HtW Code of Conduct and Community Participation Guidelines

PURPOSE
A primary goal of the Hacking the Workforce Community is to be inclusive to the largest number of contributors, with the most varied and diverse backgrounds possible. We put people first and do our best to recognize, appreciate, and respect the diversity of our global contributors. 

As such, we are committed to providing a friendly, safe and welcoming environment for all, regardless of gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, ability, race and/or ethnicity, socio-economic status, age, level of experience, education,  religion (or lack thereof), national origin, or any other dimension of diversity.

Openness, collaboration and participation are core aspects of our work. We gain strength from diversity and actively seek participation from those who enhance it. 

These guidelines aim to support a community where all people should feel safe to participate, introduce new ideas, and inspire others.

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

By joining and using this community, you agree that you have read and will follow these rules and guidelines.  In order to preserve an environment that encourages both respectful  and fruitful dialogue, we reserve the right to suspend or terminate membership in this community for anyone who violates these rules.

We invite all those who participate in the Hacking the Workforce Community to help us create safe and positive experiences for everyone.

OUR PLEDGE

We as members, contributors, and leaders pledge to make participation in our community a friendly, safe, and welcoming experience for everyone.

As such, we have adopted this code of conduct and require all those who participate to agree and adhere to these Community Participation Guidelines in order to help us create a safe and positive community experience for all.

We pledge to act and interact in ways that contribute to an open, welcoming, diverse, inclusive, and healthy community.

OUR STANDARDS

Examples of behavior that contributes to a positive environment for our community include:

  • Leading with goodwill

  • Demonstrating empathy and kindness toward other people. Thinking of others’ needs from their point of view. 

  • Having an open mind - We believe that different perspectives make our work richer and stronger.  This includes being respectful of differing opinions, viewpoints, and experiences.

  • Being respectful of people with different cultural practices, attitudes and beliefs. Using preferred titles (including pronouns). 

  • Always learning - being open to learning from others and hearing ideas that make our own ideas better. Working to eliminate our own biases, prejudices and discriminatory practices. Striving to be an example for inclusive thinking and behavior.

  • Thoughtfully giving and gracefully accepting constructive feedback.

  • Accepting responsibility and apologizing to those affected by our mistakes, and learning from the experience

  • Respecting people’s right to privacy and confidentiality. 

  • Content shared on Slack will not be referenced or quoted outside of Slack without express permission.  This extends especially to journalists and other media content creators.

  • Promotion of products or services should be limited to the “Shameless Plugs” Slack channel. Direct requests for funds are prohibited.

  • Required to use your name - no anonymous participants or organizations only

  • Private Channels are created by Hacking the Workforce staff only. We are open to suggestions.

Examples of unacceptable behavior include:

  • Trolling, insulting, discriminatory or derogatory comments 

  • Personal or political attacks

  • Public or private harassment

  • Posting or threatening to post others’ private information, such as a physical or email address, without their explicit permission

  • The use of sexualized language or imagery, and sexual attention or advances of any kind

  • Requests for payment or funds

  • Other conduct which could reasonably be considered inappropriate in a professional setting

SCOPE

This Code of Conduct applies within all community spaces, and at all HtW hosted events. It also applies when an individual is officially representing the community in public spaces. Examples of representing our community include  acting as an appointed representative at an online or offline event, posting via an official social media account, or using an official email address.

ENFORCEMENT GUIDELINES

HtW leadership will follow these Community Impact Guidelines in determining the consequences for any action they deem in violation of this Code of Conduct:

1. Correction

Community Impact: Use of inappropriate language or other behavior deemed unprofessional or unwelcome in the community.

Consequence: A private, written notice from community leaders, providing clarity around the nature of the violation and an explanation of why the behavior was inappropriate. 

2. Warning

Community Impact: A violation through a single incident or series of actions.

Consequence: A warning with consequences for continued behavior. No interaction with the people involved, including unsolicited interaction with those enforcing the Code of Conduct, for a specified period of time. This includes avoiding interactions in community spaces as well as external channels like social media. Violating these terms may lead to a temporary or permanent ban.

3. Temporary Ban

Community Impact: A serious violation of community standards, including sustained inappropriate behavior.

Consequence: A temporary ban from any sort of interaction or public communication with the community for a specified period of time. No public or private interaction with the people involved, including unsolicited interaction with those enforcing the Code of Conduct, is allowed during this period. Violating these terms may lead to a permanent ban.

4. Permanent Ban

Community Impact: Demonstrating a pattern of violation of community standards, including sustained inappropriate behavior,  harassment of an individual, or aggression toward or disparagement of classes of individuals.

Consequence: A permanent ban from any sort of public interaction within the community.