Code of Conduct

By participating in the NorthStar Community, you agree to the following code of conduct.

A primary goal of Project NorthStar is to think and work in collaboration, so we can transcend the potential of each of us, and others. We aim to be inclusive to the largest number of contributors, with the most varied and diverse backgrounds possible. We are committed to providing a friendly, safe, and welcoming environment for all, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, skills and education, 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 behavior. We invite all those to help us create safe and positive experiences for everyone, and we also include ways for our attendees to report any violations. Together we can make a fun, harassment-free, magical experience for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, or religion.

A supplemental goal of this Code of Conduct is to increase open [source/culture/tech] citizenship by encouraging participants to recognize 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..

‍The following behaviors are expected and requested of all community members:

• Communicate! 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. Come from a place of understanding.

• Attempt collaboration before a conflict.

• Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior and speech.

• Be mindful of your surroundings and your fellow participants. Alert community leaders if you notice a dangerous situation, someone in distress, or violations of this Code of Conduct, even if they seem inconsequential.

The following actions are considered harassment and are unacceptable within our community:

• Being a jerk. Being mean. Unkind intentions.

• Violence, threats of violence or violent language directed against another person.

• Sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic, ableist or otherwise discriminatory jokes and language.

• Posting or displaying sexually explicit or violent material, posting or threatening to post other people’s personally identifying information ("doxing").

• Personal insults, particularly those related to gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, or disability.

• Inappropriate photography or recording. Inappropriate physical contact. You should have someone’s consent before touching them.

• Unwelcome sexual attention. This includes sexualized comments or jokes; inappropriate touching, groping, and unwelcome sexual advances.

• Deliberate intimidation, stalking or following (online or in person).

• Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behavior.

• Sustained disruption of community events, including talks and, presentations.

Don't be that person. We help people help people.

Unacceptable behavior from any community member, including sponsors and those with decision-making authority, will not be tolerated. Anyone asked to stop unacceptable behavior is expected to comply immediately. If a community member engages in unacceptable behavior, moderators may take any action they deem appropriate, up to and including a warning, temporary ban, or permanent expulsion from the community/event without warning. You can make a report either personally or anonymously.

Anonymous Report

We have an anonymous report form available here. We can't follow up on an anonymous report with you directly, but we will fully investigate it and take whatever action is necessary to prevent a recurrence.

This code of conduct was adopted from the code of conduct used by the wonderful people at the MIT Reality Hack.