Code Savvy Code of Conduct

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Code Savvy is an organization on a mission to empower all students and educators with the knowledge and skills to create with technology. We work towards this goal by creating opportunities for hands-on experiences that inspire all learners to transform the future. Code Savvy is committed to providing a safe and welcoming space, without regard to age, gender, race, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, mental or physical disability, physical appearance, neuro(a)typicality, religion, level of knowledge, level of experience, socioeconomic status or background, political affiliation, or any other attribute. Code Savvy program directors and volunteers share the responsibility of enforcing these policies as necessary to maintain an open and welcoming environment throughout all of our programs and events.

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Code Savvy believes that the following principles are essential to maintaining this environment. In addition, we believe that they are good principles for life in general.

 

Applicability

This code of conduct applies to all Code Savvy programs and events and serves to ensure that everybody and anybody who wishes to participate is able to do so, without fear of discrimination or harrasment. Further, it applies to online activities related to Code Savvy and its programs and events, including postings on Social Media, GitHub, Slack, Flipgrid and Google Groups.

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Principles

Do Not Harass

Harassment is any unwelcome or hostile behavior towards another person for any reason. This includes, but is not limited to, offensive verbal comments related to personal characteristics or choices, sexual images or comments, deliberate intimidation, bullying, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording, sustained disruption of discussion or events, nonconsensual publication of private comments, inappropriate physical contact, or unwelcome sexual attention. 

 

Code Savvy will not tolerate such behavior.

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Respect the Opinions and Abilities of Others

Code Savvy programs and events are designed to be spaces for people of all different skill levels and approaches to meet and develop their skills and resources related to creating with technology. As a result, we do not expect that everybody will share the same opinion. However, we do expect that disagreement is done respectfully.

Additionally, we expect that participants will educate/mentor others respectfully. To this end, do not assume anybody else’s level of expertise or knowledge. Seek first to understand before offering suggestions, advice or guidance.  Guide and mentor from the side without taking over someone else’s computer.  We are all learning, so afford others—as well as yourself—room to grow.

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Values

While this document exists primarily to prevent certain inappropriate behavior, we also believe that our participants should work towards a higher standard. To that end, we expect conduct that reflects our values at all of our events:

• Inclusivity

  • We maintain a focus on inclusive practices that interrupt and counteract gender, racial and economic bias and create a welcoming environment for all learners.

• Diversity

  • We believe in the importance of students and educators coming together with a variety of backgrounds, because tomorrow’s tech professionals need to be reflective of all our communities. 

• Community

  • We nurture networks of learners to create a supportive community for change.

• Empowerment

  • We believe the next generation of computer science professionals are already in all of our communities. When provided with the resources and mentorship unavailable in a traditional school setting, they’ll be empowered to transform the world.

• Curiosity

  • We encourage students and educators alike to pursue the answers to “Why?” “How?” and “What if…?” Sometimes the smallest questions can lead to big ideas.

• Creativity

  • We believe there is more than one way to approach a problem, and that the most impactful ideas are the ones that stand apart from the crowd. 

 

Procedures

Making a Report

If you are unable to resolve the issue, or are uncomfortable doing so, you should contact a program director, either in person or electronically. Program Directors agree to keep information shared in association with a Code of Conduct violation private, and may reveal it only with the approval of the affected person(s). Contact information for each Program Director is listed on the Our Team page, and you can also send a message to Code Savvy, in which case it will be seen by the Executive Director and the appropriate Program Director. Please be aware that electronic reports may not be seen immediately.

 

When making a report, the following information is useful, but not required:

• What program was the violation observed?

• Who violated the Code of Conduct?

• Where and when did the violation occurred?

• What happened?

• Who may have witnessed the violation?

• Who are you?

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Outcomes

Program Directors and the Executive Director agree to treat all violations impartially, and will strive to apply this code of conduct consistently. In situations where this may not be possible due to personal or business relationships, Program Directors shall refer the violation report to another appropriate decision-maker with the approval of the affected person(s).

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Program Directors or the Executive Director may take any appropriate action, including expulsion and a ban from future events, to resolve a violation of this code of conduct. In the event of gray areas, precedence will be given to the target of the conduct.

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Contributing to This Code

This is a living document and is ultimately owned by the Code Savvy community. We are interested in your comments and suggestions! You can contribute to the code by submitting your comment or suggestion to Code Savvy.