Re: [OSGeo-Discuss] FOSS4G2016 and diversity

[Hogan, Patrick (ARC-PX)]

And for my YMMV, the last “norm” I ^expect^ from first-world ‘democratic 
country white males’ is good behavior.  Privilege can be a bit numbing. Where’s 
a good Dalai Lama when you need one! Yet finding the “inclusivity” overlap is 
certainly key, with ‘codes’ hopefully able to accommodate that, with some 
issue-stretching, but almost always via civil, and sometimes jocular, dialogue. 
Please forgive my non-1% overlap lip, -patrick

From: Discuss [mailto:discuss-boun...@lists.osgeo.org] On Behalf Of Andrea Ross
Sent: Monday, May 30, 2016 8:23 PM
To: Cameron Shorter; Marc Vloemans
Cc: discuss@lists.osgeo.org
Subject: Re: [OSGeo-Discuss] FOSS4G2016 and diversity

Cameron,

Yes, your point was very hard to miss. I don't think you need to police this 
thread quite so hard though. :-)

For what it's worth, it makes good business & innovation sense to do more than 
1% or so.

YMMV though,

Andrea

On May 30, 2016 10:54:06 PM EDT, Cameron Shorter 
<cameron.shor...@gmail.com<mailto:cameron.shor...@gmail.com>> wrote:
Marc, Andrea,
My point I'm hoping to make is that I think we might be spending more time 
discussing ethical code-of-conduct type questions than I think we need to. Yes 
it is important. Yes we need to flag bad behaviour and resolve it. But 
hopefully we can limit such discussions to 1% (or so) of our bandwidth - which 
we achieve by referencing our code-of-conduct.

Disclaimer - I'm a privileged white male, living in a democratic country, and 
I'm used to expecting good behaviour to be the norm.

Warm regards, Cameron
On 31/05/2016 9:48 AM, Andrea Ross wrote:
That's an unexpected response. Was someone suggesting OSGeo should be a forum 
for human rights?

On 31/05/2016 9:28 AM, Marc Vloemans wrote:
Cameron,

I think you misunderstood the aim of my comment.
I am not talking about human rights as such. (Unless they are threatened, of 
course)

I am addressing the need to guard and promote our inclusivity. If we want to 
grow and develop as a community we need to take any past/present/future concern 
about it seriously.

That is an integral part of our marketing and communications effort: avoid 
wrong perceptions and manage our public image where/when possible. Whether such 
perceptions address the nature of our code, our projects, our members, our 
organisation and its policies or our activities.

Hope this clarifies, cheers,
Marc Vloemans


Op 30 mei 2016 om 23:28 heeft Cameron Shorter 
<cameron.shor...@gmail.com<mailto:cameron.shor...@gmail.com>> het volgende 
geschreven:

All,

While I'm hugely in favour of mutual respect, and I personally co-authored the 
OSGeo Code-Of-Conduct, I feel that OSGeo shouldn't aim to be a forum for human 
rights. (There are other places for this).

Our primary focus should be on supporting the creation of great OSGeo code, and 
supporting the communities doing this.

Having a Code-Of-Conduct in place is a small part of supporting a community, 
and we should refer to it in cases where conversations or interactions deviate 
from good behavior, but I'm hopeful that we can leave it at that, and focus our 
time on our core code writing passions.

Warm regards, Cameron
On 30/05/2016 7:30 pm, Marc Vloemans wrote:
Thanks Andrea,

You are quite right, unfortunately. Sharing and discussing experiences and 
insights on this could come across as negative.

The same happened when I read an earlier discussion on a Code of Conduct for 
conferences. Frankly I was abhorred that such code was deemed necessary. Until 
I realised that I was perhaps ignorant (living in Amsterdam is such a 
privilege).

Can I invite you to share your
___
Discuss mailing list
Discuss@lists.osgeo.org
http://lists.osgeo.org/mailman/listinfo/discuss

Re: [OSGeo-Discuss] FOSS4G2016 and diversity

[Andrea Ross]

Cameron,

Yes, your point was very hard to miss. I don't think you need to police this 
thread quite so hard though. :-)

For what it's worth, it makes good business &  innovation sense to do more than 
1% or so.

