Any other Backup Project things going on at D*Con?

[thatwordgrrl.livejournal.com]

Sorry, after this I PROMISE to shut up until next year...

I just got an e-mail from the editor for the Daily Dragon (that's the daily 'zine for Dragon*Con) and she want to include a story on the Backup Project.

:0 :0 :0

She asked if there was anything else beside the ribbon thing going on Backup-wise for Dragon*Con. My admittedly swiss-cheese memory says that there was talk of having Dragon*Con include Backup Project info in the program book, but...uhhmmm...yeah...swiss-cheese memory.

Anybody else know for sure about this? Please let me know so I can get in touch with her.

Either way, I'm just floored that we are getting this publicity! \0/

Comments

[mike-eaves.livejournal.com]

The Dragon*Con Yahoo Group is doing something similar to the Back Up project and they must be totally unaware of this one. The working title they are using is "Safe Zone". Same premise just a different name. Right now I believe they are trying to work out ribbons.

[lethlogica.livejournal.com]

Just a general comment, for folks participating in both these efforts, or anything else similar-ish:

If someone looks lost, or confused, or there seems to be a disagreement going on, sometimes just asking them, "Need any help?" goes a long way toward helping people feel less isolated. Which can help stop little potential disagreements from blowing up into great big ones.

It doesn't require any security training, or even specialized knowledge of the convention or the area - just a willingness to help answer questions someone may have, or to be someone's "backup" if they're starting to feel like they're being pressured into a situation they don't want. No ribbons or tee-shirts, no hours or schedules, just...look around for anyone looking lost, and ask if you can help. (I've defused situations at concerts, where one party was physically...er...impinging on the other person (threatening wasn't the word just yet, but it could have gone in that direction) just by stepping to within a foot or two and asking, "Hello, is there a problem?" or "Hi, did you need some assistance?")

[songbirdsews.livejournal.com]

This is actually the point of the "back up" project. And while it'd be great for everyone to already know to do this, given what happened at last year's convention, obviously it's an issue that needs more light shed on it, hence the "Safe Zone" and the "Back Up" project.

Don't get me wrong, I do it already, but I like the idea of a ribbon to spread awareness and to also let people know in a semi-official way that They Are Not Alone, even though I do it with or without the ribbon.

And, actually, just asking if they are ok or need help is one of the guidelines of the back up project, it's not intended to replace security, but provide extra cover for small situations. Not sure about the Yahoo group. So, we're in agreement, just...sharing info. :D

[ubiquitous-a.livejournal.com]

I agree....I think it's about just being aware of your surroundsings and what's happening around you, as well as just making the effort to say, "Hey are you okay?" when you see someone who looks uncomfortable or anxious.

and...

[kickie10.livejournal.com]

Don't forget, if someone is obviously drunk, they are not necessarily making the decisions they'd make sober. especially if they are young, I'll try to make sure they know who and what they are doing.
And play along if a person suddenly waves u over as her "friend" or "brother" or something, it's probably a cry for help to disengage!

[mirkwoodsqueen.livejournal.com]

IIRC, one of the goals of the con anti-harassment project was to ensure that every con has a clearly delineated, and widely disseminated, anti-harassment policy. (And that the policy states how it will be enforced.) See details at www.cahp.girl-wonder.org/con-resources/

The Backup project gives Dragon*Con an additional 1000 reminders to be excellent to each other.