Welcome to Netroots Nation! Whether this is your first Netroots or you’ve been to every one, we want you to know that this is a place for:
- Sharing ideas and experiences
- Connecting with others in the movement
- Learning from each other and sharing best practices
- Uplifting and affirming each other
Netroots Nation is NOT a place for:
- Personal attacks or put-downs
- Hostility, threats or harassment
We take the safety of our community very seriously. Any use of threats, violence, or discriminatory language is NOT permitted and will result in the immediate revocation of credentials.
Got a question or concern that needs immediate attention? Text a staffer at (415) 737-6389.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
We aim to create an affirming and inclusive space in which every attendee is valued and respected. Creating such a space is a group responsibility. Here are a few ways you can help:
- During social events and discussions, encourage others to join in. Keep an open space in your circle for newcomers to help them feel welcome.
- Make space for others in your conversations. If you notice people dominating a discussion, ask for feedback from quieter attendees.
- Cut one another some slack. Not everyone comes from the same shared knowledge base or social framework.
- Be thankful when you are held accountable. Netroots is a great place to continue learning how to build the progressive world we want to see, and that includes hearing out those you may have harmed and learning how to avoid the same issues in the future.
- Aim to learn from differences of perspective. Ask questions and share insights with an open heart.
- Avoid dismissing the ideas of others, even if they do not align with your personal beliefs.
As we all work to be inclusive and respectful, we don’t always know what to do. Click here for a non-exhaustive guide to help each of us in our quest to embody our ideals.
PROTESTS & DEMONSTRATIONS
We encourage freedom of expression, including the right to protest, and recognize that such actions can help shift the political conversation. Protests can be opportunities for growth and learning. However, protests are never an excuse to cross other people’s personal boundaries or deny them safety.
This conference is designed to be an avenue for political expression that supports the needs of our attendees and our presenters. Sustained disruptions that interfere with the community’s ability to fully participate in conference programming are not encouraged. If we determine that a protest is sustained, we will relocate the action to another physical space so the program can continue.
Safety is always paramount. Actions that put anyone’s safety at risk will not be allowed at Netroots Nation. Please remember that we all come from differing life experiences and backgrounds and may not agree on policies or tactics. Feeling discomfort at hearing something you disagree with is not equivalent to being unsafe. We encourage you to keep an open mind and always center humanity.
CREATING SAFER SPACES
Netroots Nation strives to create a community grounded in solidarity, equality and respect. We are committed to creating a safer, more inclusive space for all—including those of various sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, ethnicities, nationalities, religions, ages, physical limitations, mental disability, languages spoken, immigration status or economic status.
It is our collective responsibility to ensure that each member of our community feels welcome and respected. Harassment, discrimination, violence and bigotry create feelings of fear, uneasiness, humiliation and discomfort. Even if our actions are not intentionally hurtful, what we say and do can hurt others or make them feel uncomfortable.
Sexual harassment is a form of sexual violence. Sexual harassment is any unwanted attention of a sexual nature. Examples include remarks about another person’s appearance or dress, unwanted flirtation, touching someone without their permission, unwanted sexual pressure, verbal abuse and name calling.
We want our attendees to have a great time, but remember that sexual consent is always essential. And if you use alcohol, please do so safely. Alcohol use is never an excuse to disrespect, harass or harm others.
If you need to report an incident, inappropriate behavior or harassment, please find a staff member as soon as you safely can. You can also call RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673).
Netroots Nation reserves the right to revoke, without refund, the credentials of anyone not in compliance with these guidelines.
ACCESSIBILITY
We strive to ensure that Netroots Nation is accessible as possible and continue to look for ways to improve accessibility. Please review our accessibility details and reach out if you have any questions, suggestions, or concerns: (415) 737-6389 or email registration@netrootsnation.org.
NEED HELP?
Got a question, concern or feedback? We’re here to help! You can text or call the Netroots Nation staff at (415) 737-6389 or email registration@netrootsnation.org.