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T025590N6-UA74EV4TB-edf9e73df2fc-512

I’m a product designer based in Portland, OR. I specialize in breaking down big messy problems and coming up with elegant solutions.

Product Designer

Stacy Taylor

Read how we’re updating our language to be more inclusive.

Words matter. The words and phrases we use reflect our values and attitudes towards those around us. As language is constantly evolving, words and phrases that were commonplace in the past may strike us as deeply offensive today. It’s important that we reflect on the terms we use and consider how they may be harming others or how and how they might be perceived in the future. 

After injustices in our society were so glaringly emphasized in the summer of 2020, several tech companies, including [Github](https://www.zdnet.com/article/github-to-replace-master-with-alternative-term-to-avoid-slavery-references/), [Google](https://9to5google.com/2020/06/12/google-android-chrome-blacklist-blocklist-more-inclusive/), [Twitter](https://twitter.com/negroprogrammer/status/1278728952522043393), and [Intercom](https://www.intercom.com/blog/updating-our-terminology/), began removing terms with racist roots, like “master,” “slave,” “whitelist,” and “blacklist.” 

At Auth0, we wanted to go further and re-examine our use of other, more nuanced terms, such as gendered and patriarchal, as well as ableist, ageist, and violent language.

We began this investigation in 2019, and over the past several months, teams across Auth0 have been working to remove problematic terminology from our codebase, documentation, and internal and external communications. 

### We Give a Shit

Critics of these efforts are quick to claim that this shift is just one more example of virtue signaling or political correctness run amok. But while we understand these small changes are not going to solve systemic racism, that doesn’t mean the effort is wasted. Everyone deserves a seat at the table in the technology world, and inclusive language is one small step towards making that a reality.

### Putting a Plan in Place

Our first step was to identify the terms we wanted to replace—there were obvious ones, like “whitelist,” “blacklist,” “master,” “slave,” “white hat,” and “black hat.” But we also wanted to address ableist terms, like “dummy value,” “crazy,” and “sanity check,” as well as gendered terms, like “man-in-the-middle attack” and “man hours.”

We began by creating an #inclusive-language Slack channel to discuss and debate different words and suggested alternatives. Based on those conversations combined with an analysis of other companies’ changes, we arrived at an initial list of terms and replacements. We replaced master and slave with main and secondary, whitelist and blacklist became allowlist and denylist, and white hat and black hat hackers are now ethical and malicious hackers. Grandfathered became a legacy, and brown-bag lunches are now called lunch and learns. We replaced man hours with person-hours and man-in-the-middle attacks with bucket brigade attacks. Sanity check and dummy value were replaced by the less ableist terms confidence check and placeholder value. 

### One Team, One Score

Next, we put together an inventory of all places where those terms were being used in our product, marketing, and other communications. After that, we identified and contacted the primary stakeholder for each area, such as the head of documentation, marketing team, individual product managers, and engineering leads.

Despite having their own roadmaps and quarterly commitments to worry about, everyone was incredibly receptive and eager to tackle this project. We provided the inventory and the timeline, but it was up to each individual team to make the changes. Most teams were able to fit the work into upcoming sprints, and we tracked all of the tickets on a centralized page to keep everybody accountable.

### Keeping the Momentum Going

While the initial push to remove specific terms from our product and communications was a good start, we also wanted to empower individuals to keep moving forward. To do so, we put together a set of principles and guidelines:

#### Impact matters more than intent

If a term perpetuates harm, it should be replaced regardless of the intent behind it.

While it is useful to consider the etymology of a term to determine whether it has biased roots, it’s important to remember that language is constantly evolving, and dictionary definitions are not how people use language in real life. Just because a term’s roots aren’t explicitly racist doesn’t mean the term itself doesn’t cause harm.

#### Use direct language

Writing should be clear and concise.

Avoiding idioms and metaphors removes value judgments, eliminates obfuscation, reduces the chance of accidentally using a term with problematic roots, makes localization easier, and improves readability.

#### Be the change you wish to see

We have the opportunity and responsibility to lead change in our industry.

We believe that inclusive language can show how we are inclusive for all users. We encourage other companies to follow our lead.


Auth0’s principles, guidelines, replacement terms, and additional resources are available to all employees. The `#inclusive-language` Slack channel continues to be a safe space for employees to engage in dialogue about biased language. These resources are also being added to our onboarding program so that new employees understand our commitment to inclusive language right from the start. 

### N + 1 > N

At Auth0, we believe that consistent, iterative improvement leads to incredible results. We recognize that addressing our use of biased language is an ongoing process rather than a one-and-done effort. With our guidelines and principles in place, all employees are empowered to address biased language as they find it. We all have an obligation to be intentional with our language and consider how all words we use have the potential to reflect our values and beliefs.

