Aurawra Manifesto

Aurawra was founded with the community in mind. NSW Anthro Group and the Aurawra team want to be transparent as to what Aurawra is and what our intentions are for running Aurawra. We consider the standards detailed in the manifesto below to be our policy for the event.

Our core beliefs are:

  • For the community, by the community

  • Be something that the community can contribute to and grow alongside their needs.

  • Provide an inclusive space for all.

  • A place where everyone feels like they’re on equal footing to connect with others.

  • No gimmicks, no popularity contests.

We here at Aurawra and NSWAG believe that a con’s focus should be its attendees, and we hope that the experience that we provide reflects that intention. If you have any concerns or feedback at any time, we absolutely want to hear your voice. Head towards the Feedback page and you’ll find a form where you can provide feedback.

For the Community, by the Community

  • Community feedback will be recorded and efforts will be made to address them

  • The interests of the community will be prioritised first and foremost

  • Aurawra will provide adequate opportunities for community involvement, allowing them to contribute to the convention/event

  • Aurawra will adjust as necessary to adapt to the needs of the community, be it location, venue, price or content/service

  • Aurawra will be inclusive and will take the necessary steps to ensure that attendees are given opportunities to meet others and get involved

All Are Equal

  • Aurawra strives to treat all members of the Furry Fandom and its attendees equally and fairly

  • As part of building an environment of tolerance and equality where community members feel safe to be involved we will be intolerant of those who are intolerant of others

  • Community involvement, suggestions, and participation will be accepted based on merit and substance, not on the basis of friendship or association

  • All members of the Committee are of equal authority, but must refer to one another when making significant decisions and interacting outside of the Committee

Communication is Key

  • Communication to attendees and community members will be concise and clear; Aurawra does not deceive or mislead its stakeholders

  • Changes involving the community will be appropriately announced to the community when expected to keep the community informed

  • All items of significance will be communicated amongst the Committee before being vocalised externally

If you would lead, then do so with vigour

The Chairperson is the individual tasked with bringing all elements of the organisation together, through action or delegation of action to make sure that the event runs smoothly. These duties include, but are not limited to:

  • Maintaining regular communications (meetings, etc.) amongst the Committee

  • Overseeing the completion of all major tasks (Venue, Merch orders, etc.)

  • In the event of a split vote or disagreement between Committee members, the Chair has the authority to decide the course of action to be taken, though the Chair cannot overturn a majority vote

  • Coordinating with members of the Committee to manage all operational requirements of the convention

Glossary

Committee

Refers to voting members of Aurawra staff who are responsible and accountable for management and preparation activities. This does not include Volunteers or Staff.

Chair

Refers to a singular Committee member who is accountable for the successful delivery of Aurawra for the designated year. The Chair is nominated by the Committee, and this position is to be reviewed and voted on at an Annual General Meeting each year.

Community

Refers to all people who are a part of, or attend the events within the Furry community and those who are associated with them. This can also include anyone who has registered for Aurawra even if they do not associate with the Furry community.

Staff

Refers to all individuals who volunteer to assist the event as permanent non voting members (not temporary volunteers) as voted on by the Committee. They are responsible for the successful execution of Aurawra prior to, and after the dates of the convention, as well as on-the-day activities that are carried out at the venue for the duration of the event. Staff will work alongside members of the Committee individually or under the supervision members of the Committee, and may be called to perform supervisory duties with a group of Volunteers.

Volunteers

Refers to temporary, one-off helpers that assist in making sure elements of the event run smoothly, including but not limited to; badge checking, registration handling, pack up, pack down, and fursuit handling. They work under the supervision of Staff or a member of the Committee.

What’s in a name

Why “Aurawra”?

The name itself, though bucking traditional Furry Convention naming styles, was formulated through an amalgamation of several ideas:

  • Au for Australia

  • Rawr because frankly, a dragon came up with the name in the first place and “Rawr” makes up a good part of their language (sorry dragons, but it is true…)

  • Aurora: The Southern Aurora Australis, or Southern Lights, are famous over the globe, a beautiful phenomenon that lights up the night sky in the southern parts of the country