[hackerspaces] sexual harrasment

[Shirley Hicks]

We have a formal policy drafted, but not yet approved (so many other things that we're pushing forward on right now to finish establishing the space).  We _do_ have to come back to it soon as it has an affect on our perceived insurance risk. :) US insurance companies want organizations to have at least thought the issues through so that they are ready when it comes up. http://wiki.redmountainmakers.org/wiki/Policy:_Antiharassment

So far, haven't had too many problems, but are ready to deal with it when it arises.

Right now, our founding membership is mostly (but not exclusively!) caucasian male; ensuring that we have a diverse membership (outreach to other groups within the community, code for girls, etc) is on the "to-do" list/phase2 once we have the first round of space infrastructure (admin systems, electrical upgrades, first phase of workshop build out) in place and are ready to run (good and effective) classes. 

For me personally, inclusiveness and outreach are a high priority. Others in our group leadership regard this as key for building a strong regional tech community.

Shirley Hicks
Red Mountain Makers
Birmingham, AL

On Nov 11, 2014, at 10:52 AM, Florencia Edwards <floev22 at gmail.com> wrote:

> How do you deal with sexual harassment at your spaces? What is consider sexual harassment? Here were we live, subtle cases that are indeed harassment and bother people, are not taken into consideration. We have a male chauvinist culture where people consider this kind of behavior funny, a joke, celebratory. And woman don't want to be "too serious" saying anything about it. They'd rather just laugh. 
> 
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