Why You Should Adopt an Open-Source Code of Conduct

This talk explains why projects, communities, events, groups, or even companies should adopt effective Open Source Codes of Conduct such as the Contributor Covenant. This is an essential component to advancing diversity and inclusion in technology.

Technology communities almost by definition need to be open, welcoming, diverse, and inclusive to do the most good for the most amount of people. Yet without adequate checks and balances technology communities have an unfortunate track record to be anything but – especially for people on the wrong side of power dynamics such as women and minorities.

Adopting a well-developed Open-Source Code of Conduct such as the Contributor Covenant is a key tool in countering this problem. In this introductory session we will cover what Open-Source Codes of Conduct are, what they seek to accomplish, what makes a good one, and why you should adopt one in your project, community, event, group, or even company.