Diversity, inclusion, equal opportunities and participation @ @OSCo
I would like to add something about diversity, inclusion, equal opportunities and participation:
It should be given, but unfortunately it is not.
These topics are very important to us. At the same time, we are not as advanced as we would like to be in some areas, or we have made decisions that "disadvantage" certain dimensions.
I hope to initiate a discussion so that we (as an organizational team) can broaden our perspectives,
learn and improve @OSCo
Hopefully this doesn't come across as a justification.
First to the "positive"
Diversity
Diversity encompasses individual, social and structural differences and similarities between people. I.e. for example
- Ethnic background
- gender
- sexual orientation
- age
- Physical and mental abilities
- health
- Religion and ideology
- social background
- level of knowledge
- marital status
Diversity is often lacking, especially in the information security sector. We are trying to change this with the osco.
What are we doing about it:
We have a CoC to generate a safe space
https://opensecurityconference.org/coc and commit to the #CoCPledge
We have a Health & Safety Policy following the #PHPledge
https://opensecurityconference.org/conference/health
We make sure that we have diverse keynote speakers.
Children and partners are welcome.
The #OpenSpace format enables contributions regardless of knowledge level. You don't have to be an expert to participate, you can collect or generate knowledge together, but you can also "simply" ask for help.
The location allows participants to take a break at any time, retreat to their rooms or go outside (weather permitting)
We do not make any profits from the conference, but the costs are shared equally among the participants. (More on this in the gaps). This includes the organizing team. Only keynote speakers are reimbursed.
It is important to us that sponsors share our values.
Gaps, potentials and trade-offs
An on-site conference disadvantages disabled people who cannot travel easily, people with health restrictions who cannot bear the risk of traveling or attending the event themselves. Even if we do not make a profit, the costs are prohibitive for financially disadvantaged people.
The Open Space format can be stressful for neurodivergent people.
Possible improvements
- offer the event (also) online
- gain more sponsorship (who wants to step in or help!!!)
- offer discounted tickets or "scholarships" (at the moment this is still failing because we don't have a "business structure")
Our venue is also not optimal in all respects.
- There are handicapped accessible rooms and the rooms we have booked can be reached at ground level. However, this does not apply to all rooms and paths, some of the steps are longer and have parts with paving stones or gravel.
We do not have a childcare program. This would certainly also be an opportunity for improvement to make it easier for parents or single parents to participate.
I'm sure I've forgotten a lot more