YMMV though,

Andrea


On May 30, 2016 10:54:06 PM EDT, Cameron Shorter  
wrote:
>Marc, Andrea,
>My point I'm hoping to make is that I think we might be spending more 
>time discussing ethical code-of-conduct type questions than I think we 
>need to. Yes it is important. Yes we need to flag bad behaviour and 
>resolve it. But hopefully we can limit such discussions to 1% (or so)
>of 
>our bandwidth - which we achieve by referencing our code-of-conduct.
>
>Disclaimer - I'm a privileged white male, living in a democratic 
>country, and I'm used to expecting good behaviour to be the norm.
>
>Warm regards, Cameron
>
>On 31/05/2016 9:48 AM, Andrea Ross wrote:
>> That's an unexpected response. Was someone suggesting OSGeo should be
>
>> a forum for human rights?
>
>On 31/05/2016 9:28 AM, Marc Vloemans wrote:
>> Cameron,
>>
>> I think you misunderstood the aim of my comment.
>> I am not talking about human rights as such. (Unless they are 
>> threatened, of course)
>>
>> I am addressing the need to guard and promote our inclusivity. If we 
>> want to grow and develop as a community we need to take any 
>> past/present/future concern about it seriously.
>>
>> That is an integral part of our marketing and communications effort: 
>> avoid wrong perceptions and manage our public image where/when 
>> possible. Whether such perceptions address the nature of our code,
>our 
>> projects, our members, our organisation and its policies or our 
>> activities.
>>
>> Hope this clarifies, cheers,
>> Marc Vloemans
>>
>>
>> Op 30 mei 2016 om 23:28 heeft Cameron Shorter 
>> > het 
>> volgende geschreven:
>>
>>> All,
>>>
>>> While I'm hugely in favour of mutual respect, and I personally 
>>> co-authored the OSGeo Code-Of-Conduct, I feel that OSGeo shouldn't 
>>> aim to be a forum for human rights. (There are other places for
>this).
>>>
>>> Our primary focus should be on supporting the creation of great
>OSGeo 
>>> code, and supporting the communities doing this.
>>>
>>> Having a Code-Of-Conduct in place is a small part of supporting a 
>>> community, and we should refer to it in cases where conversations or
>
>>> interactions deviate from good behavior, but I'm hopeful that we can
>
>>> leave it at that, and focus our time on our core code writing
>passions.
>>>
>>> Warm regards, Cameron
>>>
>>> On 30/05/2016 7:30 pm, Marc Vloemans wrote:
 Thanks Andrea,

 You are quite right, unfortunately. Sharing and discussing 
 experiences and insights on this could come across as negative.

 The same happened when I read an earlier discussion on a Code of 
 Conduct for conferences. Frankly I was abhorred that such code was 
 deemed necessary. Until I realised that I was perhaps ignorant 
 (living in Amsterdam is such a privilege).

 Can I invite you to share your list-of-thoughts regarding potential
>
 pitfalls for a Conference at least with me 
 (marcvloemans1[at]gmail.com )? It would be such a
>
 shame if we unintentionally overlook the obvious!

 Cheers,

 Marc Vloemans


 Op 30 mei 2016 om 03:49 heeft Andrea Ross 
>
 het volgende geschreven:

> Marc,
>
> I started to write a whole bunch of thoughts related to this but 
> instead decided against as I felt it was stating the obvious and I
>
> didn't want the thoughts to be perceived as negative.
>
> The essence was that these things  you have listed are great, and 
> they help keep things from being screwed up, but they're not the 
> hard work that it takes to really make a difference. So good, but 
> so much more is needed.
>
> Kind regards,
>
> Andrea
>
> On 28/05/16 11:26, Marc Vloemans wrote:
>> Dear all,
>>
>> To build upon the positive results as mentioned in the thread 
>> below, I invite anyone to supply any suggestion that may support 
>> the LOC FOSS4G 2016 in Bonn Germany, regarding diversity related 
>> policies during the actual Conference. Either directly to me or 
>> via this list.
>>
>> As LOC we strive to be aware that public policies and personal 
>> experiences vary per continent, region, country and/or province. 
>> However, living in Western-Europe we sometimes are unaware how 
>> fortunate we are! That could hinder us in anticipating potential 
>> fears, uncertainties and doubts that visitors to Bonn may have.
>>
>> For starters, please note the following from 
>> https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_rights_in_Germany :
>>
>> "Germany has become the first country in Europe to enact a law 
>> that 

Re: [OSGeo-Discuss] FOSS4G2016 and diversity

[Cameron Shorter]

Marc, Andrea,
My point I'm hoping to make is that I think we might be spending more 
time discussing ethical code-of-conduct type questions than I think we 
need to. Yes it is important. Yes we need to flag bad behaviour and 
resolve it. But hopefully we can limit such discussions to 1% (or so) of 
our bandwidth - which we achieve by referencing our code-of-conduct.


Disclaimer - I'm a privileged white male, living in a democratic 
country, and I'm used to expecting good behaviour to be the norm.


Warm regards, Cameron

On 31/05/2016 9:48 AM, Andrea Ross wrote:
That's an unexpected response. Was someone suggesting OSGeo should be 
a forum for human rights?


On 31/05/2016 9:28 AM, Marc Vloemans wrote:

Cameron,

I think you misunderstood the aim of my comment.
I am not talking about human rights as such. (Unless they are 
threatened, of course)


I am addressing the need to guard and promote our inclusivity. If we 
want to grow and develop as a community we need to take any 
past/present/future concern about it seriously.


That is an integral part of our marketing and communications effort: 
avoid wrong perceptions and manage our public image where/when 
possible. Whether such perceptions address the nature of our code, our 
projects, our members, our organisation and its policies or our 
activities.


