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October 29 Field Trip: Free Geek Fall Open House
[Free Geek](https://www.freegeektwincities.org/) is a local non-profit engaged in e-waste recycling / refurbishing and making tech equipment accessible to the community at low cost. On October 29th, they're hosting a fall open house event. Let's attend their open house together and support their awesome work!
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May 26 Open Twin Cities Meetup (Remote)
At this meetup, we'll be joined by Maria Jensen, an Environment, Health and Safety Specialist for Tech Dump. Tech Dump is an industry leader in electronics recycling. One of the largest collectors of e-waste in the state of Minnesota, they have processed more than 35 million pounds of electronic waste—all while adhering to the highest standards of data security. In addition to their proven track record of providing seamless electronics recycling services for businesses and organizations of all sizes, they are also a social enterprise that provides jobs and training for persons facing barriers to employment.
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April 28 Open Twin Cities Monthly Meetup (Remote)
This meeting will be an open lab time where we will work on projects. All skillsets and skill levels are welcome! We are a group that is dedicated to helping each other learn and explore things related to civic technology, open government, and open data. Come with ideas for projects or things you may have already started, or just bring yourself and we'll help match you up with an already existing project, idea, or dataset to explore.
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March 24 Open Twin Cities Monthly Meetup (Remote)
This meeting will be an open lab time where we will work on projects. All skillsets and skill levels are welcome! We are a group that is dedicated to helping each other learn and explore things related to civic technology, open government, and open data. Come with ideas for projects or things you may have already started, or just bring yourself and we'll help match you up with an already existing project, idea, or dataset to explore.
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February 24 Open Twin Cities Monthly Meetup (Remote)
This meeting will be an open lab time where we will work on projects. All skillsets and skill levels are welcome! We are a group that is dedicated to helping each other learn and explore things related to civic technology, open government, and open data. Come with ideas for projects or things you may have already started, or just bring yourself and we'll help match you up with an already existing project, idea, or dataset to explore.
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January 27 Open Twin Cities Monthly Meetup (Remote)
This meeting will be an open lab time where we will work on projects. All skillsets and skill levels are welcome! We are a group that is dedicated to helping each other learn and explore things related to civic technology, open government, and open data. Come with ideas for projects or things you may have already started, or just bring yourself and we'll help match you up with an already existing project, idea, or dataset to explore.
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December 09 Open Twin Cities Monthly Meetup (Remote)
This meeting will be an open lab time where we will work on projects. All skillsets and skill levels are welcome! We are a group that is dedicated to helping each other learn and explore things related to civic technology, open government, and open data. Come with ideas for projects or things you may have already started, or just bring yourself and we'll help match you up with an already existing project, idea, or dataset to explore.
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November 25 Open Twin Cities Monthly Meetup (Remote)
This meeting will be an open lab time where we will work on projects. All skillsets and skill levels are welcome! We are a group that is dedicated to helping each other learn and explore things related to civic technology, open government, and open data. Come with ideas for projects or things you may have already started, or just bring yourself and we'll help match you up with an already existing project, idea, or dataset to explore.
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November 07 Brigade Network #EmpathyCircle: A Space To Connect, Reflect on CHANGE 💛
Sign up for this session or an upcoming one by going to this link: https://tribeless.notion.site/ReVisioning-Conversations-Creating-A-Space-To-Connect-Reflect-Breathe-47a5b5991d09459988ca66ce8d64e9ca
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October 28 Open Twin Cities Monthly Meetup (Remote)
This meeting will be an open lab time where we will work on projects. All skillsets and skill levels are welcome! We are a group that is dedicated to helping each other learn and explore things related to civic technology, open government, and open data. Come with ideas for projects or things you may have already started, or just bring yourself and we'll help match you up with an already existing project, idea, or dataset to explore.
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October 16 Code Switch 2021 Celebration
Join us for the virtual celebration on Saturday, October 16!
