On this page we try to depict, how we would like to shape our meetings and spaces around the Feminist Linux Meetup, so that all participants could feel comfortable and welcome. The goal is to create an environment in which we can experience and learn more about Linux, in a cooperative way, without anyone having the feeling that they might be „wrong“ here, because this would only be something for „proper“ Linux freaks – whatever our imaginations of that is. In case of doubt all of us are freaks. And that does not mean automagically that we understand each other, but all the more that we need do be aware and respect our differences, idiosyncracies and different needs.

So here are a few points, which we all can keep in mind, to create such an encouraging space:

• We try to use gender-sensitive and inclusive speech. We are happy if everyone tries to. It won’t always work right away, but the point is to make a conscious effort, and to learn from mistakes and adapt. Nearly no one will be able to remember all names and pronouns in a quick intro round of 20 people. But we can also make a habit of just asking people how they want to be addressed, if we don’t know it: „Hey, sorry, I didn’t remember your name, could you tell me again?“ This can also be used with pronouns: „Hey, sorry, I didn’t remember your preferred pronouns, could you tell me again how you would like to be addressed/referred to?“
• We want to act respectfully with each other. That is unfortunately one of these sentences which one can easily and quickly say and write down, and which is in most context also noted down as a kind of „baseline“. But in practice, it is actually not so simple to come to a common understanding of what it means to be respectful. In our Code of Conduct we describe what for us definitely does not count as respectful, and what we will not tolerate. Unfortunately we are unable to simply provide a positive checklist here of what respectful behaviour is. But a good start is, to not just assume, that another person understands things in the same way as you do. As with the last point: to ask people (again) and to adapt ones own actions (speech included) based on feedback is a good method to respectfully get to know each other.
• We want to be mindful and helpful. That means that we often have to find out first, what other people find important and relevant, to feel comfy and encouraged to engage with Linux. Again: asking people helps. At the same time, especially when it comes to technical topics and explaining stuff, we should not just assume that some things are „obvious“. In most cases we will bring quite different skill sets and knowledge levels into our meetings. And in no way this needs to be an obstacle to get started with Linux (or any other technical matter). Especially when it comes to knowledge transfer, there are some simple and effective tools and methods how to be mindful and helpful to other learners who might not feel familiar with a topic. This was written down by the Django Girls in their Coaching Guidelines, Tips and Tricks. We really recommend to check this out at some point.
• Until now it became quite clear that asking people is an important tool, as well as not assuming, that people already know stuff, and therefore to explain ourselves properly. In doing so, there are a few things to keep in mind too:
  • when we want to ask personal question, without yet having been invited to do so, rather ask something like this first: „Is it ok right now, if I ask you a personal question?“
  • if you think that you can explain something to someone, tune your sensors to corresponding feedback, and even try to get some explicit feedback, whether the thing you are explaining is relevant for the person (keyword: personsplaining). Also, instead to just wildly start to explain a lot of stuff, you could also ask before: „Hey, I think I could help you with topic XYZ. Is this something, that currently interests you?“
  • especially when we look into technical things together, and especially if we are working on a console / command line interface, there is often a moment, where we have more tacit/internalised than explicit/formulated knowledge, where we find it hard to explain to others what they should to or how something works. It might be just easier to show it by doing it yourself. But in most cases it is not helpful for the other person to just take over their keyboard. In any case you should ask the other person before, if it is ok to do that. And maybe you can even communicate openly that you also can’t just explain it from the top of your mind. In most cases the learning effect will be more powerful (and empowering) if the learning person is controlling their own devices. (See also the Coaching Guidelines, Tips and Tricks, which we linked to above)