Childcare at Rails Conference
The WindyCityRails Conference in Chicago this September 12th is offering daycare thanks to Dana Jones and Ray Hightower. Dana says:
“…having childcare available at conferences, workshops, and other events will be a huge win for families…”
You bet, Dana. You might remember that I needed to bring my daughter to the Voices that Matter: Professional Ruby Conference last November. I was fortunate that she wasn’t yet mobile, and easily entertained. But nowadays, childcare issues often keep me away from events that I’d like to attend. But moms aren’t the only ones with this issue. I saw a few dads bringing their kids to a ruby class I took a couple of years ago.
Making daycare available sets a great tone for the inclusiveness of the rails community. It also sends the message that good programmers include people with commitments away from their computers.
Nice job!
Raymond T. Hightower
June 19, 2009 @ 1:37 pm
Liana- I am grateful for this post. This is our second year running WindyCityRails and we are always looking for ways to make it better. It is encouraging to know that our efforts are noticed. Thx, Ray
Sarah Mei
July 3, 2009 @ 3:54 pm
I’ve done two Ruby events in San Francisco with child care in the last month, and it’s made a big difference. The first was a workshop for women, and I know I got more parents at the event because of it. (Short writeup here.)
The second was a hackfest, open to anyone. One entire family came – mom, dad, two kids. Mom and Dad and the older daughter did some hacking, while the younger daughter played Wii with my 4-year-old. Ok, the older daughter and Dad played some Wii too!
I’m working on getting child care at the regular SF Ruby monthly meetings. That’s harder to co-ordinate because we meet at a different company each month. I think it can be done, though…stayed tuned for next month.