬experiencing‭ ‬distress. If desired, the community organizers can help the parties access conflict resolution resources.
Additionally,‭ ‬community‭ ‬organizers‭ ‬are‭ ‬available‭ ‬to‭ ‬help‭ ‬community‭ ‬members‭‭ ‬experiencing‭ ‬unacceptable‭ ‬behavior‭ ‬feel‭ ‬safe.‭ ‬In‭ ‬the‭ ‬context‭ ‬of‭ ‬in-person‭ ‬events,‭ ‬organizers‭ ‬will‭ ‬also‭ ‬provide‭ ‬escorts‭ ‬as‭ ‬desired‭ ‬by‭ ‬the‭ ‬person‭ ‬experiencing‭ ‬distress. If desired, the community organizers can help the parties access conflict resolution resources.


==7.‎ ‏Addressing‭ ‬Grievances==
==6.‎ ‏Addressing‭ ‬Grievances==


If‭ ‬you‭ ‬feel‭ ‬you‭ ‬have‭ ‬been‭ ‬falsely‭ ‬or‭ ‬unfairly‭ ‬accused‭ ‬of‭ ‬violating‭ ‬this‭ ‬Code‭ ‬of‭ ‬Conduct,‭ ‬you‭ ‬should‭ ‬notify‭ ‬GOVERNING‭_‬BODY‭ ‬with‭ ‬a‭ ‬concise‭ ‬description‭ ‬of‭ ‬your‭ ‬grievance.‭ ‬Your‭ ‬grievance‭ ‬will‭ ‬be‭ ‬handled‭ ‬in‭ ‬accordance‭ ‬with‭ ‬our‭ ‬existing‭ ‬[[Conflict_Resolution_Policy|conflict resolution policy]].‭
If‭ ‬you‭ ‬feel‭ ‬you‭ ‬have‭ ‬been‭ ‬falsely‭ ‬or‭ ‬unfairly‭ ‬accused‭ ‬of‭ ‬violating‭ ‬this‭ ‬Code‭ ‬of‭ ‬Conduct,‭ ‬you‭ ‬should‭ ‬notify‭ ‬the CDC working group with‭ ‬a‭ ‬concise‭ ‬description‭ ‬of‭ ‬your‭ ‬grievance.‭ ‬Your‭ ‬grievance‭ ‬will‭ ‬be‭ ‬handled‭ ‬in‭ ‬accordance‭ ‬with‭ ‬our‭ ‬existing‭ ‬[[Conflict_Resolution_Policy|conflict resolution policy]].‭


==8.‎ ‏Scope==
==7.‎ ‏Scope==


We‭ ‬expect‭ ‬all‭ ‬community‭ ‬participants‭ (‬contributors,‭ ‬paid‭ ‬or‭ ‬otherwise‭; ‬sponsors‭; ‬and‭ ‬other‭ ‬guests‭) ‬to‭ ‬abide‭ ‬by‭ ‬this‭ ‬Code‭ ‬of‭ ‬Conduct‭ ‬in‭ ‬all‭ ‬community‭ ‬venues‭—‬online‭ ‬and‭ ‬in-person‭—‬as‭ ‬well‭ ‬as‭ ‬in‭ ‬all‭ ‬one-on-one‭ ‬communications‭ ‬pertaining‭ ‬to‭ ‬community‭ ‬business.
We‭ ‬expect‭ ‬all‭ ‬community‭ ‬participants‭ (‬contributors,‭ ‬paid‭ ‬or‭ ‬otherwise‭; ‬sponsors‭; ‬and‭ ‬other‭ ‬guests‭) ‬to‭ ‬abide‭ ‬by‭ ‬this‭ ‬Code‭ ‬of‭ ‬Conduct‭ ‬in‭ ‬all‭ ‬community‭ ‬venues‭—‬online‭ ‬and‭ ‬in-person‭—‬as‭ ‬well‭ ‬as‭ ‬in‭ ‬all‭ ‬one-on-one‭ ‬communications‭ ‬pertaining‭ ‬to‭ ‬community‭ ‬business.


==9.‎ ‏Contact‭ ‬info==
==8.‎ ‏Contact‭ ‬info==
 
Please contact the CDC working group:
cdc@lists.omnicommons.org
 
==9.‎ ‏License‭ ‬and‭ ‬attribution==
Portions of the Omni Oakland Commons Safe Space policy were sourced from:
*** Sudo Room hackerspace (OOC member entity)
*** New York Anarchist Bookfair
*** Generation 5
 
 
 
This‭ Safe Space policy ‬is‭ ‬distributed‭ ‬under‭ ‬a‭ ‬Creative‭ ‬Commons‭ ‬Attribution-ShareAlike‭ ‬license.


