[Hacker-event-theory] HEDP #A: Support your people

[Amran]

i like this one a lot


On Tue, Jan 21, 2014 at 5:58 PM, Nick Farr <nick at nickfarr.org> wrote:

> (I'm assigning this one a letter because it should be a rule applicable
> everywhere.  It should not have to be elucidated on its own, but given some
> Hacker events at the last three I've been to, it apparently needs to be
> stated.)
>
> There are times when organizers, volunteers or others who just support
> your event will come under attack from external forces.  It may be
> everything from an opportunistic blogger to an abusive speaker.
>
> Anyone should be able to freely express their views on your event in a
> civil and respectful manner.  Unfortunately, many hackers resort to abusive
> tactics without much provocation at all.  In the name of preventing drama,
> many people will allow attacks on organizers, volunteers, staff or others
> to go unanswered.  At times, volunteers may attack organizers or vice versa.
>
> Never tolerate abusiveness within your organization or from outside your
> organization.  Teach everyone in your event to recognize the difference
> between disagreements and hostility.  Encourage civil discussion of
> disagreements, and swiftly react in ways that signal hostility as
> unacceptable.
>
> Example: A popular speaker repeatedly abuses and makes unreasonable
> demands of staff.  It sends a very powerful message to eject such a speaker
> if, after repeated warnings, they do not respect the hard work and
> dedication of your organization and volunteers.  The same goes for
> attendees.
>
> Example: An organizer comes down on one side of a controversial decision.
> The "losing" side goes on the attack, posting rants to the internal mailing
> list, forwarding blog posts, sending death threats to the organizer, etc.
>  The role of the orga and volunteers is to support their leadership, even
> if they disagree with the decision.  Personal attacks should never be
> acceptable, but there are times when emotions prevail and those trusted
> with leadership often feel very lonely when making tough calls.  A properly
> functioning HE knows when to rally around the leader to make sure they know
> they have the support to continue working on what is almost always a
> thankless job.
>
> Nick Farr
> http://nickfarr.org
> +1 203 441-3277
> D762E03B / N0FAR
> Church Street Station / PO BOX 3471 / NY NY 10008-3471 / USA
>
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>
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