What is the procedure for getting approval for a DU Group?

As we are constantly reminded, GLBT is not a "safe space" for us. Other minorities have DU Groups, so I think we deserve one too--a place where we can discuss the issues that are unique to our community without fear of interference or ignorant bashing from privileged straight people who do not and cannot understand. Our interactions with said people in what we THOUGHT was our "safe place" seem to be the catalysts for 99.9% of the conflict that happens here, and I can't be the only one who's tired of it.

So how does it happen? Do we need to get ten people to say "Aye" in a thread before we apply? 'Cause if we do, count this as my big, fat, gay

AYE!

Add your own if you agree.

It used to be to get ten donors (those with stars) to agree, create a mission statement, then send the proposal to Skinner.

Here is the proposal for the Jewish group, hopefully your request won't look like this thread: Jewish group proposal

Count my "star," both of them if you are feelin' lucky! ;)

(I think the Lioness had proposed a group for sexual minorities, I don't know what happened with it.)

:wow:

Let's not answer any baiting.

Deal?

What a perfect solution. :thumbsup:

Count my big, fat, straight AYE.

Mission statement: "The purpose of the GLBT Group is to have a
place on DU to discuss issues which directly affect the GLBT
community. Our goal is to reach out beyond the walls of DU and
affect the GLBT community with the message of what we can do
to make the United States and the World a better and safer
place for people of all backgrounds. DUers of all sexual
orientations and gender identities are welcome to participate,
although all posters are expected to be supportive of marriage
equality and equal civil rights for all Americans."


I patterned it after other DU Groups, like teh AA Group.

I agree

It is disappointing that this has to be proposed. The GLBT Forum should, IMO, serve this purpose. But, we know how things turn out here all too often.

...that would prevent the same thing from happening there?

Only those with donor stars, and the posters MUST abide by the mission statement. If they don't, they can actually be banned from the Group -- they literally can't post there. Plus, teh threads don't show up on the front page.

Thanks

I mean, literally banned. They aren't able to enter it.

That would make a definite difference.

as I have been. I can still go in there I just can't post.

people who do not support the mission statement are not welcome to post in a group. opposing points of view are expected in a forum.

fwiw, i vote aye.

"Individuals who participate in a particular DU Group must do so within the limits set by that Group's mission statement. Those who fail to abide by the mission statement, or whose presence is disruptive to the other members of that Group, will be barred from posting in that Group."

Members can also be banned from particular forums, and some members have been banned from this forum. All of the other posting rules apply and the groups have designated moderators who confer with all of the moderators.

The only difference in moderation is that members must participate within the limits set by the mission statement.

:hi:

K&R

in another forum.

:puke:

But I'll say yes, of course.

I never understood why there was not a GLBT Group before.

please count my star as an additional vote of confidence.

:hi:

What would becoming a "DU Group" mean? Would folks have to Register, or log in to see the threads? Who restricts viewing threads within a group?

Maybe you could send me a link to a thread you think has been interfered with. Wouldn't the moderator delete such messages like they do within the rest of DU?

In addition, it should be noted that the recommend function is not available in groups, so you can not get something on the greatest page. If requesting this new group, you may want to weigh in on wether you would want the current forum to be replaced by the new group.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/forums/rules_detailed.html

Special Rules for DU Groups

Donating members have the ability to post in special forums called "DU Groups." All of the DU Groups are in the same folder, and they are designated by a special icon. DU Groups are a special type of forum, organized by DU members, and dedicated to a particular mission. The mission statement of each DU Group is pinned to the top of that group's forum listing. Individuals who participate in a particular DU Group must do so within the limits set by that Group's mission statement. Those who fail to abide by the mission statement, or whose presence is disruptive to the other members of that Group, will be barred from posting in that Group.

Unfortunately, in the past some members have used the protected "echo-chamber" available in the DU Groups in ways that increased feelings of victimization among members of that Group, or increased hostility toward DU members who are not participants in that Group. This has been a particular problem in Groups devoted to specific Democratic candidates, and in Groups for believers or non-believers. Because of this misuse of the DU Groups, we have been forced to institute a few additional rules to keep discussions productive.

Do not use the DU Groups to whip up feelings of victimization or to complain about perceived mistreatment by the administrators, moderators, or members of Democratic Underground.

Do not use the DU Groups to discuss members of Democratic Underground who you do not like, or whom you believe to be disruptors.

Do not use the DU Groups to "rally the troops" to go participate in discussion threads elsewhere on our website, or to likewise encourage members to vote in polls or recommend threads or alert on posts.

Additional information about DU Groups is posted in the DU Groups folder.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=206x11

What are DU Groups?

Edited on Fri Nov-12-04 04:17 PM by Skinner
DU Groups are a special type of discussion forum. DU Groups are forum topics suggested by the DU Members themselves. DU Groups are different from regular forums in the following ways:

1. DU Groups are forum topics suggested by groups of DU Members. (To learn how to start your own DU Group, please read the topic called "How to suggest a DU Group.")

2. Each DU Group has a specific mission statement, which has been submitted to and approved by the administrators of Democratic Underground. Administrators reserve the right to withhold approval from any group idea suggested.

3. In order to post in a DU Group, a member must agree with that group's mission statement. Off-topic postings that violate the mission statement of a DU Group are not permitted. Members who disagree with the mission statement of a particular group may be blocked from posting in that group.

4. Only members with a DU Donor star next to their username may post messages in the DU Groups. Non-donors and non-registered lurkers are permitted to read DU Groups, but they are blocked from posting in them.

5. Currently, thread topics started in any of the DU Groups will not appear on the Latest Page. In the future, we may give members the option to show them on the Latest Page, provided that it does not put undue stress on our web server.

6. Please be aware that no members "own" or "run" any particular group, nor do members have the ability to decide who participates in any given group. The regular DU rules apply to postings in the DU Groups. If a DU Group becomes disruptive to the rest of the message board, the Administrators reserve the right to shut it down.

7. The Administrators will occasionally delete DU Groups that do not attract significant traffic or postings. If a particular DU Group is in danger of being deleted, the Administrators will post a warning in that Group at least 24 hours before it is removed.

We hope that these DU Groups will return some of that "small community feeling" that has been lost on DU during the last few years of rapid growth.

Enjoy!

Skinner
EarlG
Elad

The Administrators of Democratic Underground

the problem being you must have a star to post in a group - we need to be sure there is a way for GLBT posters who do not have a star (either because they are new or otherwise) have a space to post questions or get information/support. Maybe there is another way to do that?

I lost count on stars, but here's mine just in case.

Does a group need Admin's permission to begin a vote on a mission statement or can we empower ourselves to simply act in our own best interests?

After yesterday's homophobic trolling and sarcasm, I'd like to formalize this process asap, pack our bags and abandon this forum for good.

although I would add a sentence about "If you believe that gay rights should wait for a more convenient political time, then this Group is probably not for you."

Thanks to you both! :applause:

And, we just need 10 donor star members to give teh :thumbsup:

I know someone was going to PM Skinner the Mission Statement and request today.

I wrote to Skinner yesterday to complain about the inconsistencies in this forum. What gets posted here about LGBT people by members who are not allied with LGBT civil equality is appalling.

That sarcastic bullshit yesterday about "patriotic gays" wouldn't last 2 seconds if it said "patriotic blacks", "patriotic jews", etc.

Anyway, I'm done with the status quo. This situation will either change or I'll be out of here (voluntarily or involuntarily).

Again, thanks for taking the lead on the mission statement - well done! :thumbsup:

I feel your pain. Seriously.

If so count me in

On 6/11, 3:06 PST, there were 22 stars supporting this idea.

Is there anything I can do to help keep this ball rolling?

And a copy of the mission statement sent along. If it's okayed, then we post the request in teh big forums. Feel free contact him if you want!

I'll send the synthesis of your mission statement and Lyric's additional last sentence this evening (PST). I'll also reference this thread.

Stay tuned...

edit: from FreeState to Lyric

:)

Here is one suggestion, a little reworked with specifics added:

The purpose of the GLBT Group is to provide a safe space on DU where GLBT people and their allies can discuss issues of importance to our community. Our concerns regard issues of social and economic justice and equality for GLBT people including, but not limited to, the repeal of DADT, the repeal of DOMA, nation wide marriage equality, freedom from discrimination at work, freedom from discrimination in health care and freedom from verbal and physical abuse and violence that is part of today's divided and divisive political landscape and to a large extent in society itself.

DUers of all sexual orientations and gender identities are welcome to participate and we hope to offer useful information, share experiences and build a community in friendship and solidarity. Strong allies are welcome. We maintain that this is the right time for action and activism to make the changes in our nation and we stand in solidarity with our oppressed brothers and sisters around the world. If you fail to see the importance of GLBT rights, if it is not on your list of priorities and if you think it is too soon to fight this fight and to soon to expect change in civil rights for GLBT sexual minorities, then this group is not for you.

..........

Suggested names:

GLBT Magic Bus

GLBT Justice and Solidarity Group (GJSG)

GLBT StoneWall Group

GLBT Justice and Civil Rights Group

1. There's no reason we should be chased off. Fuck that!

2. I love to fight but the people that come in here to pull that shit are on ignore so it doesn't matter much on that end.

3. I won't be able to participate in the group as I'm purposefully not a donor.

:hi:

We've tried to stop the endless trolling of this forum. We've tried to stop homophobic post/posters. We've tried to ally with Admin and the mods to make this forum safe for LGBT people. It isn't and it never will be.

Nothing has worked.

I'm willing to try one last thing: an LGBT group.

I'm not sure it will work though, at least at first. Adding to my ignore list has allowed me to escape the trolling (although I just noticed someone I missed - I'll correct that) which is good and bad; I don't get worked up and add to my permanent record but it makes some threads unreadable.

Good to see you Duncan. :hi:

I don't want to lose this forum. It's an important place where we can get posts to the greatest page, educate people, etc.

I'm in favor of keeping this forum open AND having a DU group as well.

Please count my star as well if needed! I may not have a jillion posts yet but a group for LGBT (which is one of my most important issues) would be grand and I will adhere to the mission statement!

but I have to add it anyway.

There is nothing like the safety of feeling like you are at home. This could be that home since this GLBT forum shows on the Latest Page and lures some of the nasties and bigots right into your living room.

The fight will always be out there but you need a place for a cup of tea and a backrub before you head back into the frey.

It will be a lot more productive if you don't get blindsided all the time.

:pals:

(I like Irish Breakfast Tea the best!)

but I do have some Irish Breakfast around here somewhere.

Ahh, here it is. Just a moment while I boil some water..................

Here you go. :donut: Sorry, I don't have a tea set but here is a donut to go along with your tea, hope that makes up for my lack of proper tea serving etiquette. :) :hug:

If there was ever a time when DU was a place to have serious discussions with enlightened people, it's definitely not since it became a fansite.

I support the idea of a group, but I really don't think it will make much difference. The DU we all loved and leaned on, some of us for eight years, is gone.

So how about some pictures? I think I might be able to find one with the puppy in it!

Cause then I might be more positive.

:cry:

I'm coming in late, but definitely count me in. :)

:hi:

throw my star in

This group is SORELY needed right now, since straight people apparently can't resist the urge to kick us when we're down. I don't generally have much use for places where everyone thinks the same, but after the last few months, it would be SO nice to be able to post my outrage somewhere without having some privileged asshole come along five seconds later to tell me to quit whining.

I think the mission statement should be amended to exclude any who do not support equal rights NOW.

And if you need another AYE, then AYE!

Hi Everyone,

Skinner replied on the 12th (see below) but I wanted to wait and post this today -- since the weekends are a little slow and my message board time is in short supply.

It looks like we have a great opportunity to create a visionary advocacy group for LGBT people and their allies.

Would anyone else be willing to shepherd this process through the next stages of development? LiV wrote the original mission statement and it was Lyric's idea to form a LGBT group -- it would be courteous step to ask them for their input and direction (imho).

Best wishes,
DG

p.s. Thanks, Skinner. :thumbsup:

Im not sure everyone comes back to this thread to read for updates?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=221&topic_id=138372&mesg_id=138372

:hi:

"Group participants are asked to respect Dr. King's proclamation,"Rights delayed are rights denied."

Let's fast track this, gang. I think we need it.