At Knutpunkt 2026, we want to create an environment that is:
- Welcoming and inclusive, where everyone feels like they belong within the community, has a story to tell, and experiences to share.
- Open and curious, where the participants are interested in each other’s thoughts, ideas, and perspectives.
- Playful and creative, where people feel brave and safe enough to explore and participate in the events and program items that they are interested in.
To achieve this, it is important that all of us - organisers, volunteers, and participants - take care of each other and help each other out. Below, we have gathered some guidelines that we want you to adhere to while at Knutpunkt:
Speak English. We know it can be tempting to speak your native language when possible, but while you are in the common areas, whether it is at a program item, during meals, on the dance floor, or just hanging out in the lounge, we urge you to speak English at all times. This makes it easier for others to feel included and welcome to join the conversation.
Introduce and include. A good way to make people feel welcome and connected is by introducing them to each other, or yourself to them, when you end up in the same group. When someone new joins the conversation, actively include them by filling them in on the topic and context.
Make space for others. When possible, we encourage you to have an open chair at the table or an open space in the circle for people who would like to join the conversation. Seeing that a chair is available signals that the discussion is open and that you are encouraging others to join in.
Assume the best of each other, and try to cut each other some slack. Not everyone comes from the same shared knowledge base or social framework. Use social slips or miscommunication as an opportunity to clarify or to share knowledge respectfully!
Use the right pronouns. All participants will be wearing a name tag where their name and pronoun/s will be visible. Make sure to use the name and pronouns stated, and if you are unsure, ask rather than assume.
Respect each other’s boundaries and take no for an answer. Remember that yes means yes, no means no, and “maybe some other time” also means no. When in doubt, ask and always accept if a person wishes to leave a place or a situation.
The world is a difficult place to live in right now, for some more than others. The participants of Knutpunkt will in different ways be affected by what’s going on in their respective countries, whether it be war, oppressive governments, policies threatening their rights, inflation and economic hardships, etc. While some may want to talk about these topics during Knutpunkt, others will want to use the Knutpunkt bubble to escape from that reality for a few days. Please be mindful of this and remember that it is always perfectly fine to leave a conversation or program item if you want or need to.
During Knutpunkt, harassment, bullying, and discrimination will not be tolerated. This includes but is not limited to expressions of racism, sexism, homo- or transphobia, ableism, sexual harassment, and violence.
At all times, all participants are expected to follow Swedish law and the rules of Knutpunkt 2026. While you may think that some parts of the Swedish law are stupid or disagree with us when it comes to certain rules of the event, you are expected to comply with them if you choose to participate. If something is unclear, you are always welcome to reach out to us for an explanation.
As organisers of Knutpunkt 2026, the safety and well-being of all participants are aspects we care about a lot and take very seriously. Creating an event where everyone can feel safe, valued, and part of the community is our top priority. If a situation occurs on site that you need help sorting out, you will always be able to reach one of our community hosts and/or an organiser in charge.
Before the event, all participants will have access to the participant list with the names of everyone who will be attending the event. If you feel like someone on the list is likely to refuse to follow the rules of the event, seriously violate our community guidelines, or make others feel unsafe to attend, you are welcome to reach out to us. We can not make any promises as to what kind of measures we will take, since that depends completely on the unique circumstances of the situation, but we promise to do our best to find a solution that you feel comfortable with.
If you have concerns regarding another participant or other sensitive safety concerns, please reach out to us at safety@knutpunkt.se. This email address will only be monitored by the main organisers and organisers in charge of participant safety.
Last but not least, be kind to your organisers. As much as we wish to create this open and welcoming space for everyone, please remember that we are mere humans who run this event in our spare time. While we want to constantly strive for the best, there will inevitably be hiccups and mishaps. There will also be problems that we are not equipped to deal with, since we cannot be experts in every field and don't have unlimited bandwidth. In order to help us create this event, please be gentle with us. Use the indicated ways of communication, reach out if you have a helping hand, and assume that we have the best of intentions, even if you don't agree with our decisions. Be mindful about our boundaries, and if there are suggestions or criticism that need to be shared, please be as nice as you can about it. A few kind words goes a long way.