Dear Board, This proposal has been discussed on the Conference list and is unopposed. Please will you consider selecting a person to act as LibreOffice Conference Moderator as described below?
Best regards, Simon ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: "Simon Phipps" <si...@webmink.com> Date: Oct 12, 2012 12:48 PM Subject: Conference Moderator To: <confere...@global.libreoffice.org> *tl;dr summary*: I propose the LibreOffice Conference appoint someone to oversee inclusiveness and offer confidence harassment will be addressed in the unlikely event it happens. *Detail* Attending conferences in the USA over the last year, I have frequently heard requests for conferences to have a policy statement to protect attendees from harrassment of various kinds by other attendees. My observation is these policies are hard to draft in a way that is inclusive to the needs of all attendees and non-alienating; indeed, I have observed some attempts at such policies themselves unwittingly alienating groups within the conference. I believe it's important for the LibreOffice conference that we create a welcoming and safe environment for all kinds of attendees, so rather than attempting a detailed policy statement I'd like to propose something different. I suggest designating a "Conference Moderator", who can provide a safe haven for those of us with concerns about some aspect of the conference and a trusted advocate to take whatever steps are possible to address problems if they arise. I thus propose the following: 1. Add a statement such as the following to the conference web site: "The LibreOffice community is welcoming, diverse and international. This strength can sometimes bring with it different approaches to interaction that are unfamiliar and even occasionally unwelcome. We all have different comfort zone boundaries and many of us find it good to have a friend stand along side us when these boundaries are crossed for whatever reason. If there's any aspect of the event that makes you feel uncomfortable, and you don't feel you can discuss it directly with those responsible or that just walking away is an acceptable solution, the Conference Moderator will discuss it with you in an accepting manner and act on your behalf to bring about a resolution if appropriate. For this year's conference, the Document Foundation Board has asked <name> to act as Moderator. Please contact <name> either in-person or via <e-mail address> or <phone number>. <name> is authorised by the Board to take whatever steps are necessary to address any inappropriate actions during the conference." 2. Ask the Document Foundation Board to seek and appoint a Moderator. 3. Mention this arrangement in administrative remarks during the conference. I believe this approach balances the need for community oversight with the recognition of our mutual differences. All the same, I doubt I've got it right first time and I'd welcome improvements to this proposal. Best regards, Simon