‎[‏YOUR‭ ‬CONTACT‭ ‬INFO‭ ‬HERE‭ ‬--‭ ‬this‭ ‬should‭ ‬be‭ ‬a‭ ‬single‭ ‬person‭ ‬or‭ ‬a‭ ‬small‭ ‬team‭ ‬who‭ ‬can‭ ‬respond‭ ‬to‭ ‬issues‭ ‬directly‭]
=On Revers-isms=


==10.‎ ‏License‭ ‬and‭ ‬attribution==
==Resources==


This‭ ‬Code‭ ‬of‭ ‬Conduct‭ ‬is‭ ‬distributed‭ ‬under‭ ‬a‭ ‬Creative‭ ‬Commons‭ ‬Attribution-ShareAlike‭ ‬license.
* http://www.cjournal.info/2013/04/24/reverse-isms-an-oppressive-myth/
* http://imaginenoborders.org/pdf/zines/UnderstandingPatriarchy.pdf

Latest revision as of 22:58, 11 February 2015

Relevant Pages:

1.‭ ‬Purpose

A‭ ‬primary‭ ‬goal‭ ‬of‭ The Omni‭ ‬is‭ ‬to‭ ‬be‭ ‬inclusive‭ ‬of‭ ‬the‭ ‬largest‭ ‬number‭ ‬of‭ ‬contributors,‭ ‬with‭ ‬the‭ ‬most‭ ‬varied‭ ‬and‭ ‬diverse‭ ‬backgrounds‭ ‬possible.‭ ‬As‭ ‬such,‭ ‬we‭ ‬are‭ ‬committed‭ ‬to‭ ‬providing‭ ‬a‭ ‬friendly,‭ ‬safe‭ ‬and‭ ‬welcoming‭ ‬environment‭ ‬for‭ ‬all,‭ ‬especially with regard to race,‭ ‬gender,‭ ‬sexual‭ ‬orientation,‭ ‬ability,‭ ‬ethnicity,‭ ‬socioeconomic‭ ‬status,‭ ‬and‭ ‬religion‭ (‬or‭ ‬lack‭ ‬thereof‭)‬.‭

This‭ ‬code‭ ‬of‭ ‬conduct‭ ‬outlines‭ ‬our‭ ‬expectations‭ ‬for‭ ‬all‭ ‬those‭ ‬who‭ ‬participate‭ ‬in‭ ‬our‭ ‬community,‭ ‬as‭ ‬well‭ ‬as‭ ‬the‭ ‬consequences‭ ‬for‭ ‬unacceptable‭ ‬behavior.

This policy is instituted in recognition and rejection of rape culture as the status quo. Rape culture is that in which sexual assault and other forms of sexual violence are condoned, excused and even encouraged. Rape culture is part of a broader culture of violence, wherein people are socialized to inhabit different positions in hierarchical relationships, to commodify their fellow human beings, and to relate to each other through violence and coercion. It is also rooted in broader systems of oppression such as patriarchy, white supremacy, capitalism, homophobia, transphobia and colonialism and is not separable from them in how and why it is perpetrated, experienced, and dealt with. [ taken directly from http://www.anarchistbookfair.net/saferspace ]

We‭ ‬invite‭ ‬all‭ ‬those‭ ‬who‭ ‬participate‭ ‬in‭ ‬The Omni ‬to‭ ‬help‭ ‬us‭ ‬create‭ ‬safe‭ ‬and‭ ‬positive‭ ‬experiences‭ ‬for‭ ‬everyone by seeking:

  • Safety, healing, and agency for survivors
  • Accountability and transformation for people who harm
  • Community action, healing, and accountability
  • Transformation of the social conditions that perpetuate violence – systems of oppression and exploitation, domination, and state violence

[taken directly from http://www.generationfive.org/the-issue/transformative-justice/]

2.‎ ‏Open‭ ‬Participation

A‭ ‬supplemental‭ ‬goal‭ ‬of‭ ‬this‭ ‬Code‭ ‬of‭ ‬Conduct‭ ‬is‭ ‬to‭ ‬increase‭ ‬open‭ ‬participation‭ ‬by‭ ‬encouraging‭ ‬everyone to‭ ‬recognize‭ ‬and‭ ‬strengthen‭ ‬the‭ ‬relationships‭ ‬between‭ ‬our‭ ‬actions‭ ‬and‭ ‬their‭ ‬effects‭ ‬on‭ ‬our‭ ‬community.

Communities mirror the societies in which they exist and positive action is essential to counteract the many forms of inequality and abuses of power that exist in society.

We encourage everyone to participate by‭ ‬ensuring‭ ‬our‭ ‬community‭ ‬is‭ ‬welcoming and friendly.

