R-E-S-P-E-C-T, find out what it means to ✨Socratica✨.

Preamble

This Code of Conduct has three main goals:

1. To specify a baseline standard of behavior so that people with different social values and communication styles can communicate effectively, productively, and respectfully.
2. To provide a mechanism for resolving conflicts in the community when they arise.
3. To make our community welcoming to people from different backgrounds. Diversity is critical in order for us to build a thriving community. With that said, a healthy community must allow for disagreement and debate. The Code of Conduct is not a mechanism for people to silence others with whom they disagree.

By being part of our community (whether that be our in-person events or online spaces, or those of our partners and affiliates), you agree to respect:

1. Each Other

1. Adopt a Host Mindset 🫡🫡
   • If you see someone standing alone, we encourage you to approach them and invite them into conversation - but it’s also okay if they decline.
2. Be thoughtful in how you communicate 💭
   • Be respectful. Do not communicate with the intent to insult, belittle, or intimidate. Refrain from directing profanity at raising or raising your voice at others. When people are speaking, give them your full attention, and don’t interrupt! This includes conversations between you and fellow attendees, as well as during demos.
   • Be patient :) Try to explain things at varying levels of complexity, and show grace if they can’t quite understand what you’re talking about.
     • People at our sessions have varying communication styles and come from many different backgrounds. A condescending or patronizing interaction can discourage them from participation. There are no dumb questions!
   • Let the conversation breathe. Pause briefly after speaking to give others time to process, respond, or exit the conversation. Be mindful of group dynamics - give others a chance to contribute before speaking again. Try not to dominate group conversations.
   • Everyone responds to sarcasm and humour differently. Be mindful of how your comments may be interpreted. When in doubt, choose clarity and kindness.
   • Know when to let go. It’s more important to be courteous than to prove you’re right. We encourage attendees to explore disagreements and understand different points of view. However, if someone indicates they’d like to move on or “agree to disagree”, please do so gracefully.
3. Respect people's boundaries 💯
   • While we encourage making friends, if someone asks for space or doesn't want to be contacted, no means no.
   • Some people may struggle with enforcing their boundaries. If the answer isn’t a clear “yes”, err on the side of leaving them alone.
   • If an attendee has requested to not be recorded (photos, videos, voice, etc.), please delete any records promptly and permanently.
   • Avoid touching others unless you know they’re okay with it, or using physical gestures that could make someone uncomfortable.
   • If someone lets you know that something you said or did made them uncomfortable, thank them for telling you, and adjust your behaviour. Mistakes are a part of learning, and no one is expected to get this right the first time!

2. The Space

1. Clean up your own garbage 🚮 (and the occasional additional cup), and return furniture or supplies to their original place. Leave spaces better than you find them ✨ (we want to be invited back!)
2. Do not be a menace‼️ Theft and destruction of property are not allowed.

3. The Session

1. START: be on time (do your best lol), and sneak in quietly if you're late. Hosts might be too busy to let latecomers in right away.
2. WORK BLOCKS: FOCUS TIME 😤 Put your headphones on, get into the zone, keep conversations to a minimum, save random commentary for the break. If the hosts have designated an area for collaborative work and conversations, please make use of them!
3. BREAK: Feel free to chat, keep working, grab a snack, go to the washroom, etc.
4. DEMOS: Keep your demo quick ⏱, and share projects that are respectful and make the space feel welcoming.
   1. Give other demoers your full attention (no side conversations please!). Phones and laptops should be put to the side.
   2. Save short Q&A for after the demo, and extensive Q&A for after the session. Be mindful of time constraints and remaining demos.
   3. Keep questions lighthearted. No one wants to be put on the spot or feel like they’re being interrogated, especially when they’re presenting in front of a group of people!