gender diversity +advocacyat sifteo in 2013why we're hosting a women in games jam next week*
*and why you should volunteer!
what, when?
● sifteo women in games jam● may 10-12, at sifteo hq● goal: diversify our community,
make better stuff
why?
● saying "we support diversity" is easy, but we can do better
● successful precedents○ XX Game Jam - oct 2012○ Railsbridge - ongoing○ DMG Toronto - nov 2012
● encouraging, inviting, amplifying marginalized voices is the key○ not key: exclusion
why? there's a movement brewing
#1ReasonWhy Different Games #1ReasonToBe Kickstarting a Revolution GTFO Anita Saarkesian Gamasutra Rock Paper Shotgun Meagan Marie We Commit Pledge
*these are all links to read more :)
why? it'll make us stronger
● attract the best talent across all groups● record number of women enrolling in tech● diversity raises intelligence, profitability
● and continue good community standing○ Girl Scouts "When I Grow Up", Techbridge○ NCWIT Entrepreneurial Alliance
btw, about advocacy
● it's about awareness, not guilt● encouraging discussion, not policies● highlighting unconscious biases● being mindful of practices
○ recruiting○ game content○ philosophies
● call out when we can get involved!○ be active in community happenings○ supplement new jams with additional smaller events○ engage with other advocates in this space
how?
● eventbrite is live! ● reaching out to women we know
○ women in tech/games lists○ personal contacts
● requesting male attendees bring a female friend they think would be interested
● design/tech talks● #1ReasonToBe open mic● guest appearances from friends!
help wanted
● critical: reach out and tell people about this○ share the links○ reach out to colleagues/friends
● also critical: volunteers!○ friday: tech talk speaker○ technical assistance○ media assistance○ playtesters
some reading
● Top 10 Ways To Be a Male Advocate for Technical Women
● How to Recruit More Female Engineers● Women in Technology: Triumphs, barriers
and interesting data● What Makes Your Team Smarter - Harvard
Biz Review● Federal Glass Ceiling Commission focused
on women and minorities● IT Manager Daily
bonus activity: goldiblox
● created by stanford engineer debbie sterling● built to inspire young girls to develop interest
in engineering
● tactile?● enrichment?● fun?
thanks for listening!
