Wikipedia:Meetup/HonouringIndigenousWriters/UBC 2020/Principles
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Safe Space Policy
[edit]We strive to provide a harassment free event experience for everyone, regardless of race, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, age, religion, marital status, or any other vector of identity.
These edit-a-thons are spaces where we agree to work together to break down our implicit and explicit biases not only on Wikipedia but also in our interactions with one another and our fellow editors. It also means we agree to hold ourselves and others accountable for the ways we either contribute or subtract from safe and brave spaces. We point out harm when we see it and we work within community to speak up when/if we see event attendees experiencing microaggressions, unfair and/or biased treatment, and inequitable exclusion.
Here are just a few suggestions for creating safe/brave spaces and making those spaces sustainable[1]:
Remember the Common Goal. Our shared goal is seeking to improve the coverage of Indigenous writers on Wikipedia and to encourage diverse community editors to actively work to dissuade assumptions about Indigenous literature by raising the profiles of Indigenous authors in this increasingly influential information source.
Make No Assumptions. When working with people, avoid assuming you know their sexual orientation, gender identity, race, culture, background, or anything else related to their identity or experiences. Remember that every person is a complex individual with multiple overlapping identities, that may not fit your personal ideas, understandings or social constructs (i.e. gender, sexuality, positionality).
Use Inclusive Language. Through conversation and during workshops and trainings, make sure the language you use is inclusive of all people.
Honor Everyone’s Boundaries. Take care of yourself; listen to your physical, mental, and emotional needs and limits; express and honor your boundaries as you deem necessary. Listen and ask others what they need should an issue arise. If someone is asking you for support, do your best to help them find a resource or solution. Always ask consent prior to photographing or recording fellow participants for any reason Always ask consent before making any physical contact with event attendees, volunteers, and staff. Honor the personal spaces of all, and never assume touching someone’s hair, for example, or imposing on anyone’s personal space is welcome.
Embrace Your Mistakes, Then, Move Forward. We are all learning and unlearning. We will make mistakes. When we do, it’s our responsibility to admit, correct, and repair the harm. Embracing our mistakes cannot be done in a spirit of defensiveness. To confront our own biases requires accepting the fact that we are imperfect and like everyone else internalize harmful biases and stereotypes about marginalized communities and identities. Do not center yourself or your mistake as you work to repair the harm in any given situation and listen to the needs of those who were harmed.
Be Brave in Holding Others Accountable, Then, Move Forward. If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, you are encouraged to engage in a conversation with those involved, if you feel safe and comfortable doing so. If you do not feel safe doing so, or a conversation does not solve the issue, please contact a member of event staff immediately. Conflict is a natural part of the process. We are here to make progress, not to be perfect.
Working in Good Faith on Indigenous Topics Online
[edit]Our planning group had a number of discussions around ensuring this project was working in good faith with Indigenous writers. At the core of our discussions was the desire to ensure the project respected cultural integrity and to ensure Indigenous perspectives and experiences guided the decision making processes.
With this in mind the following processes were integrated into the event development:
- Emails were sent to writers to inform them of the event, to ask for permission to create or improve their Wikipedia article
- Requests were also made for the kind of information they would like to see represented in their article
- If the writers declined or did not respond to the email, they were respectfully removed from the editing list