Again, Hello to All:
So, yes, context. As Diane mentioned, recently there have been individuals who
have threatened the safety of others inside and outside of BASFA meetings (at
conventions, etc.) Incidents of sexual harassment stemming from one source
have been well corroborated by multiple people. In the past week, a BASFA
member went public with a description of rape she suffered from another
long-term member who it turns out is a registered sex offender for such acts
with a minor. One other of whom I'm aware has stepped forward to share his
story regarding this same person. We need to address this, and we need to
address it now.
This is not an attempt to exclude anyone for being "a bit odd" or "a little
different." We all annoy one another at times, so we're well cognizant of not
wanting to open a vehicle for some to persecute others who just piss us off or
who don't meet any arbitrary criteria of normal. Again, the bottom line is
safety. The two who have inspired this discussion are very known to have
challenged more than one person's safety significantly.
We simply want to know how we're going to handle this in the future. What can
we realistically do? What are the limitations and possibilities? Certainly we
don't want to go draconian, but we need to do something. Hence this committee.
We're not after enforcing politically correct dogma, nor are we reacting to
the rabid puppy kerfuffle, although I have noted your concerns about this.
Safety, friends. SAFETY.
Thanks to all who have commented thus far, both on this forum and to me in
private. Again, my email is [email protected]. I will honor your right to
privacy.
In Friendship,Chuck Serface
On Wednesday, May 25, 2016 10:16 AM, Diane O. via Basfa
<[email protected]> wrote:
In my experience:BASFA has had a history of providing and maintaining a safe,
welcoming environment for all.They, BASFA, have a sincere desire to protect
every man, woman and child from harassment, harm, etc.That intent has not been
formalized with a written guideline, a verbal agreement among members on how to
do so.In recent years, there are individuals whose behavior has been
problematic, escalating to confrontations, harassment and feelings of anger,
vulnerability, and abandonment by BASFA for not taking a stance to effectively
address the problem.I expressed my concerns and experiences, limit my time
around BASFA when I am unable to deal with the unhealthy undercurrents.Adopting
a written Code of Conduct will be an excellent step toward BASFA's goal of a
safe, supportive environment for their gatherings.I am glad they have created a
committee to this end. I am delighted in their choice of Chuck Serface to head
the committee. He is well equipped for the task.I ask that everyone does what
they can to support this effort, consider their behavior and part in the
process. At one time or another, we have all disregarded boundaries and been
impolite, consciously or not. Being mindful of your self and those around you
is a key part of any effective Code of Conduct.Hugs and healing,Diane On
5/25/16 7:15 AM, Jan Parcel via Basfa wrote:
>
> >> ... there is apparently some work needed to ensure a welcoming atmosphere
> >> all around.That is exactly what a code of conduct is for.I don't care how
> >> this got started. It is a good idea regardless. BASFA is proud of being
> >> welcoming. --
Tom Becker Potlatch n. A science fiction convention
<[email protected]> where readers and writers meet on common
ground.
http://potlatch-sf.org_______________________________________________
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