Basque Wikimedians User Group/Friendly Space Policy

Purpose and principles

The purpose of this Safe Space Policy is to ensure that all events and programs operated by The Basque Wikimedians User Group are free of harassment and other forms of unwelcome behaviour, facilitating inclusion. This policy applies to all events, programs and activities where the Basque Wikimedians User Group has the authority and means to implement the terms of this policy.

The Basque Wikimedians User Group is involved with a wide range of events and activities in order to create, promote and share open knowledge, and is committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive experience for everyone. The key principles of our safe space policy are as follow:

Our public events are open to anyone who want to support our objectives. We expect all participants to show friendliness and civility, and for volunteers and staff to be treated with courtesy. Event organizers, workers and volunteers at events are expected to take care that their behaviour is welcoming and inclusive with everyone involved in the event. Disruptive or discriminatory behaviour which prevents others participating in the Basque Wikimedians User Group's activities is not acceptable and will take the pertinent corrective actions. This kind of behaviour will be treated equally whether it takes place online or in person.

A notice regarding this Policy shall be publicly posted at any event to which it applies.

Roles and responsabilities

The Management Team of the Basque Wikimedians User Group and members of the event assigned by them, will form The Safe Space Committee and they will be Responsible Agents.

This Committee is responsible for investigating reports of harassment, including, but not limited to, sexual harassment, reports of discrimination, threatening conducts, disruptions, etc. which involve members, staff, or volunteers.

The Safe Space Committee has full authority to carry out any and all actions pursuant to the provisions of this Policy, as may be necessary to resolve matters under investigation.

Prohibited behaviour

Harassment, discrimination or abusive behaviour could include, but shall not be limited to:

Discriminatory speech, including offensive verbal comments or remarks related to age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, physical appearance, race, ethnicity, political affiliation, or religion.
Threatening conduct, including deliberate intimidation, threats, stalking, unwelcome following, inappropriate photography/filming, unwelcome or violent physical contact or any other verbal or physical conduct intended to threaten, coerce or intimidate.
Conduct of a sexual nature, including unwelcome sexual attention or advances, suggestive comments or gestures, inappropriate requests for sexual favours or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.
Graphic content, such as the display of inappropriate sexual content and imagery, or content that is otherwise graphic without adequate prior notice.
Disruption of talks, programs, or events.
Other conduct: Any other conduct that the Basque Wikimedians User Group reasonably determines would interfere with its events or the safety and comfort of participants.

Any person who intends to discuss or present material related to potentially sensitive or offensive topics at an event is encouraged to provide appropriate notice to attendees prior to engaging in such discussion or presentation.

Any person who engages in prohibited behavior may be subject to corrective action, as described in this Policy.

Corrective action

If anyone involved with running a Basque User Group event are concerned about the conduct of an individual, or receive a complaint, they should take action appropriate to the situation. Any incidence of prohibited behavior may be subject to corrective action regardless of the severity of such behavior and corrective action may be taken in any circumstance where prohibited behavior has occurred, is occurring, or can reasonably be expected to occur.

As Basque Wikimedian User Group’s events are often led by volunteers, we depend on all participants for help in maintaining the Safe Space Policy. If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact the lead event organizer immediately, whether that’s a member of the Basque User Group staff, a trustee or a volunteer.

A decision to take corrective action pursuant to the provisions of this Policy shall only be made by a member of The Safe Space Committee. This decision will be taken after offering the victim the chance to decide if any action is taken. Under no circumstances shall any person who is not a Responsible Agent authorize such action to be taken, and any such authorization shall be null and void.

Permitted action shall include, but shall not be limited to:

Warning the offending party
Facilitating apologies and reconciliation
Removing the offending party from part or all of an event
Reporting the offending party to venue security or law enforcement

Corrective action shall be promptly reported including the identity of the person or people against whom action was taken, the time of the action, the unacceptable behavior, the approximate time of this behavior, circumstances surrounding the incident, the identities of any other people involved in the incident, and any other information which may be necessary for the investigation of the incident.