Get professional expertise by foundations

[lauralindal]

Due to a dicussion about the German version (#61), we realized that we are missing perspectives by other marginalized groups on the Code of Conduct. It makes sense to ask groups that have collected vast knowledge and experience over some time about these subjects. For example, the Migrationsrat (mrbb.de) or lesmigras (lesmigras.de) as well as LeidMedien (leidmedien.de).

The idea is to ask them for a review and input on the CoC. However, we need to value their expertise financially (can we donate, for example). Otherwise, we would be exploiting their hard work - not cool.

How can we approach this?

[PragTob]

Hi Laura,

good idea!

Financially we could ask the association/Verein for funds, which would then have to be approved.

Personally, without knowing these foundations/associations, I'm not sure about the pay. I'm used to associations providing some free help - especially if it is for another non profit organizations and falls in line with the goals of the organization. E.g. I believe it'd be perfectly acceptable for another non profit association to ask Ruby berlin E.V. about.. I don't know the suitability of Ruby for a given project or our experience with event organization or even to provide our wifi equipment.

What I'm saying is that I'd probably ask them first (nicely) if they'd do this for us or if they need financial support. Ultimately we are non profits sharing the same goals.

Then again, that's me without much non profit experience and an attitude of "We're all awesome, let's help each other" :)

Tobi

[lauralindal]

Hi Tobi,

I agree that non-profits should support each other! hoever, in this particular case, I'd like to point to the larger structural context. As we are a group mostly benefiting from white (and other) privileges, I think it would be more sensible to value the experience by people from marginalized groups somehow. If not financially, then by offering some other help (as you suggested).

However, I would rather not ask for "free" help first. To me, it would be weird to ask for input an a coc (that acknowledges power structures) while at the same time not honoring the hard work these organizations have already put into changing said structures while being negatively affected by them :) Does that make sense?

Laura

[lauralindal]

Hello everyone, can we discuss this further? I'd love to have a result before eurucamp :)

[finnp]

I would also love to have the CoC reviewed. I actually would love to have the English version be reviewed as well. Even though maybe if we ask organisations or people for critique of the German version we might be able to feed back the input in the English version as well.

I am also pro offering payment for this services. Marginalized groups should not be expected to work for free - even if they are organized as a non-profit.

Maybe the first step could be asking organisations about how much they would charge for a review? And then see if Ruby Berlin can cover the costs and if not look for donations.