Code of Conduct

Software for All, Software by All.

What does that mean?

• We work together to create a more connected and inclusive Minnesota.
• We respect and support each other to ensure a collaborative and safe space.
• We value collaboration and encourage all to engage, discuss, and learn.
• We build software that serves everyone, made by a community that welcomes everyone.

These aren’t just words—they’re commitments we act on. Below, you’ll find the full Code of Conduct, including our harassment policy and how to report concerns. For questions, contact us at [email protected] or reach out on Slack.

Code of Conduct

The MN Civic Tech community expects that all MN Civic Tech activities, events, meetings, and digital forums:

1. Are a safe and respectful environment for all participants.
2. Are a place where people are free to fully express their identities.
3. Presume the value of others. Everyone’s ideas, skills, and contributions have value.
4. Don’t assume everyone has the same context, and encourage questions.
5. Find a way for people to be productive with their skills (technical and not) and energy. Use language such as “yes/and,” not “no/but.”
6. Encourage members and participants to listen as much as they speak.
7. Strive to build tools that are open and free technology for public use. Activities that aim to foster public use, not private gain, are prioritized.
8. Prioritize access for and input from those who are traditionally excluded from the civic process.
9. Work to ensure that the community is well-represented in the planning, design, and implementation of civic tech. This includes encouraging participation from women, minorities, and traditionally marginalized groups.
10. Actively involve community groups and those with subject matter expertise in the decision-making process.
11. Ensure that the relationships and conversations between community members, local government staff, and community partners remain respectful, participatory, and productive.
12. Provide an environment where people are free from discrimination or harassment.

This Code of Conduct is based on the Code of Conduct from Code for America.

Anti-Harassment Policy

Our Commitment

MN Civic Tech is dedicated to providing a harassment-free conference experience for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, or religion. We do not tolerate harassment of conference participants in any form. Sexual language and imagery are not appropriate for any MN Civic Tech event, including talks. Anyone in violation of these policies may be expelled from MN Civic Tech events or network activities, at the discretion of the event organizers.

What is Harassment?

Harassment includes, but is not limited to:

• Verbal comments that reinforce social structures of domination related to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, religion.
• Sexual images in public spaces.
• Deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following.
• Harassing photography or recording.
• Sustained disruption of talks or other events.
• Inappropriate physical contact.
• Unwelcome sexual attention.
• Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behavior.

If a participant engages in harassing behavior, the event organizers may take any action they deem appropriate, including warning the offender or expulsion from MN Civic Tech events and network activities.

Speak Up

If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact one of the Organizers, Executives, or Executive Director at [email protected] or on Slack.

If the harassment took place at an in-person event, event staff or forum administrators will be happy to help participants contact venue security or local law enforcement, provide escorts, or otherwise assist those experiencing harassment to feel safe during the event.

If you cannot reach an organizer and/or it is an emergency, please call 911 and/or remove yourself from the situation.

We value your attendance and hope that by communicating these expectations widely we can all enjoy a harassment-free environment.

Email Template for Anti-Harassment Reporting

SUBJECT: Safe Space alert at [EVENT NAME]

I am writing because of a harassment issue at MN Civic Tech, (NAME, PLACE, DATE OF EVENT). You can reach me at (CONTACT INFO). Thank you.

This anti-harassment policy is based on the example policy from the Geek Feminism wiki, created by the Ada Initiative and other volunteers. This policy is based on several other policies, including the Ohio LinuxFest anti-harassment policy, written by Esther Filderman and Beth Lynn Eicher, and the Con Anti-Harassment Project. Mary Gardiner, Valerie Aurora, Sarah Smith, and Donna Benjamin generalized the policies and added supporting material. Many members of LinuxChix, Geek Feminism, and other groups contributed to this work.