Hope this clarifies, cheers,
Marc Vloemans


Op 30 mei 2016 om 23:28 heeft Cameron Shorter 
> het 
volgende geschreven:



All,

While I'm hugely in favour of mutual respect, and I personally 
co-authored the OSGeo Code-Of-Conduct, I feel that OSGeo shouldn't 
aim to be a forum for human rights. (There are other places for this).


Our primary focus should be on supporting the creation of great OSGeo 
code, and supporting the communities doing this.


Having a Code-Of-Conduct in place is a small part of supporting a 
community, and we should refer to it in cases where conversations or 
interactions deviate from good behavior, but I'm hopeful that we can 
leave it at that, and focus our time on our core code writing passions.


Warm regards, Cameron

On 30/05/2016 7:30 pm, Marc Vloemans wrote:

Thanks Andrea,

You are quite right, unfortunately. Sharing and discussing 
experiences and insights on this could come across as negative.


The same happened when I read an earlier discussion on a Code of 
Conduct for conferences. Frankly I was abhorred that such code was 
deemed necessary. Until I realised that I was perhaps ignorant 
(living in Amsterdam is such a privilege).


Can I invite you to share your list-of-thoughts regarding potential 
pitfalls for a Conference at least with me 
(marcvloemans1[at]gmail.com )? It would be such a 
shame if we unintentionally overlook the obvious!


Cheers,

Marc Vloemans


Op 30 mei 2016 om 03:49 heeft Andrea Ross  
het volgende geschreven:



Marc,

I started to write a whole bunch of thoughts related to this but 
instead decided against as I felt it was stating the obvious and I 
didn't want the thoughts to be perceived as negative.


The essence was that these things  you have listed are great, and 
they help keep things from being screwed up, but they're not the 
hard work that it takes to really make a difference. So good, but 
so much more is needed.


Kind regards,

Andrea

On 28/05/16 11:26, Marc Vloemans wrote:

Dear all,

To build upon the positive results as mentioned in the thread 
below, I invite anyone to supply any suggestion that may support 
the LOC FOSS4G 2016 in Bonn Germany, regarding diversity related 
policies during the actual Conference. Either directly to me or 
via this list.


As LOC we strive to be aware that public policies and personal 
experiences vary per continent, region, country and/or province. 
However, living in Western-Europe we sometimes are unaware how 
fortunate we are! That could hinder us in anticipating potential 
fears, uncertainties and doubts that visitors to Bonn may have.


For starters, please note the following from 
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_rights_in_Germany :


"Germany has become the first country in Europe to enact a law 
that allows German citizens to choose to neither identify as male 
or female on their birth certificate, which has been said to 
specifically benefit hermaphrodites 
 and intersex 
 persons."


Unfortunately same sex marriage is still 'under construction', but 
that does not reflect negatively on a number of laws protecting 
the rights of the LGBTI community (including registered partnership).


Best regards and hopefully we meet in Bonn,
Marc Vloemans




Vriendelijke groet,
Marc Vloemans

Op 28 mei 2016 om 03:04 heeft Andrea Ross 
 het volgende geschreven:



Dear Kristin, Everyone

The sex/gender split was similar for FOSS4G NA 2016 as FOSS4G NA 
2015. In the range 

Re: [OSGeo-Discuss] FOSS4G2016 and diversity

[Andrea Ross]

Cameron,

That's an unexpected response. Was someone suggesting OSGeo should be a 
forum for human rights?


Kind regards,

Andrea

On 30/05/16 17:28, Cameron Shorter wrote:


All,

While I'm hugely in favour of mutual respect, and I personally 
co-authored the OSGeo Code-Of-Conduct, I feel that OSGeo shouldn't aim 
to be a forum for human rights. (There are other places for this).


Our primary focus should be on supporting the creation of great OSGeo 
code, and supporting the communities doing this.


Having a Code-Of-Conduct in place is a small part of supporting a 
community, and we should refer to it in cases where conversations or 
interactions deviate from good behavior, but I'm hopeful that we can 
leave it at that, and focus our time on our core code writing passions.


Warm regards, Cameron

On 30/05/2016 7:30 pm, Marc Vloemans wrote:

Thanks Andrea,

You are quite right, unfortunately. Sharing and discussing 
experiences and insights on this could come across as negative.


The same happened when I read an earlier discussion on a Code of 
Conduct for conferences. Frankly I was abhorred that such code was 
deemed necessary. Until I realised that I was perhaps ignorant 
(living in Amsterdam is such a privilege).


Can I invite you to share your list-of-thoughts regarding potential 
pitfalls for a Conference at least with me 
(marcvloemans1[at]gmail.com )? It would be such a 
shame if we unintentionally overlook the obvious!


Cheers,

Marc Vloemans


Op 30 mei 2016 om 03:49 heeft Andrea Ross  
het volgende geschreven:



Marc,

I started to write a whole bunch of thoughts related to this but 
instead decided against as I felt it was stating the obvious and I 
didn't want the thoughts to be perceived as negative.


The essence was that these things  you have listed are great, and 
they help keep things from being screwed up, but they're not the 
hard work that it takes to really make a difference. So good, but so 
much more is needed.


Kind regards,

Andrea

On 28/05/16 11:26, Marc Vloemans wrote:

Dear all,

To build upon the positive results as mentioned in the thread 
below, I invite anyone to supply any suggestion that may support 
the LOC FOSS4G 2016 in Bonn Germany, regarding diversity related 
policies during the actual Conference. Either directly to me or via 
this list.


As LOC we strive to be aware that public policies and personal 
experiences vary per continent, region, country and/or province. 
However, living in Western-Europe we sometimes are unaware how 
fortunate we are! That could hinder us in anticipating potential 
fears, uncertainties and doubts that visitors to Bonn may have.


For starters, please note the following from 
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_rights_in_Germany :


"Germany has become the first country in Europe to enact a law that 
allows German citizens to choose to neither identify as male or 
female on their birth certificate, which has been said to 
specifically benefit hermaphrodites 
 and intersex 
 persons."


Unfortunately same sex marriage is still 'under construction', but 
that does not reflect negatively on a number of laws protecting the 
rights of the LGBTI community (including registered partnership).


Best regards and hopefully we meet in Bonn,
Marc Vloemans




Vriendelijke groet,
Marc Vloemans

Op 28 mei 2016 om 03:04 heeft Andrea Ross  
het volgende geschreven:



Dear Kristin, Everyone

The sex/gender split was similar for FOSS4G NA 2016 as FOSS4G NA 
2015. In the range of 25 to 30 percent women for both speakers and 
attendees. We don't ask people their gender as part of submitting 
or registering, so this is obviously a best effort from having met 
a number of folks, and discretely Google-stalking them just a little.


We probably had a record high number of trans people participate, 
despite North Carolina's HB2. Also because of HB2, many LGBT 
people reached out to me before the conference to understand what 
was being done, and to help decide whether to boycott or not. We 
are so grateful that so many did not boycott, and came anyway. It 
was a moving experience for me to learn how big the LGBT part of 
the community is and get a bit of the sense of how important the 
work they're doing is.


Also, I want to call out the exemplary work of the Raleigh 
Convention Center. They really went above and beyond to ensure our 
attendees were safe and comfortable. So far as I know, there were 
zero instances of harassment of LGBT people. Laurie Okun from the 
Convention Center in particular was a superstar and so impressive 
& professional from our first contact when trying to assess 
Raleigh, through the chaos that HB2 inflicted, and to the 
post-conference follow-up. We are grateful.


So many good things to note. I also want to note that it is still 
a mostly white conference. So 

Re: [OSGeo-Discuss] FOSS4G2016 and diversity

[Marc Vloemans]

Cameron,

I think you misunderstood the aim of my comment.
I am not talking about human rights as such. (Unless they are threatened, of 
course)

I am addressing the need to guard and promote our inclusivity. If we want to 
grow and develop as a community we need to take any past/present/future concern 
about it seriously. 

That is an integral part of our marketing and communications effort: avoid 
wrong perceptions and manage our public image where/when possible. Whether such 
perceptions address the nature of our code, our projects, our members, our 
organisation and its policies or our activities.

Hope this clarifies, cheers,
Marc Vloemans


> Op 30 mei 2016 om 23:28 heeft Cameron Shorter  het 
> volgende geschreven:
> 
> All,
> 
> While I'm hugely in favour of mutual respect, and I personally co-authored 
> the OSGeo Code-Of-Conduct, I feel that OSGeo shouldn't aim to be a forum for 
> human rights. (There are other places for this).
> Our primary focus should be on supporting the creation of great OSGeo code, 
> and supporting the communities doing this.
> 
> Having a Code-Of-Conduct in place is a small part of supporting a community, 
> and we should refer to it in cases where conversations or interactions 
> deviate from good behavior, but I'm hopeful that we can leave it at that, and 
> focus our time on our core code writing passions.
> 
> Warm regards, Cameron
>> On 30/05/2016 7:30 pm, Marc Vloemans wrote:
>> Thanks Andrea,
>> 
>> You are quite right, unfortunately. Sharing and discussing experiences and 
>> insights on this could come across as negative.
>> 
>> The same happened when I read an earlier discussion on a Code of Conduct for 
>> conferences. Frankly I was abhorred that such code was deemed necessary. 
>> Until I realised that I was perhaps ignorant (living in Amsterdam is such a 
>> privilege).
>> 
>> Can I invite you to share your list-of-thoughts regarding potential pitfalls 
>> for a Conference at least with me (marcvloemans1[at]gmail.com)? It would be 
>> such a shame if we unintentionally overlook the obvious!
>> 
>> Cheers,
>> 
>> Marc Vloemans
>> 
>> 
>> Op 30 mei 2016 om 03:49 heeft Andrea Ross  het 
>> volgende geschreven:
>> 
>>> Marc,
>>> 
>>> I started to write a whole bunch of thoughts related to this but instead 
>>> decided against as I felt it was stating the obvious and I didn't want the 
>>> thoughts to be perceived as negative.
>>> 
>>> The essence was that these things  you have listed are great, and they help 
>>> keep things from being screwed up, but they're not the hard work that it 
>>> takes to really make a difference. So good, but so much more is needed.
>>> 
>>> Kind regards,
>>> 
>>> Andrea
>>> 
 On 28/05/16 11:26, Marc Vloemans wrote:
 Dear all,
 
 To build upon the positive results as mentioned in the thread below, I 
 invite anyone to supply any suggestion that may support the LOC FOSS4G 
 2016 in Bonn Germany, regarding diversity related policies during the 
 actual Conference. Either directly to me or via this list.
 