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October 14 Code Switch 2021 working sessions
We'll meet to collaborate on projects from the Code Switch and National Day of Civic Hacking kickoff event on September 18 (https://www.codeswitch.mn/).
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October 07 Code Switch 2021 working sessions
We'll meet to collaborate on projects from the Code Switch and National Day of Civic Hacking kickoff event on September 18 (https://www.codeswitch.mn/).
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September 30 Code Switch 2021 working sessions
We'll meet to collaborate on projects from the Code Switch and National Day of Civic Hacking kickoff event on September 18 (https://www.codeswitch.mn/).
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September 23 Code Switch 2021 working sessions
We'll meet to collaborate on projects from the Code Switch and National Day of Civic Hacking kickoff event on September 18 (https://www.codeswitch.mn/).
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July 22 Open Twin Cities Monthly Meetup (Remote)
This meeting will be an open lab time where we will work on projects. All skillsets and skill levels are welcome! We are a group that is dedicated to helping each other learn and explore things related to civic technology, open government, and open data. Come with ideas for projects or things you may have already started, or just bring yourself and we'll help match you up with an already existing project, idea, or dataset to explore.
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June 24 Open Twin Cities Monthly Meetup (Remote)
This meeting will be an open lab time where we will work on projects. All skillsets and skill levels are welcome! We are a group that is dedicated to helping each other learn and explore things related to civic technology, open government, and open data. Come with ideas for projects or things you may have already started, or just bring yourself and we'll help match you up with an already existing project, idea, or dataset to explore.
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May 27 Open Twin Cities Monthly Meetup (Remote)
This meeting will be an open lab time where we will work on projects. All skillsets and skill levels are welcome! We are a group that is dedicated to helping each other learn and explore things related to civic technology, open government, and open data. Come with ideas for projects or things you may have already started, or just bring yourself and we'll help match you up with an already existing project, idea, or dataset to explore.
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April 22 Open Twin Cities Monthly Meetup (Remote)
This meeting will be an open lab time where we will work on projects. All skillsets and skill levels are welcome! We are a group that is dedicated to helping each other learn and explore things related to civic technology, open government, and open data. Come with ideas for projects or things you may have already started, or just bring yourself and we'll help match you up with an already existing project, idea, or dataset to explore.
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March 25 Open Twin Cities Monthly Meetup (Remote)
This meeting will be an open lab time where we will work on projects. All skillsets and skill levels are welcome! We are a group that is dedicated to helping each other learn and explore things related to civic technology, open government, and open data. Come with ideas for projects or things you may have already started, or just bring yourself and we'll help match you up with an already existing project, idea, or dataset to explore.
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March 09 Open Twin Cities Monthly Meetup (Remote)
This meeting will be an open lab time where we will work on projects. All skillsets and skill levels are welcome! We are a group that is dedicated to helping each other learn and explore things related to civic technology, open government, and open data. Come with ideas for projects or things you may have already started, or just bring yourself and we'll help match you up with an already existing project, idea, or dataset to explore.
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February 25 Open Twin Cities Monthly Meetup (Remote)
This meeting will be an open lab time where we will work on projects. All skillsets and skill levels are welcome! We are a group that is dedicated to helping each other learn and explore things related to civic technology, open government, and open data. Come with ideas for projects or things you may have already started, or just bring yourself and we'll help match you up with an already existing project, idea, or dataset to explore.
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February 09 Open Twin Cities Monthly Meetup (Remote)
This meeting will be an open lab time where we will work on projects. All skillsets and skill levels are welcome! We are a group that is dedicated to helping each other learn and explore things related to civic technology, open government, and open data. Come with ideas for projects or things you may have already started, or just bring yourself and we'll help match you up with an already existing project, idea, or dataset to explore.
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January 28 Open Twin Cities Monthly Meetup (Remote)
For the first part of this meeting, we'll be joined by Anat Caspi from Code for Seattle, who will share some information about a Transportation Data Equity (TDE) initiative. Join to learn more about their work on equity in transportation and mobility coming up in the near future.
