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Principles of NELA Computer Club

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1. The purpose of NELA Computer Club is computer club itself.

NCC is as safe, participatory space for working on creative projects involving computers — either alone around others, or collaboratively. We have no goal, no god, no master.

2. All computing is political, whether we like it or not.

Every computing decision has political consequences. Every microchip is the product of complex trade networks of international capital. All electricity affects our carbon footprint. Databases track our every search, purchase, and movement. “The cloud,” “AI,” and “interfaces” are late capitalist metaphors that frame our mental model of the world. Open source software runs the world.

While we accept (and encourage) the work coming out of NCC be tied to local projects and purposes, the only true purpose of NCC is to create a space for creative exploration. Making stuff on the internet is isolating, and we just need a space to hang.

3. Computer Club is a shared, decentralized project.

There is no “’owner,” no “organizer,” no “host,” that can determine the fate of the Club. We create, organize, and sustain this thing together, through shared participation. Hopefully, this work will be minimal. If not, we hope it’s kinda fun.

4. We adhere to the PGA Hallmarks as a simple basis for affinity.

1. A very clear rejection of capitalism, imperialism and feudalism; all trade agreements, institutions and governments that promote destructive globalisation.
2. We reject all forms and systems of domination and discrimination including, but not limited to, patriarchy, racism and religious fundamentalism of all creeds. We embrace the full dignity of all human beings.
3. A confrontational attitude, since we do not think that lobbying can have a major impact in such biased and undemocratic organisations, in which transnational capital is the only real policy-maker;
4. A call to direct action and civil disobedience, support for social movements’ struggles, advocating forms of resistance which maximize respect for life and oppressed peoples’ rights, as well as the construction of local alternatives to global capitalism.
5. An organisational philosophy based on decentralisation and autonomy.

5. We adhere to the Recurse Center’s Social Rules as a way to keep a (highly technical) social space healthy.

1. No well-actually’s
2. No feigned surprise
3. No backseat driving
4. No subtle -isms