 As LOC we strive to be aware that public policies and personal experiences 
 vary per continent, region, country and/or province. However, living in 
 Western-Europe we sometimes are unaware how fortunate we are! That could 
 hinder us in anticipating potential fears, uncertainties and doubts that 
 visitors to Bonn may have.
 
 For starters, please note the following from 
 https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_rights_in_Germany :
 
 "Germany has become the first country in Europe to enact a law that allows 
 German citizens to choose to neither identify as male or female on their 
 birth certificate, which has been said to specifically benefit 
 hermaphrodites and intersex persons."
 
 Unfortunately same sex marriage is still 'under construction', but that 
 does not reflect negatively on a number of laws protecting the rights of 
 the LGBTI community (including registered partnership).
 
 Best regards and hopefully we meet in Bonn,
 Marc Vloemans
 
 
 
 
 Vriendelijke groet,
 Marc Vloemans
 
 Op 28 mei 2016 om 03:04 heeft Andrea Ross  het 
 volgende geschreven:
 
> Dear Kristin, Everyone
> 
> The sex/gender split was similar for FOSS4G NA 2016 as FOSS4G NA 2015. In 
> the range of 25 to 30 percent women for both speakers and attendees. We 
> don't ask people their gender as part of submitting or registering, so 
> this is obviously a best effort from having met a   
> number of folks, and discretely Google-stalking them just a little.
> 
> We probably had a record high number of trans people participate, despite 
> North Carolina's HB2. Also because of HB2, many LGBT people reached out 
> to me before the conference to understand what was being 

Re: [OSGeo-Discuss] FOSS4G2016 and diversity

[Cameron Shorter]

All,

While I'm hugely in favour of mutual respect, and I personally 
co-authored the OSGeo Code-Of-Conduct, I feel that OSGeo shouldn't aim 
to be a forum for human rights. (There are other places for this).


Our primary focus should be on supporting the creation of great OSGeo 
code, and supporting the communities doing this.


Having a Code-Of-Conduct in place is a small part of supporting a 
community, and we should refer to it in cases where conversations or 
interactions deviate from good behavior, but I'm hopeful that we can 
leave it at that, and focus our time on our core code writing passions.


Warm regards, Cameron

On 30/05/2016 7:30 pm, Marc Vloemans wrote:

Thanks Andrea,

You are quite right, unfortunately. Sharing and discussing experiences 
and insights on this could come across as negative.


The same happened when I read an earlier discussion on a Code of 
Conduct for conferences. Frankly I was abhorred that such code was 
deemed necessary. Until I realised that I was perhaps ignorant (living 
in Amsterdam is such a privilege).


Can I invite you to share your list-of-thoughts regarding potential 
pitfalls for a Conference at least with me (marcvloemans1[at]gmail.com 
)? It would be such a shame if we unintentionally 
overlook the obvious!


Cheers,

Marc Vloemans


Op 30 mei 2016 om 03:49 heeft Andrea Ross > het volgende geschreven:



Marc,

I started to write a whole bunch of thoughts related to this but 
instead decided against as I felt it was stating the obvious and I 
didn't want the thoughts to be perceived as negative.


The essence was that these things  you have listed are great, and 
they help keep things from being screwed up, but they're not the hard 
work that it takes to really make a difference. So good, but so much 
more is needed.


Kind regards,

Andrea

On 28/05/16 11:26, Marc Vloemans wrote:

Dear all,

To build upon the positive results as mentioned in the thread below, 
I invite anyone to supply any suggestion that may support the LOC 
FOSS4G 2016 in Bonn Germany, regarding diversity related policies 
during the actual Conference. Either directly to me or via this list.


As LOC we strive to be aware that public policies and personal 
experiences vary per continent, region, country and/or province. 
However, living in Western-Europe we sometimes are unaware how 
fortunate we are! That could hinder us in anticipating potential 
fears, uncertainties and doubts that visitors to Bonn may have.


For starters, please note the following from 
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_rights_in_Germany :


"Germany has become the first country in Europe to enact a law that 
allows German citizens to choose to neither identify as male or 
female on their birth certificate, which has been said to 
specifically benefit hermaphrodites 
 and intersex 
 persons."


Unfortunately same sex marriage is still 'under construction', but 
that does not reflect negatively on a number of laws protecting the 
rights of the LGBTI community (including registered partnership).


