To all participants in BigHook meetings or lists:

My goal for BigHook is to provide a platform for mutual learning, teaching and thinking together via open discussion of all topics relevant to the network we want to leave to our grandchildren. Doing this requires an environment in which participants can listen to each other and express themselves safely, without undue anxiety, regardless of their gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, ethnic background, age, belief system, professional experience or technical skill level.

I expect BigHook participants to be mindful of and responsible for their speech and behavior. This includes acting with respect for others by active listening, asking good questions, being sensitive to interpersonal signals that indicate physical or emotional  boundaries, and giving enough space for all participants in a conversation to be heard.

I will not tolerate harassing behavior by BigHook participants, nor should any BigHook participant. Such behavior includes verbal comments that communicate domination related to gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, ethnic background, age, belief system, professional experience or technical skill level. It also includes expressions of disparagement or belittling for any reason, physical violence in any form, physical intimidation using gestures or body language, unwelcome body contact, unwelcome sexual attention and inappropriate sexual language or imagery.

If any BigHook participant is asked by another participant to stop such behavior, they are are expected to comply immediately. In addition, I may ask offenders to leave BigHook events or lists, and I may take other remedial actions at my discretion. 

If you feel threatened or victimized because another BigHook participant is violating these guidelines, or if you witness BigHook participants threatening or victimizing others, you are strongly encouraged to talk to me about it immediately. However, if you don't feel comfortable talking to me for any reason, you should seek out any other BigHook participant(s) you trust and get that person (or those people) to come talk to me as soon as possible. Anonymity is OK, and it will be honored, but the primary purpose of this is to get the offending behavior to stop. My strong presumption will be that somebody who feels threatened or victimized has good reason to feel that way, and I will act accordingly.

Your presence at BigHook events and participation on BigHook lists means that you have read these guidelines and agree to them.

David S. Isenberg, BigHook organizer & moderator