DEF CON 26 Support Resources!

In my last post about the DEF CON Code of Conduct, I mentioned that I wanted to make sure that the community had all the tools necessary to get involved and report problems when they arise.



In this post, my last before the con, I'll talk about some of the new efforts we are deploying for DEF CON 26. It will be our first year for some of these, so we are looking for feedback. You will notice a theme of transparency, appropriate given the theme of this year's con!

NEW WAYS TO REPORT ISSUES: The DEF CON Support Hotline

You can reach DEF CON staff during normal hours of operation (8am to 4am) to anonymously report any behavior violating our code of conduct or to find an empathic ear by calling +1 (725) 867-7255. Trained community volunteers will be standing by to help any attendees.



You can still report issues by going to any Info Booth or talking to any SOC Goon, but sometimes you may not want to be walking around in person with a problem, and so this year we have added a phone option.

NEW SUPPORT RESOURCES:

We are collaborating with several organizations including Kick at Darkness, The Rape Crisis Center Las Vegas, and the Nevada Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence to provide expert resources for survivors, including dedicated support for LGBTQ+. When you call the Hotline you will reach DEF CON community Goons trained to help in these areas.

NEW WAYS TO IDENTIFY GOONS:

In the past there has been some confusion by attendees with what Goon they were actually talking with.



New for DEF CON 26 Goons should all have visible patches with their nickname on them so it is easier to remember who you talk to about what. The name patches should be attached to the front of the Goon's lanyards and be more visible than the back of a shirt that might be covered by a backpack.



Please use the name on the patch if you have any feedback on Goons, good or bad. Feedback can be sent to feedback@defcon.org, written and dropped off at registration, or if serious enough called into the Hotline.

MORE DETAILED TRANSPARENCY REPORT:

Based on the positive community response to our closing ceremony transparency report, we plan to do this every year and hope other conferences do as well.



As people get comfortable reporting issues I expect the numbers to increase, and only by facing these issues head on can we hope to prevent them. It requires courage to speak truth to power, or to report something that is unpleasant in your community, but together we can make things better.



See everyone soon!



The Dark Tangent