Best regards and hopefully we meet in Bonn,
Marc Vloemans




Vriendelijke groet,
Marc Vloemans

Op 28 mei 2016 om 03:04 heeft Andrea Ross > het volgende geschreven:



Dear Kristin, Everyone

The sex/gender split was similar for FOSS4G NA 2016 as FOSS4G NA 
2015. In the range of 25 to 30 percent women for both speakers and 
attendees. We don't ask people their gender as part of submitting 
or registering, so this is obviously a best effort from having met 
a number of folks, and discretely Google-stalking them just a little.


We probably had a record high number of trans people participate, 
despite North Carolina's HB2. Also because of HB2, many LGBT people 
reached out to me before the conference to understand what was 
being done, and to help decide whether to boycott or not. We are so 
grateful that so many did not boycott, and came anyway. It was a 
moving experience for me to learn how big the LGBT part of the 
community is and get a bit of the sense of how important the work 
they're doing is.


Also, I want to call out the exemplary work of the Raleigh 
Convention Center. They really went above and beyond to ensure our 
attendees were safe and comfortable. So far as I know, there were 
zero instances of harassment of LGBT people. Laurie Okun from the 
Convention Center in particular was a superstar and so impressive & 
professional from our first contact when trying to assess Raleigh, 
through the chaos that HB2 inflicted, and to the post-conference 
follow-up. We are grateful.


So many good things to note. I also want to note that it is still a 
mostly white conference. So the job is not done, and there's still 
much more important work to be done.


Kind regards,

Andrea

On 27/05/16 

Re: [OSGeo-Discuss] FOSS4G2016 and diversity

[Marc Vloemans]

Thanks Andrea,

You are quite right, unfortunately. Sharing and discussing experiences and 
insights on this could come across as negative.

The same happened when I read an earlier discussion on a Code of Conduct for 
conferences. Frankly I was abhorred that such code was deemed necessary. Until 
I realised that I was perhaps ignorant (living in Amsterdam is such a 
privilege).

Can I invite you to share your list-of-thoughts regarding potential pitfalls 
for a Conference at least with me (marcvloemans1[at]gmail.com)? It would be 
such a shame if we unintentionally overlook the obvious!

Cheers,

Marc Vloemans


> Op 30 mei 2016 om 03:49 heeft Andrea Ross  het 
> volgende geschreven:
> 
> Marc,
> 
> I started to write a whole bunch of thoughts related to this but instead 
> decided against as I felt it was stating the obvious and I didn't want the 
> thoughts to be perceived as negative.
> 
> The essence was that these things  you have listed are great, and they help 
> keep things from being screwed up, but they're not the hard work that it 
> takes to really make a difference. So good, but so much more is needed.
> 
> Kind regards,
> 
> Andrea
> 
>> On 28/05/16 11:26, Marc Vloemans wrote:
>> Dear all,
>> 
>> To build upon the positive results as mentioned in the thread below, I 
>> invite anyone to supply any suggestion that may support the LOC FOSS4G 2016 
>> in Bonn Germany, regarding diversity related policies during the actual 
>> Conference. Either directly to me or via this list.
>> 
>> As LOC we strive to be aware that public policies and personal experiences 
>> vary per continent, region, country and/or province. However, living in 
>> Western-Europe we sometimes are unaware how fortunate we are! That could 
>> hinder us in anticipating potential fears, uncertainties and doubts that 
>> visitors to Bonn may have.
>> 
>> For starters, please note the following from 
>> https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_rights_in_Germany :
>> 
>> "Germany has become the first country in Europe to enact a law that allows 
>> German citizens to choose to neither identify as male or female on their 
>> birth certificate, which has been said to specifically benefit 
>> hermaphrodites and intersex persons."
>> 
>> Unfortunately same sex marriage is still 'under construction', but that does 
>> not reflect negatively on a number of laws protecting the rights of the 
>> LGBTI community (including registered partnership).
>> 
>> Best regards and hopefully we meet in Bonn,
>> Marc Vloemans
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Vriendelijke groet,
>> Marc Vloemans
>> 
>> Op 28 mei 2016 om 03:04 heeft Andrea Ross  het 
>> volgende geschreven:
>> 
>>> Dear Kristin, Everyone
>>> 
>>> The sex/gender split was similar for FOSS4G NA 2016 as FOSS4G NA 2015. In 
>>> the range of 25 to 30 percent women for both speakers and attendees. We 
>>> don't ask people their gender as part of submitting or registering, so this 
>>> is obviously a best effort from having met a number of folks, and 
>>> discretely Google-stalking them just a little.
>>> 
>>> We probably had a record high number of trans people participate, despite 
>>> North Carolina's HB2. Also because of HB2, many LGBT people reached out to 
>>> me before the conference to understand what was being done, and to help 
>>> decide whether to boycott or not. We are so grateful that so many did not 
>>> boycott, and came anyway. It was a moving experience for me to learn how 
>>> big the LGBT part of the community is and get a bit of the sense of how 
>>> important the work they're doing is.
>>> 
>>> Also, I want to call out the exemplary work of the Raleigh Convention 
>>> Center. They really went above and beyond to ensure our attendees were safe 
>>> and comfortable. So far as I know, there were zero instances of harassment 
>>> of LGBT people. Laurie Okun from the Convention Center in particular was a 
>>> superstar and so impressive & professional from our first contact when 
>>> trying to assess Raleigh, through the chaos that HB2 inflicted, and to the 
>>> post-conference follow-up. We are grateful.
>>> 
>>> So many good things to note. I also want to note that it is still a mostly 
>>> white conference. So the job is not done, and there's still much more 
>>> important work to be done.
>>> 
>>> Kind regards,
>>> 
>>> Andrea
>>> 
 On 27/05/16 17:28, Kristin Bott wrote:
 Thanks for sharing the synopsis; I'm especially encouraged by (1) gender 
 (identity) parity in the planning committee (2) strong presence of 
 female-identifying folk at the conference and (3) continued financial 
 support for attendees.
 
