[lca-announce] Geeks & Depression BlueHackers BoF Wed 8.30pm - email your expression of interest now

[linux.conf.au Announcements]

Hi all

A number of people have asked the LCA organisers to do something on the
topic of depression at the conference. It's an important topic close to
the heart of many LCA attendees. LCA and BlueHackers had a chat, and we
decided to run a BlueHackers BoF on Wednesday evening from 8.30pm.

Suggested agenda:
 1) intro by Arjen Lentz (BlueHackers.org)
 2) up to a handful lightning talks (confirmed: Paul Fenwick, John Dalton)
 3) general discussion (moderated)

There won't be any taboo topics, however it is important to maintain a
safe environment for everybody. A meeting like this is not therapy or a
substitute for any form of professional help. It has however been found
very beneficial to hear from others about their experiences and to
discuss what tips and tricks work for them.

To facilitate all this, LCA has offered assistance for Arjen be in
Canberra for the Wednesday, as he is unable to attend all of LCA. In
addition, Chris Yeoh has been in touch with Beyond Blue and they might
be able to have an ambassador come to this event.

BlueHackers has one key objective: to remind you that if you are a geek
dealing with depression or a related disorder, you are not alone.
Depression is fairly prolific in the geek community, and it is important
that we don't hide the subject away. Talking about it is one of the most
positive and helpful things we can do for each other.

What we need from you right now is an expression of interest!
  Email:  l i f e (at) b l u e h a c k e r s (dot) o r g

Send that email right now. We need to make sure there's enough interest
(although we're pretty sure there is!) and ensure that everyone knows
the event is happening. Replying to this announce msg also works.

At the event, you're welcome to sit quietly in the back if you prefer.
Some people are comfortable talking in public on this, others are
not. Your mere presence will already be positive for other attendees,
and possibly for you too.

Naturally, if you want to help with this, have ideas, would like to do
one of the lightning talks, or anything else related, write to the above
email address. Thanks!

Cheers,
Arjen Lentz (BlueHackers.org) & Lana Brindley (LCA 2013 Team)