About

NODE provides spaces for open exchange, where people from diverse backgrounds can come together to share their ideas, visions, perspectives and challenges. Further information about our mission can be found here.

→ What’s a Code of Conduct?

A Code of Conduct acts as a set of guidelines outlining specific principles designed to define, shape and establish how we interact with one another. It serves as the foundation for social interactions that are rooted in acceptance, transparency, respect and courtesy. Through this Code of Conduct, everyone involved gains a shared understanding of what they can expect from one another on a social level. Our Code of Conduct applies to everyone visiting our events or spaces or working with or for us.

→ Our values

NODE is committed to providing a harassment-free community, both online and offline, for everyone regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, age, body size, ethnicity or religion.

Diversity and a respectful approach to individuality characterize our interactions within our team and beyond. We expect everyone who interacts with NODE, Digitale Welten and display to follow this Code of Conduct and act according to its underlying values.

→ Guiding Principles

The following behaviors and guiding principles form the foundation for respectful, appreciative interactions on a social level. We do not claim for them to be comprehensive nor exhaustive:

Acceptance

We listen to each other.

We let each other finish speaking.

We respect the opinions of others, even if they differ from our own.

We help each other. It’s always okay to ask for help.

We respect how others wish to be addressed. We use people’s chosen name and pronouns.

Consideration & boundaries

We are considerate and mindful of our surroundings and the people around us.

We respect the boundaries of others. A boundary can be communicated through words, glances or body language.

When physical contact and sensitive topics are involved, it is imperative to ask people about their boundaries and wait for their consent.

We respect everyone as they are.

The following behaviors have no place at NODE. Whether at NODE events or on NODE platforms, including mailing lists, group chats, comment sections, venues or any other spaces where you interact with NODE, online or offline, privately or publicly:

  • Discrimination (e.g., in the form of sexism, racism, classism, ableism)
  • Exclusion or unjustified disadvantages
  • Violence in any form
  • Hate speech or insults
  • Sexual harassment and abuse

Examples of Inappropriate Behavior and Harassment

  • Harassing comments, insults, jokes or mocking remarks related to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, mental illness, neuro(a)typicality, physical appearance, body size, ethnicity or religion.
  • Inappropriate or off-topic sexual imagery or behavior, unwelcome physical contact or unwelcome sexual attention or advances.
  • Unless explicitly agreed upon in advance, explicit or offensive language as well as imagery of this nature are generally inappropriate on our platforms.
  • Inappropriate social contact, such as requesting or assuming an inappropriate level of intimacy with others.
  • Trolling, spamming, flaming or yelling at people (including “yelling” by using ALL CAPS in an aggressive manner on online media).
  • Threats of violence, deliberate intimidation, stalking or following someone.
  • Photographing or recording individuals who decline to be recorded.
  • Publishing others’ private information (e.g., a physical address) without their consent.
  • Creating additional online accounts to harass another person or circumvent a ban.
  • Sustained disruption after being asked to stop by either community members or NODE staff.
  • Harassment in any form.
  • Any other conduct that contradicts a respectful and appreciative environment for people from diverse backgrounds. Please keep in mind that things you may not find offensive might be offensive to others. We will try to work with all parties involved to find a solution in case of misunderstandings.

Good Faith

NODE prioritizes the safety of marginalized people over the comfort of privileged people. NODE will not act on complaints regarding:

  • “Reverse” discrimination (“reverse-isms”), including “reverse racism,” “reverse sexism,” and “cisphobia.”
  • Reasonable communication of boundaries, such as “leave me alone,” “go away,” or “I’m not discussing this with you.”
  • Refusal to explain or debate social justice concepts.
  • Communicating in a “tone” you don’t find congenial.
  • Criticism of racist, sexist, cissexist, or otherwise oppressive behavior or assumptions.

→ Our responsibilities

We want to acknowledge that our venues are not entirely barrier-free. If you have (physical) accessibility needs, require additional support or have suggestions on how we can make our spaces more accessible, please reach out to us. We are dedicated to finding solutions together so that everyone feels equally comfortable participating in our programs.

Photos and videos are taken at many of our events. If you prefer not to be photographed or recorded, please let us know directly so we can accommodate your request: before, during or after an event, on-site or via email to our Awareness Team.

The community spirit at NODE is shaped by everyone involved — including you. We want to continuously evolve and learn from our experiences. To help us achieve this, we are open to constructive criticism and feedback, which you are welcome to send us at any time.

→ What happens if the Code of Conduct is violated?

Feedback Culture

Making mistakes is human and an important part of learning and growing together. We do not expect perfection, but we do value reflection, accountability and the effort to do better. If someone points out a mistake or a crossed boundary, we view it as an opportunity to learn, repair harm, and strengthen our community.

However, discrimination, harassment and oppressive behavior are not treated as simple “mistakes”. While we support genuine learning, protecting our community from harm always takes priority.

Consequences

Anyone asked to stop harassing behavior must comply immediately.

As a rule, we reserve the right to take appropriate action in response to violations of the Code of Conduct. This may include asking for a change in behavior, issuing verbal or written warnings, or temporarily or permanently excluding individuals from all our spaces and platforms. In certain cases, we also reserve the right to name the individual to other NODE members or the general public.

We decide on measures on a case-by-case basis. Should we consider involving law enforcement or taking legal action, this will always be done together with and in agreement with the affected person.

If you feel uncomfortable, have experienced or witnessed something unpleasant, violent or exclusionary and would like to speak to someone from NODE in a safe and confidential environment, please feel free to reach out to our Awareness Team at any time. The team will listen to you, take you seriously, support you with your concerns and discuss next steps with you.

Conversations with the Awareness Team are strictly confidential. Details will not be shared without your explicit consent.

Unsure who to contact? Prefer writing over talking? Has the event already ended? Send a message to the awareness team member at NODE: andrea.awareness@nodeforum.org