3.‎ Safer Space Code of Conduct

‏Expected‭ ‬Behavior

Rather than call-outs, the Omni supports a culture of calling people in to a greater understanding of the intersecting systems of oppression that affect us all. We strive to support each other's growth and learning and acknowledge that we all make mistakes. The Omni seeks conflict resolution strategies that are both transformative as well as honor the needs of survivors. We are not experts at this but we are committed to identifying resources for continued self-education.

  • Participate‭ ‬in‭ ‬an‭ ‬authentic‭ ‬and‭ ‬active‭ ‬way.‭ ‬In‭ ‬doing‭ ‬so,‭ ‬you‭ ‬contribute‭ ‬to‭ ‬the‭ ‬health‭ ‬and‭ ‬longevity‭ ‬of‭ ‬this‭ ‬community.
  • Exercise‭ ‬consideration‭ ‬and‭ ‬respect‭ ‬in‭ ‬your‭ ‬speech‭ ‬and‭ ‬actions.
  • Attempt‭ ‬collaboration‭ ‬before‭ ‬conflict.
  • Refrain‭ ‬from‭ ‬demeaning,‭ ‬discriminatory,‭ ‬or‭ ‬harassing‭ ‬behavior‭ ‬and‭ ‬speech.
  • Be‭ ‬mindful‭ ‬of‭ ‬your‭ ‬surroundings‭ ‬and‭ ‬of‭ ‬your‭ ‬fellow‭ ‬participants.‭ ‬Alert‭ ‬community‭ ‬leaders‭ ‬if‭ ‬you‭ ‬notice‭ ‬a‭ ‬dangerous‭ ‬situation,‭ ‬someone‭ ‬in‭ ‬distress,‭ ‬or‭ ‬violations‭ ‬of‭ ‬this‭ ‬Code‭ ‬of‭ ‬Conduct,‭ ‬even‭ ‬if‭ ‬they‭ ‬seem‭ ‬inconsequential.

Unacceptable‭ ‬Behavior

Unacceptable‭ ‬behaviors‭ ‬include:‭ ‬intimidating,‭ ‬harassing,‭ ‬abusive,‭ ‬discriminatory,‭ ‬derogatory‭ ‬or‭ ‬demeaning‭ ‬speech‭ ‬or‭ ‬actions‭ ‬by‭ ‬any‭ ‬participant‭ ‬in‭ ‬our‭ ‬community‭ ‬online,‭ ‬at‭ ‬all‭ ‬related‭ ‬events‭ ‬and‭ ‬in‭ ‬one-on-one‭ ‬communications‭ ‬carried‭ ‬out‭ ‬in‭ ‬the‭ ‬context‭ ‬of‭ ‬community‭ ‬business.‭ ‬Community‭ ‬event‭ ‬venues‭ ‬may‭ ‬be‭ ‬shared‭ ‬with‭ ‬members‭ ‬of‭ ‬the‭ ‬public‭; ‬please‭ ‬be‭ ‬respectful‭ ‬to‭ ‬all‭ ‬patrons‭ ‬of‭ ‬these‭ ‬locations.

These are some examples of unacceptable behavior. This list is by no means exhaustive. Harassment includes but is not limited to:

  • Offensive comments related to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, mental illness, neuro(a)typicality, physical appearance, body size, race, or religion
  • Unwelcome comments regarding a person’s lifestyle choices and practices, including those related to food, health, parenting, drugs, and employment.
  • Deliberate misgendering or use of ‘dead’ or rejected names
  • Gratuitous or off-topic sexual images or behaviour in spaces where they’re not appropriate
  • Physical contact and simulated physical contact (eg, textual descriptions like “*hug*” or “*backrub*”) without consent or after a request to stop.
  • Threats of violence
  • Incitement of violence towards any individual, including encouraging a person to commit suicide or to engage in self-harm
  • Deliberate intimidation
  • Stalking or following
  • Harassing photography or recording, including logging online activity for harassment purposes
  • Sustained disruption of discussion
  • Unwelcome sexual attention
  • Pattern of inappropriate social contact, such as requesting/assuming inappropriate levels of intimacy with others
  • Continued one-on-one communication after requests to cease
  • Deliberate “outing” of any aspect of a person’s identity or history of trauma without their consent except as necessary to protect vulnerable people from intentional abuse
  • Publication of non-harassing private communication


The Omni prioritizes marginalized people’s safety over privileged people’s comfort. The following are NOT sufficient grounds for a complaint by themselves:

  • ‘Reverse’ -isms, including ‘reverse racism,’ ‘reverse sexism,’ and ‘cisphobia’
  • Reasonable communication of boundaries, such as “leave me alone,” “go away,” or “I’m not discussing this with you.”
  • Communicating in a ‘tone’ you don’t find congenial
  • Criticizing racist, sexist, cissexist, or otherwise oppressive behavior or assumptions

4.‎ ‏Consequences‭ ‬of‭ ‬Unacceptable‭ ‬Behavior

Unacceptable‭ ‬behavior‭ ‬from‭ ‬any‭one at the Omni,‭ ‬including‭ ‬sponsors‭ ‬and‭ ‬those‭ ‬with‭ ‬decision-making‭ ‬authority,‭ ‬will‭ ‬not‭ ‬be‭ ‬tolerated.

