Purpose
A primary goal of Ganeshotsav Berlin is to be inclusive to the largest number of participants, with the most varied and diverse backgrounds possible. As such, we are committed to providing a friendly, safe and welcoming environment for all, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ability, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and religion (or lack thereof).
This code of conduct outlines our expectations for all those who participate in our community, as well as the consequences for unacceptable behaviour. We invite all who participate in Ganeshotsav Berlin to help us create safe and positive experiences for everyone.
Open citizenship
A supplemental goal of this Code of Conduct is to increase open citizenship by encouraging participants to recognise and strengthen the relationships between our actions and their effects on our community.
Communities mirror the societies in which they exist and positive action is essential to counteract the many forms of inequality and abuses of power that exist in society. If you see someone who is making an extra effort to ensure our community is welcoming, friendly, and encourages all participants to contribute to the fullest extent, we want to know.
Expected behaviour
- Participate in an authentic and active way — in doing so you contribute to the health and longevity of this community.
- Exercise consideration and respect in your speech and actions.
- Attempt collaboration before conflict.
- Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behaviour and speech.
- Be mindful of your surroundings and of your fellow participants. Alert community leaders if you notice a dangerous situation, someone in distress, or violations of this Code.
- Remember that community event venues may be shared with the public; please be respectful to all patrons of these locations.
Unacceptable behaviour
Unacceptable behaviours include: intimidating, harassing, abusive, discriminatory, derogatory or demeaning speech or actions by any participant in our community, online or in person. Harassment includes: harmful or prejudicial verbal or written comments; deliberate intimidation, stalking or following; harassing photography or recording; sustained disruption of talks or other events; inappropriate physical contact; and unwelcome sexual attention.
Consequences of unacceptable behaviour
Unacceptable behaviour from any community member — including sponsors and those with decision-making authority — will not be tolerated. Anyone asked to stop unacceptable behaviour is expected to comply immediately. If a community member engages in unacceptable behaviour, the organisers may take any action they deem appropriate, up to and including a temporary ban or permanent expulsion from the community without warning.
If you witness or experience unacceptable behaviour
If you are subject to or witness unacceptable behaviour, or have any other concerns, please notify a member of the organising team as soon as possible. You can email us at team@ganeshotsavberlin.com.
At in-person events, you can approach any organiser or volunteer with a “team” badge. Organisers will be happy to help participants contact venue security or local law enforcement, provide escorts, or otherwise assist those experiencing unacceptable behaviour to feel safe for the duration of the event.
Addressing grievances
If you feel you have been falsely or unfairly accused of violating this Code of Conduct, you should notify the organising team with a concise description of your grievance. Your grievance will be handled in accordance with our existing governing policies.
Scope
We expect all community participants (contributors, paid or otherwise; sponsors; and other guests) to abide by this Code of Conduct in all community venues — online and in person — as well as in all one-on-one communications pertaining to community business.
Attribution
This Code of Conduct is based on the Berlin Code of Conduct (Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike license). Attribution to the citizens of Berlin.