GovCamp Rules - In Memoriam

The last year has seen an overabundance of death. Some of us got chatting about the various people from the GovCamp community who have died recently, and how we could memorialise them.

It used to be the case that we started every 'Camp with a reading of the rules. A gentle intro to let everyone be on the same page.

The "rules" started out as:

1. Whoever comes are the right people.
2. Whatever happens is the only thing that could have.
3. Whenever it starts is the right time.
4. When it is over, it is over.

Over time, people added the rule of mobility (leave a session if it isn't for you), the rule of participation (listen more than you speak), the no-tourists rule (everyone must contribute). And so on.

Reading the Rules has fallen out of fashion, and some of the rules need updating. But perhaps it is time to bring back the idea of starting the day off with a common understanding?

I thought that it might be nice to turn an introductory rule-reading into a sort of legacy for our friends and colleagues. A way to let participants know that they are part of a community.

So, with apologies to those I've missed, here's the start of a proposal for a new set of rules.

• In memory of David Pearson - take photos! Take many, brilliant, beautiful photos. Document the day and share it with others. Be respectful of those who don't want their photos taken or published.
• In memory of John Popham - do something today to make someone's life better. Help people tell their stories.
• In memory of Nick Keane - be open about yourself. Embrace who you are.
• In memory of Hendrik Grothuis - plant a tree. Think about the environmental impact you're having today.
• In memory of Rupert Bowater - Enjoy yourself, it's later than you think.

I am painfully aware of the inherent biases encoded in this list. I'd love it if you would contribute rules, memories, and suggestions. Perhaps, when all this is over, we can have a GovCamp to mourn our lost friends and celebrate those of us who made it through.