Anyone‭ ‬asked‭ ‬to‭ ‬stop‭ ‬unacceptable‭ ‬behavior‭ ‬is‭ ‬expected‭ ‬to‭ ‬comply‭ ‬immediately. If‭ ‬someone‭ ‬engages‭ ‬in‭ ‬unacceptable‭ ‬behavior,‭ anyone at the Omni‬‭ should feel empowered to take action to address the situation (i.e., talk to the person involved, point out violent or threatening behavior, ask them to leave the space, etc.). In cases where someone's safety is at risk, a temporary ban may be put in place until the Omni's conflict resolution process can be followed to resolution. ‬


5.‎ ‏If‭ ‬You‭ ‬Witness‭ ‬or‭ ‬Are‭ ‬Subject‭ ‬to‭ ‬Unacceptable‭ ‬Behavior

This section needs to be fleshed out more - please see it as a draft in progress.

  • Everyone should feel empowered to confront aggressive individuals, but we recommend that you do not approach a potentially violent conflict without another community member, preferably a core organizer, co-present.
  • If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe for any reason, we encourage you to contact the CDC / Safe Space working group at cdc@lists.omnicommons.org. The confidentiality of any communications sent to this address will be respected and protected (However, if you do wish anything sent to this address to be publicized or distributed, let us know.)

The Omni recognizes that keeping survivors safe means respecting their wishes with regards to privacy and confidentiality.

Additionally,‭ ‬community‭ ‬organizers‭ ‬are‭ ‬available‭ ‬to‭ ‬help‭ ‬community‭ ‬members‭‭ ‬experiencing‭ ‬unacceptable‭ ‬behavior‭ ‬feel‭ ‬safe.‭ ‬In‭ ‬the‭ ‬context‭ ‬of‭ ‬in-person‭ ‬events,‭ ‬organizers‭ ‬will‭ ‬also‭ ‬provide‭ ‬escorts‭ ‬as‭ ‬desired‭ ‬by‭ ‬the‭ ‬person‭ ‬experiencing‭ ‬distress. If desired, the community organizers can help the parties access conflict resolution resources.

6.‎ ‏Addressing‭ ‬Grievances

If‭ ‬you‭ ‬feel‭ ‬you‭ ‬have‭ ‬been‭ ‬falsely‭ ‬or‭ ‬unfairly‭ ‬accused‭ ‬of‭ ‬violating‭ ‬this‭ ‬Code‭ ‬of‭ ‬Conduct,‭ ‬you‭ ‬should‭ ‬notify‭ ‬the CDC working group with‭ ‬a‭ ‬concise‭ ‬description‭ ‬of‭ ‬your‭ ‬grievance.‭ ‬Your‭ ‬grievance‭ ‬will‭ ‬be‭ ‬handled‭ ‬in‭ ‬accordance‭ ‬with‭ ‬our‭ ‬existing‭ ‬conflict resolution policy.‭

7.‎ ‏Scope

We‭ ‬expect‭ ‬all‭ ‬community‭ ‬participants‭ (‬contributors,‭ ‬paid‭ ‬or‭ ‬otherwise‭; ‬sponsors‭; ‬and‭ ‬other‭ ‬guests‭) ‬to‭ ‬abide‭ ‬by‭ ‬this‭ ‬Code‭ ‬of‭ ‬Conduct‭ ‬in‭ ‬all‭ ‬community‭ ‬venues‭—‬online‭ ‬and‭ ‬in-person‭—‬as‭ ‬well‭ ‬as‭ ‬in‭ ‬all‭ ‬one-on-one‭ ‬communications‭ ‬pertaining‭ ‬to‭ ‬community‭ ‬business.

8.‎ ‏Contact‭ ‬info

Please contact the CDC working group: cdc@lists.omnicommons.org

9.‎ ‏License‭ ‬and‭ ‬attribution

Portions of the Omni Oakland Commons Safe Space policy were sourced from:

      • Sudo Room hackerspace (OOC member entity)
      • New York Anarchist Bookfair
      • Generation 5


This‭ Safe Space policy ‬is‭ ‬distributed‭ ‬under‭ ‬a‭ ‬Creative‭ ‬Commons‭ ‬Attribution-ShareAlike‭ ‬license.

On Revers-isms

Resources