Here are answers to some of the questions we are frequently asked via info@haecksen.org:
How can I count myself as a Haeckse?
You’ll find detailed instructions on the page https://www.haecksen.org/en/haeckse-werden.
What draws people to being a Haeckse?
As Haecksen, we bring different motivations and skills to the table, which we use to learn from each other and collaborate on projects. Most of us are driven by a desire to make the world a better, more knowledgeable, and fairer place.
We’re a community of curious and passionate individuals, with many of us having a deep interest in science, technology, culture, society, and feminism. Some of us are also geeky about topics like sewing, botany, philosophy, or our feminist library.
Our goal is to support and empower people who are often marginalized, including technicians, hackers, makers, scientists, artists, and activists. We believe in creating a space where everyone can work together as equals and be visible as valued contributors.
As a result, our activities and motivations are as diverse as we are. But here’s the thing: you don’t need to have any specific skills or expertise to be a Haeckse. What matters most is your personal motivation and desire to be part of our community.
Do I have to become a member of Haecksen e. V.?
Being a Haeckse is defined by being part of our community, and that means being subscribed to our mailing list. It’s not about being a member of the Haecksen e. V. club, which we founded in 2024.
The Haecksen e. V. is a separate non-profit entity that allows us to apply for funding and support our activities, but it’s not what makes someone a Haeckse. If you’re on our mailing list, you’re part of our community and that’s what matters.
How many Haecksen are there?
We’re a community of over 1,000 Haecksen, with members from the DACH countries and beyond.
The two founders Barbara Thöns and Rena Tangens started the Haecksen in 1988. This placed a new, strong emphasis on the visibility of women in the IT world and hacker scene.
At the beginning of 2020, there were around 250 Haecksen – in summer 2021 we were already around 400 Haecksen. At this time, we decided on FINTA inclusion (FINTA: woman, inter, non-binary, trans, agender), and many Haecksen joined us. In 2024, we added the “L” (lesbian) and are now a continuously growing FLINTA group.
How can I support you?
Your interest, respect, ideas, skills, and knowledge are all valuable contributions to our community. We also appreciate your enthusiasm for learning and sharing with others.
We understand that not everyone is comfortable being in the spotlight or actively participating in discussions. That’s okay – just being part of our community and showing your support is enough.
If you’d like to contribute in other ways, we’re always grateful for donations of equipment or materials that can help us with our events and projects.
You can also support our non-profit organization, Haecksen e.V., with a financial donation. We’d be thrilled to receive your support, and we can provide donation receipts for your records.
Are the Haecksen a group of the Chaos Computer Club?
No. Although the Haecksen were founded by two hackers who were/are active in the ccc, we are an independent group.
Nevertheless, we see ourselves as ‘close to chaos’ and are supported by the ccc – e. g. occasionally with knowledge and experience and sometimes financially – in our activities.