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January 12 Open Twin Cities Monthly Meetup (Remote)
This meeting will be an open lab time where we will work on projects. All skillsets and skill levels are welcome! We are a group that is dedicated to helping each other learn and explore things related to civic technology, open government, and open data. Come with ideas for projects or things you may have already started, or just bring yourself and we'll help match you up with an already existing project, idea, or dataset to explore.
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December 17 Open Twin Cities Monthly Meetup (Remote)
This meeting will be an open lab time where we will work on projects. All skillsets and skill levels are welcome! We are a group that is dedicated to helping each other learn and explore things related to civic technology, open government, and open data. Come with ideas for projects or things you may have already started, or just bring yourself and we'll help match you up with an already existing project, idea, or dataset to explore.
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December 01 Open Twin Cities Monthly Meetup (Remote)
Meeting will be held online. Details and agenda to come!
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November 10 Open Twin Cities Monthly Meetup (Remote)
This meeting will be an open lab time where we will work on projects. All skillsets and skill levels are welcome! We are a group that is dedicated to helping each other learn and explore things related to civic technology, open government, and open data. Come with ideas for projects or things you may have already started, or just bring yourself and we'll help match you up with an already existing project, idea, or dataset to explore.
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October 22 Open Twin Cities Monthly Meetup (Remote)
This meeting will be an open lab time where we will work on projects. All skillsets and skill levels are welcome! We are a group that is dedicated to helping each other learn and explore things related to civic technology, open government, and open data. Come with ideas for projects or things you may have already started, or just bring yourself and we'll help match you up with an already existing project, idea, or dataset to explore.
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October 16 2020 Code for America Brigade Congress
Join Open Twin Cities and Code for America at this year's Brigade Congress! This is a free and open event made by and for the Brigade Network, with an opportunity to learn together with volunteers from across the country. See what other civic tech volunteers are working on, learn about ways you can apply projects to your community, and meet new people.
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October 08 Code Switch 2020 - Weekly Check-In Opportunity
Code Switch (https://www.codeswitch.mn/), an annual hackathon co-hosted with Techquity and Software for Good, is moving to a virtual format this year! On September 12, 2020, Code for America's National Day of Civic Hacking, we gathered for a virtual kick-off. This meet-up is a weekly check-in opportunity to help you check in with your project teams and keep momentum going on your projects.
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October 01 Code Switch 2020 - Weekly Check-In Opportunity
Code Switch (https://www.codeswitch.mn/), an annual hackathon co-hosted with Techquity and Software for Good, is moving to a virtual format this year! On September 12, 2020, Code for America's National Day of Civic Hacking, we gathered for a virtual kick-off. This meet-up is a weekly check-in opportunity to help you check in with your project teams and keep momentum going on your projects.
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September 24 Code Switch 2020 - Weekly Check-In Opportunity
Code Switch (https://www.codeswitch.mn/), an annual hackathon co-hosted with Techquity and Software for Good, is moving to a virtual format this year! On September 12, 2020, Code for America's National Day of Civic Hacking, we gathered for a virtual kick-off. This meet-up is a weekly check-in opportunity to help you check in with your project teams and keep momentum going on your projects.
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September 17 Code Switch 2020 - Weekly Check-In Opportunity
Code Switch (https://www.codeswitch.mn/), an annual hackathon co-hosted with Techquity and Software for Good, is moving to a virtual format this year! On September 12, 2020, Code for America's National Day of Civic Hacking, we gathered for a virtual kick-off. This meet-up is a weekly check-in opportunity to help you check in with your project teams and keep momentum going on your projects.