 I'd be curious what the gender split was across attendees v. speakers -- 
 possibly something worth tracking across years of conferences to get a 
 sense of any shifts in attendee demographics.
 
 cheers -
 -k.bott
 
 
> On Fri, May 27, 2016 at 7:09 AM, Mark Lucas 

Re: [OSGeo-Discuss] FOSS4G2016 and diversity

[Andrea Ross]

Marc,

I started to write a whole bunch of thoughts related to this but instead 
decided against as I felt it was stating the obvious and I didn't want 
the thoughts to be perceived as negative.


The essence was that these things  you have listed are great, and they 
help keep things from being screwed up, but they're not the hard work 
that it takes to really make a difference. So good, but so much more is 
needed.


Kind regards,

Andrea

On 28/05/16 11:26, Marc Vloemans wrote:

Dear all,

To build upon the positive results as mentioned in the thread below, I 
invite anyone to supply any suggestion that may support the LOC FOSS4G 
2016 in Bonn Germany, regarding diversity related policies during the 
actual Conference. Either directly to me or via this list.


As LOC we strive to be aware that public policies and personal 
experiences vary per continent, region, country and/or province. 
However, living in Western-Europe we sometimes are unaware how 
fortunate we are! That could hinder us in anticipating potential 
fears, uncertainties and doubts that visitors to Bonn may have.


For starters, please note the following from 
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_rights_in_Germany :


"Germany has become the first country in Europe to enact a law that 
allows German citizens to choose to neither identify as male or female 
on their birth certificate, which has been said to specifically 
benefit hermaphrodites 
 and intersex 
 persons."


Unfortunately same sex marriage is still 'under construction', but 
that does not reflect negatively on a number of laws protecting the 
rights of the LGBTI community (including registered partnership).


Best regards and hopefully we meet in Bonn,
Marc Vloemans




Vriendelijke groet,
Marc Vloemans

Op 28 mei 2016 om 03:04 heeft Andrea Ross > het volgende geschreven:



Dear Kristin, Everyone

The sex/gender split was similar for FOSS4G NA 2016 as FOSS4G NA 
2015. In the range of 25 to 30 percent women for both speakers and 
attendees. We don't ask people their gender as part of submitting or 
registering, so this is obviously a best effort from having met a 
number of folks, and discretely Google-stalking them just a little.


We probably had a record high number of trans people participate, 
despite North Carolina's HB2. Also because of HB2, many LGBT people 
reached out to me before the conference to understand what was being 
done, and to help decide whether to boycott or not. We are so 
grateful that so many did not boycott, and came anyway. It was a 
moving experience for me to learn how big the LGBT part of the 
community is and get a bit of the sense of how important the work 
they're doing is.


Also, I want to call out the exemplary work of the Raleigh Convention 
Center. They really went above and beyond to ensure our attendees 
were safe and comfortable. So far as I know, there were zero 
instances of harassment of LGBT people. Laurie Okun from the 
Convention Center in particular was a superstar and so impressive & 
professional from our first contact when trying to assess Raleigh, 
through the chaos that HB2 inflicted, and to the post-conference 
follow-up. We are grateful.


So many good things to note. I also want to note that it is still a 
mostly white conference. So the job is not done, and there's still 
much more important work to be done.


Kind regards,

Andrea

On 27/05/16 17:28, Kristin Bott wrote:
Thanks for sharing the synopsis; I'm especially encouraged by (1) 
gender (identity) parity in the planning committee (2) strong 
presence of female-identifying folk at the conference and (3) 
continued financial support for attendees.


I'd be curious what the gender split was across attendees v. 
speakers -- possibly something worth tracking across years of 
conferences to get a sense of any shifts in attendee demographics.


cheers -
-k.bott


On Fri, May 27, 2016 at 7:09 AM, Mark Lucas > wrote:


I had the pleasure of serving as the OSGeo representative for
the 2016 FOSS4G NA conference selection and planning. I thought
the team did an excellent job in selecting, planning and running
the conference. The team made the decision to not pursue a 2017
NA conference so as not to compete for resources with the OSGeo
international conference.  Our efforts will focus on 2018
planning and selection for the next NA regional conference.