<include src="asides/AboutAuth0" />

Our Language Reflects Our Values

eugenio-pace-new-avatar

Pace co-founded Auth0 in early 2013 with CTO and “brother-in-arms” Matias Woloski while living 7,000 miles apart from each other. Since then, Pace has played an instrumental role in growing Auth0 into a leading identity management company that is loved by developers and trusted by global enterprises. He loves traveling and has visited more than 35 countries for business and pleasure. He currently lives in Redmond, Washington with his wife, two sons, and their labrador retriever. In his spare time, he enjoys the outdoors, rowing, riding bikes, spending time with his family, restoring his 1970 Karmann Ghia, writing his blog, and reading history and philosophy.

CEO and Co-Founder

Eugenio Pace

The launch of Auth0.org and our ongoing commitment to philanthropy



Today is the starting point of a significant journey for Auth0. We are excited to announce the launch of [Auth0.org](https://auth0.org), our social impact program that is committed to secure, inclusive access for all. Extending our company mission of ‘Secure Access for Everyone’ (SAFE), Auth0.org is dedicated to various philanthropic efforts, including secure access to technology and equal access to education. 

When Matias Woloski and I started Auth0 in 2013, we had high hopes but could never have expected (and only wished for) the journey we have experienced thus far. Our team has grown to more than 700 employees, our customer and partner base has increased, and we continue to expand into new markets. The trajectory of our company often makes me reflect on all the amazing people and companies that have supported us along the way.

Now, we have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the global community. As a more mature company, we have a responsibility to leverage our product, resources, knowledge, and reach to support the amazing nonprofit organizations and social enterprises around the world that are using technology as a force for good. Technology is a powerful change agent—used for good and bad—and it is up to all of us to use these powerful tools in the most beneficial ways possible. We are launching Auth0.org with three main programs to achieve this: [Auth0 for Nonprofits](https://auth0.com/social-impact/nonprofits), the [Auth0 SAFE Fund](https://auth0.com/social-impact/fund), and [Auth0 Employee Giving](https://auth0.com/social-impact/employee-giving). 

Making a meaningful impact is at the heart of Auth0 and giving programs have been a part of our culture since our early days as a tiny startup. Auth0 Gives has been our internal program for giving back to the community with our donations, our time, and our commitment to doing good. We have also launched programs like [Startup Relief](https://auth0.com/blog/auth0-startup-relief-helping-innovators-battle-covid-19/) for qualifying companies most affected by COVID-19. A culmination of more than seven years in the making, and with a greater need accentuated by the pandemic and current social issues, we are extremely proud to expand the work that we have been doing with Auth0 Gives and launch Auth0.org. Auth0.org reflects our strong belief that inclusivity and broad access to knowledge and education are core tenets to prosperity and progress, unlocking human potential, and elevating the human experience. 

By leveraging the reach, support, and products of Auth0, Auth0.org will facilitate various philanthropic efforts that align with the program’s goal of connecting and improving the lives of people worldwide, regardless of location, race, gender, sexual orientation, disabilities, or religion. 

We are grateful for our launch partners [Pledge 1%](https://pledge1percent.org/) and [Tides Foundation](https://www.tides.org/) for their help in executing our mission and fulfilling our long-term commitment to affect positive change. We will pledge 1% of our equity towards social causes over the next 10 years and will lean on the counsel of Tides to identify the organizations that align with our mission and are in the greatest need. 

Now, more than ever is time to give back. I am personally invested in Auth0.org and am dedicated to supporting its depth and reach to help as many people as possible as the program grows. We invite anyone who is willing to collaborate, give feedback, or participate in any way to reach out to [info@auth0.org](mailto:info@auth0.org). We would love to hear from you. 

We look forward to joining forces with nonprofits and social enterprises around the world to make even more powerful change, together. 

Secure Access for Everyone.


Announcing Auth0’s Social Impact Program for Secure, Inclusive Access

auziros:jeana-tahnk

Jeana has been in the tech industry for 15+ years, both as a communications professional and writer. As Director of Global Communications at Auth0, she works with her internal team and external agencies to amplify the company's visibility worldwide and establish its leadership in the identity industry. When she is not working, she can most likely be found on a field watching one of her three kids playing sports, or cleaning up after her one-year-old retriever who chews everything.

Senior Director, Global Communications

Jeana Tahnk

Auth0.org leads expansive philanthropic initiatives furthering ‘Secure Access for Everyone’ for technology and inclusive education

**BELLEVUE, Wash. – Sept. 30, 2020 –** The [Auth0](https://auth0.com/) Identity Platform, a product unit within Okta, today announced the launch of [Auth0.org](http://auth0.org/), a social impact program committed to secure, inclusive access for all. Representing an extension of the company's goal of 'Secure Access for Everyone' (SAFE), Auth0.org consists of various philanthropic initiatives for nonprofit organizations and social enterprises, including secure access to technology and equal access to education. As part of the launch, Auth0 also announced that it has joined the [Pledge 1%](https://pledge1percent.org/) movement, and has committed to giving 1% of the company's equity to nonprofits over the next 10 years to help pursue philanthropic initiatives, with initial contributions from co-founders Eugenio Pace (CEO) and Matias Woloski (CTO). 

