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The Ruby community has a reputation across the wider tech industry for being a bit special - opinionated, yes, but also warm and welcoming. Our conferences, our events, even our code is so often a bit more thoughtful and a bit more fun, and the legacy of this has spread beyond Ruby to other language communities such as Elixir and Rust. We have every reason to be proud… yet, we should be wary of resting of our laurels.

And when we look at the broader world - with pandemics, wars, and the devastation of the climate emergency - well, it's easy to become despondent, or to shut that out and focus on the code. But instead, we should tap into that special community vibe that has nurtured us, and take a step forward in having a broader impact. So what could that look like?

To understand what we can (and perhaps should) do, we must understand what has been done already: this session will cast a critical eye on our industry, pointing out missteps and missed perspectives, as well as looking at what has been done elsewhere to make lasting, positive changes. With that foundation set, we will then talk through several recommendations on what meaningful action for software developers can be, as well as possible guidelines to help each other critique, share and refactor our actions to have even greater impact.

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In the session titled "Upgrading the Ruby Community" presented by Pat Allan at RubyConf AU 2023, the speaker reflects on the unique and welcoming nature of the Ruby community while urging its members to engage more deeply with broader societal issues. Pat begins by acknowledging the challenges faced globally, such as pandemics and climate change, and the need for the Ruby community to evolve rather than become complacent about its existing strengths.

Key points discussed throughout the session include:
- **Community Attributes**: The Ruby community is characterized by fun, caring members who are social, opinionated, and occasionally 'weird.' This sense of identity is foundational to Ruby culture.  
- **Need for Growth**: While recognizing these positive traits, Pat emphasizes the need for Rubyists to expand their impact, particularly in addressing systemic injustices and supporting marginalized groups. 
- **Awareness and Listening**: The speaker encourages Ruby developers to listen to voices of lived experience regarding issues like racism and inequality, rather than relying solely on traditional experts. 
- **Collective Action**: The importance of collective rather than individual solutions is highlighted, advocating for union membership and shared knowledge about salaries to empower members. 
- **Active Engagement**: Pat stresses the necessity of active engagement in societal issues, challenging the notion of being merely 'nice' and instead promoting 'kindness' that involves uncomfortable truths and proactive efforts against systemic oppression. 
- **Examples of Action**: Practical examples for Rubyists include selecting renewable energy data centers for hosting applications, donating to relevant causes, supporting labor unions, and engaging in discussions about equitable workplace practices.  
- **Philosophical Changes**: Finally, Pat calls for a cultural shift in the Ruby community away from venerating heroes and towards a more collective approach to problem-solving and advocacy.

In conclusion, Pat Allan invites Rubyists not only to foster their coding skills but also to become responsible global citizens who actively engage in the fight against injustice and inequality, reiterating the importance of solidarity and collective action within the community. With humor and thoughtfulness, Pat aims to provoke deeper critical thinking about the role of developers in today's world.

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