Yesterday I logged on to reddit.com/r/boardgames to look at trending topics and discussion in the gaming community and saw a post that reminded me why I wanted to make this store a reality: I love the gaming community.

Since I entered the world of tabletop gaming 4 years ago, I've met a countless number of friends and acquaintances from around the world with different ethnicities, languages, religions, and ages. I like to think I've changed for the better as a result of having met all of these different people. My friend Dien Tran from Toronto, in a recent article about his experience at the Fantasy Flight Games World Championships this year, wrote this about his experience:

"Whatever [game] that brings you to this city, it’s a great time to socialize and connect with others you wouldn’t otherwise meet in your lifetime. I’ve personally met some of the most outstanding people in the world that I would gladly go out and have dinner with...

...I’m happy to know that I’m playing a game that allows me to connect with friends that I’ve made over the past few years. Knowing I’ve left a mark on people internationally in such a positive light makes my journey worth it. I judge my time and self worth on your happiness."

The post I alluded to at the beginning of this article was titled "A call for inclusion, safety, and looking out for your fellow gamer." and it's the reason I love the gaming community. People come to play board games for several reasons but my #1 reason has always been the people. All of the people I've met through gaming have always made me included, like I belong. That is why, as the manager of Mission: Board Games, I want to make a promise that we are committed to making you feel included, safe, and looked out for.

Here's the beginning of that post:

"Today I am calling for the tabletop community to stand together for inclusion, and look out for each other’s safety. To that end, I am stealing Suzanne Sheldon’s Commitments For Inclusive Gaming.

1. Gamers – commit to holding each other accountable

Educate yourselves. Make an effort to think about and research social issues in gaming. Don’t dismiss it as undesirable “politics”.
Listen to your fellow gamers. Everyone just wants to have fun. Be part of making that possible.
Stretch your empathy. Your experiences may not involve problematic behavior but you can play a role in spreading the positivity.
Raise your awareness. Learn to recognize problematic behavior online and at gaming events.
Address problematic behavior within your group.
Address problematic behavior you see in public gaming events.
Realize that if a person feels unsafe or uncomfortable, you have an issue that should be addressed.
Let publishers and designers know you want inclusion and diversity in games.
Let stores know the kind of environment you want to shop and play in.
Let convention runners know the kind of environment you expect to have for all gamers.
Be the kind of gamer you want in your community.

2. Game Retailers – commit to prioritizing creating a positive experience for all gamers

Ensure behavior policies are posted and enforced.
Work with the community they have to figure out what’s needed and invest in implementing that.
Keep stores clean and well lit.
Be smart about product placement and display.
Train your employees on how to greet and speak to customers.
Train your employees on how to handle problematic behavior.
Consult with local law enforcement for tips on how to handle problematic behavior.
Set the tone for a healthy gaming community."

To read the entirety of "A call for inclusion, safety, and looking out for your fellow gamer." click here.