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Chaos Feminist Convention: Code of Conduct

Who we are

The Chaos Feminist Convention is an event hosted by the Haecksen.
The identity of the Haecksen and further information can be found here: https://www.haecksen.org/en/uber-die-haecksen/

Motivation for this Code of Conduct

We aim to create a space which prioritizes the needs of marginalised or disadvantaged persons over the comfort of privileged individuals.
We want to create an open-minded and welcoming environment.
To achieve this, we as Haecksen pledge to do our best to make the participation in our convention an experience free of harassment or discrimination.

Why do we have this Code of Conduct

  • We don’t tolerate any kind of discrimination or harassment.
  • Discrimination and harassment are both problems concerning society as a whole. All of us have learned and developed behaviours which violate the boundaries of others, often unbeknownst to us. For this we Haecksen want so sensibilize as well.
  • If individuals participating in the CFC have to experience discrimination or harassment, these can contact the awareness or organisation teams. You will be taken seriously.

Areas of application

This Code of Conduct is applicable for all areas of the CFC, be it online or in person.
We firmly believe that everyone should always and everywhere strive for a community free of discrimination and harassment. Thus, violations of this code of conduct which happen outside of the CFC may also have consequences.

Non-tolerated behaviour

The following behaviours, among others, will not be tolerated:

  • Discriminating behaviour or remarks, regarding e.g. sexual or gender identity, physical or mental conditions, diseases or appearance, age, ethnicity or origin, religious or ideological affiliation, socio-economic status.
  • Any attempt, not to present discrimination as such or reversing it. Examples of such inversions include “reversed racism”, “reversed sexism”, “heterophobia” or “cisphobia”.
  • Relativising references and comparisons in relation to colonialism, slavery, fascism or national socialism.
  • Recordings of other beings without their clearly stated consent. This includes pictures, video, audio, screenshots or screen recordings.
  • Unwanted physical contact.
  • Unwanted sexualised attention, e.g. compliments, innuendos, looks, gestures, remarks.
  • Unwanted sexual actions.
  • Unwanted use of sexualised language or media, e.g. remarks, pictures, drawings, videos.
  • Insults, degrading comments, intimidation, bullying, stalking.
  • Threats or use of violence.
  • Intentional use of wrong pronouns (misgendering) and designations or the use of cast-off names (deadnaming)
  • Initiating relationships or sexual contacts by abusing hardships or structural differences like age, wealth, social position.
  • Spreading the private information of others without clearly expressed permission. This includes any kind of “outing” any aspect of the identity of an individual without their permission.
  • Publishing screenshots or quotes originating from private communication without the clearly expressed permission of everyone involved.
  • Advocating, encouraging or requesting any of the behaviours listed in this section.
  • Excusing any of the behaviours listed in this section as irony, sarcasm or joke.

This is a non-exhaustive list. Any action contradicting the aims of this CoC is subject to consequence, even if it isn’t explicitly stated here.

Non-tolerated behaviour does not include

  • Indicating discriminatory, harassing or abusive behaviour.
  • Setting and defending boundaries, e.g. “leave me alone” or “I don’t want to talk to you (about this)”
  • Defensive acts, serving to prevent or fend off the violation of boundaries or harassment and acts of self-protection.
  • Documenting non-tolerated behaviour (screenshots of chats, notes taken from memory, …)
  • Acts to which all individuals involved have explicitly consented. This means vice versa: If an action is lacking a consenting “yes”, it is to be refrained from. Any expressions which are not explicit consent are to be handled as a “no”.

Expected behaviour

We expect you to

  • respect the boundaries of others.
  • be aware that the boundaries of others and yourself can shift. Something which is perfectly fine one day might be too much on another day.
  • do your best to use the correct pronouns for other individuals.
  • be cautious with sensible topics like drug use, violence, mental health, climate, sexual topics, discrimination, fascism etc. When discussing such sensible topics, ask everyone involved beforehand whether this topic is okay right now. In written communication, use content notes where possible.
  • not interrupt when others speak.
  • treat other levels of knowledge and experience or technical preferences with respect.
  • be sensitive when providing explanations or information and when commenting what others do. Ask if others want to hear or read your input right now.
  • ask before you try to help another individual or group. Not every act of help is necessary or desired. In general, the autonomy of all involved should be respected.

We are aware that mistakes can happen. But we expect you to accept feedback you receive and take responsibility. E.g. not continuing a certain topic, apologising, thinking about what happened. See comments as learning opportunity for you – as assistance or even enrichment.

We wish you to

  • use language considerately and express yourself clearly and inclusively.
  • treat different points of view and experiences respectfully.
  • be aware of how much space you take up and leave room for others who might be quieter.
  • be careful when using sarcasm and irony. When used, point it out clearly.
  • pay attention to social power dynamics and (your) privileges.

We encourage you to

  • ask questions, even repeatedly, should you not understand something.
  • become aware of your own boundaries and to communicate them.
  • to speak up if you feel uncomfortable with something.
  • make others aware of hurtful language or behaviours.

Should something happen

There will be awareness structures both on location and online. Further details will follow.

Page Owner: Team CoC