When we were putting together a theme for use in our open source program, we settled on an aquatic metaphor (diver stickers, Deep Tea Divers, Starfish, etc). This was because we want people to think about open source the way we think about the ocean... 1/
It's not about a few big fish, it's about a lot of different kinds of activity all across the ecosystem. Pollution is a problem, so keeping streams clean is important. You need reefs where life can congregate. 2/
Whenever I've unpacked this metaphor, I've talked about conferences being the reefs. These are places that people come together, exchange ideas, collaborate, and re-energize. Not the only places, but important places. 3/
What we're seeing across the spring conference season is akin to coral bleaching. And it's going to take work on all of our parts to keep it from becoming a mass bleaching event. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coral_ble… 4/
Some of these events will be fine. Others may not be here next year if they don't get our help. While we're working out the best ways for all of us to help, I'm asking all of us to keep an eye out for each other. There are three things in particular I'm asking us to look for: 5/
1 - Conference organizers or community managers who are stressed and overtaxed;
2 - Individuals who are out of pocket on conference cancellation fees and who can't afford to absorb the loss;
3 - Conferences who are struggling with cancellation costs and don't have support; 6/
2 - Individuals who are out of pocket on conference cancellation fees and who can't afford to absorb the loss;
3 - Conferences who are struggling with cancellation costs and don't have support; 6/
For now, make notes, keep track, and stay tuned while we get some support structures in place to intake requests. In almost every circumstance, I believe "How can I help?" is a better question than "Are you ok?" 7/
Above all, be kind. Give as much notice as you can to conferences you can no longer attend, speak at, or sponsor. Commit to making it up - not with an email, with your bones. Find other ways to help. Pitch in. Show up. Practice radical compassion. 8/
If you want to join us in coordinating support my DMs are open or find us in the crisis-working-group channel over at slack.opencollective.com 9/9
