Appendix G: Aperture Viewer ‐ Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Statement - ApertureViewer/Aperture-Opertations-Manual GitHub Wiki

Version: 1.0 Date Effective: [YYYY-MM-DD]

1. Our Commitment

Aperture Viewer is founded on the principle that creativity flourishes in an environment of respect, kindness, and open collaboration. We believe that a multitude of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences enriches our project and the broader virtual world community we serve. Our commitment extends beyond code and pixels; it encompasses building a community where individuals feel valued and empowered.

We champion Diversity in all its forms. We recognize that our differences – in experience, perspective, skill, background, identity, and thought – are strengths that fuel innovation and understanding, so long as these differences are expressed and utilized in ways that are positive, constructive, and do not cause harm to others or the project.

We believe in Equity, not as a means of enforcing specific outcomes based on group identity, but as a commitment to fairly valuing and amplifying positive voices and contributions. We especially seek to create opportunities for those brilliant individuals and creative perspectives within the virtual world that may have been previously unheard, undervalued, or overlooked, provided they align with our core values.

We practice Inclusion by welcoming anyone who shares our fundamental Community Values (kindness, understanding, shared growth, positivity), embraces our Ethos ("Nothing Is Not Possible"), and demonstrates a commitment to making the virtual world and our project a better, more creative, and more positive space for all.

2. Our Philosophy (Beyond Hiring Practices)

As a volunteer-driven, open-source project without a formal hiring process or employment structure, our approach to DEI is not focused on quotas or specific hiring metrics. Instead, it is embedded in our culture, our community interactions, and our project values.

  • We do not use group identity as a primary factor in selecting team members. Our focus is on shared values, passion for the project, relevant skills (or a willingness to learn), and a demonstrated commitment to positive, constructive collaboration.
  • We judge individuals based on their actions, contributions, and adherence to our Code of Conduct and Community Values.
  • We strive to create an environment where anyone who acts with kindness and respect can participate and feel welcome, regardless of their background or identity.
  • We actively oppose harassment, discrimination, and any behavior that diminishes or harms individuals or groups, as outlined in our Code of Conduct.

3. Our Actions

Our commitment to these principles is demonstrated through:

  • Enforcing our Code of Conduct: Ensuring that all project spaces are safe and respectful for everyone.
  • Promoting Positive Communication: Encouraging and modeling kind, understanding, and inclusive language.
  • Open Contribution: Providing clear pathways for anyone aligned with our values to contribute to the project (within our defined processes).
  • Valuing Diverse Ideas: Actively seeking and considering a wide range of perspectives in our development and community discussions.
  • Learning and Adapting: Remaining open to learning how we can better foster an environment that truly reflects our stated values.

4. Conclusion

Aperture Viewer believes that the richness of the virtual world lies in its capacity for diverse expression and connection. We aim to be a project that not only provides tools for visual creation but also contributes to a community culture built on kindness, respect, and the shared belief that "Nothing Is Not Possible" when we work together positively.