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September 12 Code Switch 2020: National Day of Civic Hacking & Virtual Hackathon Kickoff
Join us for a virtual hackathon to disrupt inequity, engage people in civic issues, and co-create projects for change. To find out more, visit: https://www.codeswitch.mn/
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August 08 August Book Club - "The Black and the Blue", by Matthew Horace
Civic tech isn't just about data, coding, and designing. A major part of our work as civic technologists and engaged community members is educating ourselves about issues and opportunities in the communities where we live.
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August 06 Code Switch 2020 - Weekly Check-In Opportunity
Code Switch (https://www.codeswitch.mn/), an annual hackathon co-hosted with Techquity and Software for Good, is moving to a virtual format this year! Teams have July and August to work on their projects. On September 12, 2020, Code for America's National Day of Civic Hacking, we’ll gather for a virtual Code Switch celebration!
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July 30 Code Switch 2020 - Weekly Check-In Opportunity
Code Switch (https://www.codeswitch.mn/), an annual hackathon co-hosted with Techquity and Software for Good, is moving to a virtual format this year! Teams have July and August to work on their projects. On September 12, 2020, Code for America's National Day of Civic Hacking, we’ll gather for a virtual Code Switch celebration!
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July 23 Open Twin Cities Montly Meetup
In response to the covid-19 physical distancing recommendations, we will continue connecting remotely for our monthly meetups. We'll try to devote some extra time to checking in with each other and sharing thoughts/ideas/experiences that help us form a constructive response to recent events. We may also group up into breakout rooms if there are projects/topics that folks want to dive a little deeper into. (If you have a project/topic you'd like to discuss, also feel free to add it to the agenda ahead of time.)
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July 07 Open Twin Cities Monthly Meetup (Remote)
Meeting will be held online
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June 25 Open Twin Cities Monthly Meetup (Remote)
In response to the covid-19 physical distancing recommendations, we will continue connecting remotely for our monthly meetups. We'll try to devote some extra time to checking in with each other and sharing thoughts/ideas/experiences that help us form a constructive response to recent events. We may also group up into breakout rooms if there are projects/topics that folks want to dive a little deeper into. (If you have a project/topic you'd like to discuss, also feel free to add it to the agenda ahead of time.)
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June 02 Open Twin Cities Monthly Meetup (Remote)
Meeting will be held online.
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May 28 Open Twin Cities Monthly Meetup (Remote)
In response to the covid-19 social distancing recommendations, we will continue connecting remotely for our monthly meetups. We'll try to devote some extra time to checking in with each other and sharing thoughts/ideas/experiences that help us form a constructive response to recent events. We may also group up into breakout rooms if there are projects/topics that folks want to dive a little deeper into. (If you have a project/topic you'd like to discuss, also feel free to add it to the agenda ahead of time.)
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May 05 Open Twin Cities Monthly Meetup (Remote)
Join us at https://codeforamerica.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIkcuupqTouGd2-9iEAmg61YFt6WP0o8h6X
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April 23 Minneapolis Monthly (Remote) Meetup
In response to the covid-19 social distancing recommendations, we will be connecting remotely for our monthly meetup. We know this can be a stressful time for folks, so we want to give everyone a chance to connect and be social, but at a safe distance. We also know that remote meetings can get a little chaotic, so we're adding an agenda below to help structure the experience a bit. We'll try to devote some extra time to checking in with each other and sharing thoughts/ideas/experiences that help us form a constructive response to recent events. We may also group up into breakout rooms if there are topics that folks want to dive a little deeper into.
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April 01 Open Twin Cities Monthly Meetup (Remote)
In response to the covid-19 social distancing recommendations, we will be connecting remotely for our monthly meetup. We know this can be a stressful time for folks, so we want to give everyone a chance to connect and be social, but at a safe distance. We also know that remote meetings can get a little chaotic, so we're adding an agenda below to help structure the experience a bit. We'll try to devote some extra time to checking in with each other and sharing thoughts/ideas/experiences that help us form a constructive response to recent events. We may also group up into breakout rooms if there are topics that folks want to dive a little deeper into.
