Purpose & Pledge
At BSides Joburg, we believe in fostering a community that’s rich in diversity and open to everyone. We’re committed to creating a friendly, safe, and welcoming environment for all participants, regardless of background. This includes gender, sexual orientation, ability, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and religion (or no religion at all). This code of conduct outlines what we expect from everyone who joins our community, and what happens if someone engages in unacceptable behavior. Together, we can build a positive and enriching experience for everyone involved.
Be excellent to each other (i.e. Don’t be a Doos)
The traditional hacker spirit is often associated with technical prowess and pushing boundaries. However, a lesser-known tenet emphasizes mutual respect and fostering a collaborative environment.
This isn’t just about politeness; it’s about recognizing the immense potential that arises from diverse perspectives and backgrounds working together. By being excellent to one another, we create a space where knowledge flows freely, challenges are tackled effectively, and the collective pursuit of innovation flourishes. This spirit of camaraderie empowers individuals to achieve remarkable things, pushing the boundaries of the digital world not through malicious intent, but through collaboration and a shared passion for exploration and progress.
We want to encourage participants 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.
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.
Expected Behavior
The following behaviors are expected and requested of all community members:
- 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.
- Remember that community event venues may be shared with members of the public; please be respectful to all patrons of these locations.
Unacceptable Behavior
The following behaviors are considered harassment and are unacceptable within our community:
- Violence, threats of violence or violent language directed against another person.
- Sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic, ableist or otherwise discriminatory jokes and language.
- Posting or displaying sexually explicit or violent material.
- Posting or threatening to post other people’s personally identifying information (“doxing”).
- Personal insults, particularly those related to gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, or disability.
- Inappropriate photography or recording.
- Inappropriate physical contact. You should have someone’s consent before touching them.
- Unwelcome sexual attention. This includes, sexualized comments or jokes; inappropriate touching, groping, and unwelcomed sexual advances.
- Deliberate intimidation, stalking or following (online or in person).
- Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behavior.
- Sustained disruption of community events, including talks and presentations.
Enforcement
Unacceptable behavior is not tolerated from anyone, regardless of their role in the community, including sponsors or those with decision-making authority. This includes behavior that disrupts the event, creates a hostile environment, or is considered harassment.
Anyone asked to stop such behavior must comply immediately.
Community organizers and event organizers reserve the right to take appropriate action, including temporary bans, permanent expulsion, or removal from the event without warning or refund, to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all.
This code applies to all event venues and event-related social activities.
Reporting Guidelines
If you are subject to or witness unacceptable behavior, or have any other concerns, please notify a community organizer as soon as possible. Additionally, community organizers are available to help community members engage with local law enforcement or to otherwise help those experiencing unacceptable behavior feel safe. In the context of in-person events, organizers will also provide escorts as desired by the person experiencing distress.
Scope
This code applies to everyone involved in our community, including contributors (paid or volunteer), sponsors, guests, and anyone interacting with the community on its behalf. It applies to all official online and in-person spaces, as well as any one-on-one communication related to community business.
This includes situations outside of official community activities if the behavior could negatively impact the safety and well-being of our members.
Contact info
The organizers can be reached at organizers [at] bsidesjoburg.co.za
License & Attribution
Portions of text derived from Django Code of Conduct, DevConf and CC Open Source Code of Conduct
