About

Agile Open California

AOCA is a coalition of agile practitioners and advocates intent on providing an opportunity for learning, networking and growth to the Agile community in California and to others who are interested.


The conference is organized by leaders and volunteers from the local Agile community who are passionate about building community and advancing all things Agile. It is a not-for-profit event driven by volunteers and all the proceeds support the our time together. 

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How Does it Work?


Using the Open Space Technology framework, we hold gatherings where sessions are self-organized around topics important to the participants. 


We invite you to take this opportunity to share your experiences, test new ideas and learn what other practitioners are thinking and doing! This is an amazing environment both to learn and to contribute. 


At Agile Open California you can attend sessions hosted by seasoned professionals, or host a session of your own. Here's an opportunity to share your favorite topic with others. Or if you have a topic you don't know much about, and would like to hear from people who do, you can convene a session and learn about your topic from the available expertise.

Principles of open space: Whoever comes is the right people. Whenever it starts is the right time. Whatever happens is the only thing that could have. Whenever it's over, it's over. Wherever it happens is the right place.

Principles of Open Space

The law of mobility and responsibility If you are not learning or contributing where you are, find a place where you can learn or contribute

The Law of Mobility and Responsibility

If you are not learning or contributing where you are, find a place where you can learn or contribute

Code of Conduct

16 August 2018 version


Agile Open California supports the open exchange of ideas and freedom of thought and expression. We want to create safe spaces, and we do not tolerate harassment of conference participants in any form.


All Agile Open California (AOCA) meetings and events exhibit a spirit of welcome. We meet in a friendly, safe environment. We expect all participants to show respect and courtesy to other participants, while engaging in civil discussion and debate. We expect you will speak up if disrespectful or discourteous behavior occurs.


To make clear what is expected, we have published this Code of Conduct. It is not exhaustive. Instead, we draw on the atmosphere of cooperation and transparency characteristic of our agile community. We expect all participants will honor this Code, and we’ll continue to treat fellow community members honorably and with respect.


TRUTH IN ADVERTISING

All Agile Open California participants have an obligation to themselves and to their peers to represent themselves truthfully, professionally and in a non-misleading manner. All Agile Open California participants shall:


Be honest and accurate in presenting qualifications and experience in all communications with others

Provide accurate information in a visible and timely manner

Demonstrate transparency in their decision-making processes

Not engage in or condone behavior that is designed to deceive others.

WHAT TO DO

If you are being harassed, experience unwelcome behavior, or have any other concerns, please contact one of the Coordinating Committee members. If you see someone else being subjected to unwelcome or disparaging behavior, we ask you to recognize and name it, and contact an organizer.


Organizers will be happy to help participants contact venue security or local law enforcement, provide escorts, or otherwise assist those experiencing harassment. We will work with you to decide on any steps to be taken.


We value everyone’s attendance and want every participant to feel safe for the duration of the conference. Should you need a private discussion with an organizer about a specific problem at any event or gathering, please contact one of the following people:


Any AOCA Coordinating Committee Member

IF YOU NEED THE DETAILS

Agile Open California dedicates our efforts to providing a safe, harassment-free experience for everyone. Our events create an environment that:


Recognizes the inherent worth of every person and group

Fosters dignity, understanding, and mutual respect

Embraces diversity–regardless of gender, age, sexual orientation, race, disability, body size, physical appearance, cognitive capacity, or other innate trait

Respects religious freedoms and deeply held beliefs

We do not tolerate harassment of conference participants in any form.


As a community, we will not endure insults or attacks on the other parties in any discussion. These modes of discourse do not contribute to the healthy exchange of ideas, and we consider them inappropriate. Sexualized language and imagery have no place in any part of the conference.


IF YOU NEED MORE DETAILS

If another participant (whether target or bystander) asks you to stop any unwelcome or harassing behavior, we expect you to comply immediately.


Unwelcome behavior or harassment includes, but is not limited to: offensive verbal comments related to gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, disability or physical appearance; display of sexual images in public spaces; deliberate intimidation, stalking or following of participants; sustained disruption of open space sessions or other events; inappropriate physical contact; and unwelcome sexual attention.


If a conference participant engages in harassing behavior, the conference organizers may take any action they deem appropriate, including offering feedback on behavior, warning the offender, or expelling the offender from the conference with no refund. We may sanction or expel without a refund any conference participant (including paid registrants, sponsors, volunteer staff, and organizers) who violates these rules, at the discretion of the conference organizers.


HOW TO CONTACT US

Find any member of the Coordinating Committee (our badges have STARS) during the Open Space.


This code of conduct is based on the work of our colleagues at Agile Open Northwest.