On a personal note I was initially concerned about how the
relationship with Location Tech and OSGeo would evolve.  Our
teaming has resulted in yet another successful conference that I
believe plays to the strengths of both organizations.  I was
very pleased with the openness and collaboration that I witnessed.
— Mark


The synopsis from Andrea Ross is included below:

FOSS4G 

[OSGeo-Discuss] FOSS4G2016 and diversity

[Marc Vloemans]

Dear all,

To build upon the positive results as mentioned in the thread below, I invite 
anyone to supply any suggestion that may support the LOC FOSS4G 2016 in Bonn 
Germany, regarding diversity related policies during the actual Conference. 
Either directly to me or via this list.

As LOC we strive to be aware that public policies and personal experiences vary 
per continent, region, country and/or province. However, living in 
Western-Europe we sometimes are unaware how fortunate we are! That could hinder 
us in anticipating potential fears, uncertainties and doubts that visitors to 
Bonn may have.

For starters, please note the following from 
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_rights_in_Germany :

"Germany has become the first country in Europe to enact a law that allows 
German citizens to choose to neither identify as male or female on their birth 
certificate, which has been said to specifically benefit hermaphrodites and 
intersex persons."

Unfortunately same sex marriage is still 'under construction', but that does 
not reflect negatively on a number of laws protecting the rights of the LGBTI 
community (including registered partnership).

Best regards and hopefully we meet in Bonn,
Marc Vloemans




Vriendelijke groet,
Marc Vloemans

> Op 28 mei 2016 om 03:04 heeft Andrea Ross  het 
> volgende geschreven:
> 
> Dear Kristin, Everyone
> 
> The sex/gender split was similar for FOSS4G NA 2016 as FOSS4G NA 2015. In the 
> range of 25 to 30 percent women for both speakers and attendees. We don't ask 
> people their gender as part of submitting or registering, so this is 
> obviously a best effort from having met a number of folks, and discretely 
> Google-stalking them just a little.
> 
> We probably had a record high number of trans people participate, despite 
> North Carolina's HB2. Also because of HB2, many LGBT people reached out to me 
> before the conference to understand what was being done, and to help decide 
> whether to boycott or not. We are so grateful that so many did not boycott, 
> and came anyway. It was a moving experience for me to learn how big the LGBT 
> part of the community is and get a bit of the sense of how important the work 
> they're doing is.
> 
> Also, I want to call out the exemplary work of the Raleigh Convention Center. 
> They really went above and beyond to ensure our   attendees were safe and 
> comfortable. So far as I know, there were zero instances of harassment of 
> LGBT people. Laurie Okun from the Convention Center in particular was a 
> superstar and so impressive & professional from our first contact when trying 
> to assess Raleigh, through the chaos that HB2 inflicted, and to the 
> post-conference follow-up. We are grateful.
> 
> So many good things to note. I also want to note that it is still a mostly 
> white conference. So the job is not done, and there's still much more 
> important work to be done.
> 
> Kind regards,
> 
> Andrea
> 
>> On 27/05/16 17:28, Kristin Bott wrote:
>> Thanks for sharing the synopsis; I'm especially encouraged by (1) gender 
>> (identity) parity in the planning committee (2) strong presence of 
>> female-identifying folk at the conference and (3) continued financial 
>> support for attendees.
>> 
>> I'd be curious what the gender split was across attendees v. speakers -- 
>> possibly something worth tracking across years of conferences to get a sense 
>> of any shifts in attendee demographics.
>> 
>> cheers -
>> -k.bott
>> 
>> 
>>> On Fri, May 27, 2016 at 7:09 AM, Mark Lucas  wrote:
>>> I had the pleasure of serving as the OSGeo representative for the 2016 
>>> FOSS4G NA conference selection and planning.  I thought the team did an 
>>> excellent job in selecting, planning and running the conference.  The team 
>>> made the decision to not pursue a 2017 NA conference so as not to compete 
>>> for resources with the OSGeo international conference.  Our efforts will 
>>> focus on 2018 planning and selection for the next NA regional conference.
>>> 
>>> On a personal note I was initially concerned about how the relationship 
>>> with Location Tech and OSGeo would evolve.  Our teaming has resulted in yet 
>>> another successful conference that I believe plays to the strengths of both 
>>> organizations.  I was very pleased with the openness and collaboration that 
>>> I witnessed.
>>> — Mark
>>> 
>>> 
>>> The synopsis from Andrea Ross is included below:  
>>> 
>>>  FOSS4G
>>> NA 2016 Synopsis (please feel free to re-use
>>> this data)
>>> 
>>> The
>>> conference ran from May 2-5, at the
>>> Raleigh Convention Center, in Raleigh
>>> North Carolina. The code sprint &
>>> unconference ran May 6 & 7 at Red
>>> Hat’s headquarters, a few blocks from
>>>