Code of Conduct

We want WHY to be a safe, fun place to be. That needs some rules. We stick to the essence of "Don't forget to be awesome" as the basics. We want the code of conduct to be a positive thing and tried to avoid thou shalt nots.

STILL WIP, WE FORGOT SOMETHING IMPORTANT We’re missing a guide on subsidiarity and proportionality, going to finalise.

Code of Conduct

What Hackers Yearn! We yearn to create, connect, and celebrate the thrill of discovery together. We yearn to make sure everyone has an unforgettable experience. Remember, we want to make WHY2025 the most accessible event ever, so try to show respect, be inclusive, and don't forget to be awesome. Try not to see malice where you can see incompetence instead. _{It's like politics}

To err is human, to forgive divine - Alexander Pope, 1711

Respect for Individuals

Let’s keep it friendly and welcoming! Everyone here deserves respect and understanding, so bring positivity to every interaction. Harassment, discrimination, or aggressive behavior? Not cool and definitely not welcome. A spirit of kindness and curiosity will make this camp a better place for everyone. Before any physical contact, ask for clear consent, be mindful of personal space, and check that your attention is welcome. Remember, consent is all about communication, not making assumptions.

Again, respect the boundaries of others. When they tell you that you are crossing them, take a step back. And understand our community has a lot of people with bad social antennas. Be clear in your communication and don't beat around the bush trying to be over-polite.

Passion can sometimes be misunderstood as anger, so let’s approach each other with patience and understanding. Our community is wonderfully large, neuro-diverse, and hyper-focused — and that’s exactly how we want it to stay!

Inclusivity and Diversity

WHY2025 is for everyone. That means embracing a wide mix of backgrounds, nationalities, genders, ages, abilities, and perspectives. Let’s keep our minds open, stay curious about others’ viewpoints, and lift each other up. We believe everyone has something valuable to share, and together, we'll make this event even more inspiring and fun!

Privacy and Consent

We’re here to share and learn, but remember: always ask permission first. Photos or recordings should only be made with clear consent, and don’t touch (logically or physically) anyone’s tech or setup without a thumbs-up from them. Trust is key!

We all yearn for a bit of privacy. If you want to keep or share a memory of a project or art installation that is fine. But be mindful about the privacy of others before you take recognizable pictures of strangers, and clearly ask for consent. Again, consent is all about communication, not assumptions.

Environmental Respect

Let’s leave the camp as awesome as we found it—or even better! Clean up after yourself, use the bins provided, and take care of the surroundings. Our environment is everyone’s responsibility, so let’s tread lightly.

(NB, at previous events I got a trashbag when checking in, what team should we discuss this with?)

Safe Spaces and Accessibility

Everyone deserves a comfortable and accessible camp experience. Be mindful of designated quiet zones, accessibility needs, and safe spaces. If someone needs assistance, let’s work together to help out and make this a space for all.

Fostering Balance in Communication

Let’s create space for all voices to be heard, respecting both the individual and the collective. When discussions arise, be mindful while sharing the floor and listening actively. Be aware that people and arguments are not always the same thing. Balance is key. Try to be aware of your biases.

By working together with curiosity, tolerance and compassion, we can foster conversations where everyone feels valued and included.

Conflict Resolution

If anything/anyone makes you or someone else uncomfortable and asking them to stop does not work, reach out to a cohesion volunteer or our designated safety crew. We’re committed to handling all concerns with care, privacy, and respect. Let’s keep our interactions positive and resolve conflicts constructively, without pointing fingers and preconception. In the Netherlands we have a working emergency service. When laws are clearly broken, these matters will be handed over to the authorities.

Sometimes, discussions can get heated — and that’s okay. Passion and strong opinions are part of our community. However, if emotions escalate and accusations start to fly, it’s better to pause, take a step back, reflect, and revisit the topic at a later moment when everyone can approach it more calmly and thoughtfully.

If someone approaches you with feedback on your behavior, listen with an open mind. Remember, we’re all here to learn and nobody is perfect. Resolving conflicts constructively is part of building a stronger, more inclusive community.

MAIL: cohesion@why2025.org / SIGNAL: +31600000000 / PHONE: +31600000000 / DECT: 0000

Final Thought: Don’t Forget to Be Awesome

At the end of the day, we yearn to share ideas, create, and have a blast together. So keep the vibe positive, be considerate, and let’s make this one for the books.😘

_{This Code of Conduct is: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives}