Geeks Got Your Back

No judgment. no exceptions. we got your back.

Geeks Got Your Back is a grassroots movement to help prevent harassment at geek events. We do this in three main ways:

Distributing buttons to indicate attendees' willingness to help anyone being harassed at an event.
Hosting panels to discuss the issue of harassment and provide a simple, effective way for bystander intervention, using a variation of the 5 Ds method from the bystander intervention organization Right to Be.
Helping event committees write/revise their anti-harassment policies and codes of conduct.

Recent Blog Entries

BADASS (Browncoat Auxiliary Depression & Anxiety Support System) -- Providing emotional crisis support at geek events
Geek Girl Con -- One of our favorite events in Seattle
Jim C. Hines -- SF author and fellow panelist
Nicole Welke -- Friend and artist, who drew the Velma Dinkle-inspired fan art for us
Right to Be -- Bystander intervention training and much more!
SCIFI Radio -- SciFi for your wifi!

So what’s Geeks Got Your Back all about anyway?
It’s very simple. Wearing a Geeks Got Your Back button is your way of saying that you will be willing to help anybody being harassed at an event. You will not judge them, doubt them, or make them feel more uncomfortable. You will assist them in any way you can.
How can I get buttons?
Drop us an email, letting us know how many you want. We will mail them out ASAP.
I don’t like confrontation, so how can I help?
Being backup does not have to be about direct confrontation. We teach a bystander intervention method known as the 5 Ds. One component is called Delay, in which you offer assistance to someone after they have been harassed. Another component is Document, in which you take photos or video of the incident without actual confrontation. The point is that *anyone* can offer assistance, without putting themselves at unnecessary risk.
Who are you guys anyway?
We’re long-time geeks (and sometimes panelists) who want to give back to that geek community that has given us so much. Some of us have gone through specific training in bystander intervention and mental health crisis intervention.
Why are you guys running around like a bunch of vigilantes? Can’t you just let Security handle things?
We want to emphasize that we aren't running around doing a Batman. We have no authority to pull memberships or expel attendees from an event. We’re just an extra set of eyes and ears to help keep events safe for everyone.

Coming soon...