'Secure Access for Everyone' reflects Auth0.org's strong belief that inclusivity and accessibility are core tenets to prosperity and progress, unlocking human potential, and elevating the human experience. Auth0.org will rely on the company's global network of more than 9,000 customers and more than 700 employees, along with Auth0's resources, to expand upon existing giving initiatives and be a force for good. By leveraging the reach, support, and products of Auth0, Auth0.org will be able to facilitate secure, inclusive access to technology, that aligns with its goal of connecting and improving the lives of people worldwide, regardless of location, race, gender, sexual orientation, disabilities, or religion. 

Auth0.org is engaging with world-changing agents and social enterprises that advance its strong belief in inclusivity and accessibility to make lasting change. To ensure Auth0.org's success in executing that mission, Tides Foundation will serve as its philanthropic partner and charitable home. Since 1976 [Tides Foundation](https://www.tides.org/) has become the leading philanthropic services provider for corporate social impact as well as the nation's largest fiscal sponsor working towards a world of shared prosperity and social justice across sectors. 

Tides will help Auth0.org identify organizations that are in the greatest need of technology access and execute on the program's aligned giving program. 

Auth0.org will focus on three primary areas:

* **Auth0 for Nonprofits:** Auth0 for Nonprofits will provide eligible nonprofit organizations and social enterprises with greater accessibility to Auth0's leading identity management solution. In addition to discounted rates for Auth0's Enterprise offering, nonprofit organizations will also have access to a variety of resources, including free consulting services, implementation guidelines, and customer support. Auth0 for Nonprofits is an extension of existing Auth0 offerings for nonprofit organizations, including the company's efforts to provide [Startup Relief](https://auth0.com/blog/auth0-startup-relief-helping-innovators-battle-covid-19/) for qualifying companies most affected by COVID-19.

* **Auth0 SAFE Fund:** The Auth0 SAFE Fund, a donor-advised fund of Tides Foundation, will make grants to various nonprofit organizations with a similar focus on fighting for secure, inclusive access for all. Auth0's partnership with Pledge 1% underscores its goal of providing funding for qualifying nonprofit organizations for the next 10 years. 

* **Auth0 Employee Giving:** To grow the ongoing philanthropic interests of Auth0's employees, Auth0 Employee Giving will provide donation matching opportunities, encourage volunteering and community outreach efforts, and organize employee events and campaigns.

"We are excited to welcome Auth0 to the Pledge 1% movement and celebrate their incredible leadership as a role model to others. Increasingly, we're noting a strong trend of top companies like Auth0, setting aside equity for social impact," said Pledge 1% Chief Executive Amy Lesnick. "As we face unprecedented challenges from COVID-19, racial injustice, climate issues, and more, companies have an important role in tackling pressing issues of our time. By leveraging equity, in addition to other assets such as time, expertise, product, and its global network, Auth0 is fortifying its commitment with the financial resources required to sustainably address these challenges and drive lasting positive change."

"We are so thrilled to launch Auth0.org as our social impact program, and help facilitate accessibility and inclusivity through technology to connect and improve lives," said Eugenio Pace, CEO and co-founder of Auth0. "Joining Pledge 1% demonstrates our long-term commitment for affecting positive change, and we are absolutely dedicated to our mission of 'Secure Access for Everyone' as both a global company and social impact initiative." 

Ari Schapiro, Senior Director of Self-Service and Social Impact at Auth0 added, "As a more mature company, we have a responsibility to leverage our product, resources, and reach to extend our support to the amazing nonprofit organizations around the world that are using technology as a force for good."

To learn more about Auth0.org and its philanthropic initiatives or how to participate, please visit [Auth0.org](http://auth0.org/). 
 
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## About Pledge 1%

Pledge 1% is a global movement that inspires, educates, and empowers every entrepreneur, company, and employee to be a force for good. Over 10,000 members in 100 countries have used Pledge 1%'s flexible framework to launch and scale their impact programs and donate 1% of either product, product, staff time, and/or equity to a charity of their choice. In particular, Pledge 1% is helping many companies on the path to IPO pledge equity. Pledge 1% member companies have already ignited half a billion dollars in new philanthropy via their equity pledges, which is proving to be one of the most effective ways of funding social impact work for years to come. To learn more about Pledge 1% visit pledge1percent.org or download the new CEO Equity Playbook today.

### Media Contacts
Global Communications 
Auth0 
[press@auth0.com](mailto:press@auth0.com) 

Matter for Auth0 
[auth0@matternow.com](mailto:auth0@matternow.com)

"inclusive"