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March 26 Open Twin Cities Monthly Meetup (Remote)
In response to the covid-19 social distancing recommendations, we will be connecting remotely for our monthly meetup. We know this can be a stressful time for folks, so we want to give everyone a chance to connect and be social, but at a safe distance. We also know that remote meetings can get a little chaotic, so we're adding an agenda below to help structure the experience a bit. We'll try to devote some extra time to checking in with each other and sharing thoughts/ideas/experiences that help us form a constructive response to recent events. We may also group up into breakout rooms if there are topics that folks want to dive a little deeper into.
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March 03 St. Paul Monthly Meetup
We're back at Rondo Community Library on University and Dale in St. Paul! Come with ideas for projects, things you may have already started, or we'll try to match you up with an already existing project or idea.
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February 27 Minneapolis Monthly Meetup
This meeting will be an open lab time where we will work on projects. All skillsets and skill levels are welcome! We are a group that is dedicated to helping each other learn and explore things related to civic technology, open government, and open data. Come with ideas for projects or things you may have already started, or just bring yourself and we'll try to match you up with an already existing project, idea, or dataset to explore.
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February 05 St. Paul Monthly Meetup
We're trying a new location and date this month -- Tapestry restaurant on University and Western in St. Paul! Come with ideas for projects, things you may have already started, or we'll try to match you up with an already existing project or idea.
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February 01 February Book Club - "Habeas Data: Privacy vs. the Rise of Surveillance Tech"
Civic tech isn't just about data, coding, and designing. There are a lot of great books and articles out there that address society, culture, technology, discrimination, economics, and all those other things we care about. So let’s read and talk about some of them!
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January 23 Minneapolis Monthly Meetup
This meeting will be an open lab time where we will work on projects. All skillsets and skill levels are welcome! We are a group that is dedicated to helping each other learn and explore things related to civic technology, open government, and open data. Come with ideas for projects or things you may have already started, or just bring yourself and we'll try to match you up with an already existing project, idea, or dataset to explore.
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January 13 Open Twin Cities Saint Paul Monthly Meetup
We're back at Rondo Community Library on University and Dale in St. Paul! Come with ideas for projects, things you may have already started, or we'll try to match you up with an already existing project or idea.
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December 19 Minneapolis Monthly Meetup
This meeting will be an open lab time where we will work on projects. All skillsets and skill levels are welcome! We are a group that is dedicated to helping each other learn and explore things related to civic technology, open government, and open data. Come with ideas for projects or things you may have already started, or just bring yourself and we'll try to match you up with an already existing project, idea, or dataset to explore.
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CANCELED December 16 St. Paul Monthly Meetup
CANCELED
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November 21 Minneapolis Monthly Meetup
This meeting will be an open lab time where we will work on projects. All skillsets and skill levels are welcome! We are a group that is dedicated to helping each other learn and explore things related to civic technology, open government, and open data. Come with ideas for projects or things you may have already started, or just bring yourself and we'll try to match you up with an already existing project, idea, or dataset to explore.
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November 18 Open Twin Cities Saint Paul Monthly Meetup
We're back at Rondo Community Library on University and Dale in St. Paul! Come with ideas for projects, things you may have already started, or we'll try to match you up with an already existing project or idea.
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Oct 24 Minneapolis Monthly Meetup
IMPORTANT NOTE: We are changing the date and location of the Minneapolis Monthly Meetup events! We will now be meeting on the 4th Thursday of the month, and we will meet at the Minneapolis Central Library. (The exact room in the library may change from month to month based on room availability.)
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September 12 OTC Special Connection: Visit from Open World Ukraine
At this event, Open Twin Cities will host a group of Ukrainian guests who are visiting the Twin Cities to explore issues relating to making public information readily available, reviewing best Freedom of Information (FOIA) practices, and other aspects of making public information available with the use of advanced technologies. The guests have an impressive range of backgrounds in government open data work, journalism, election/government monitoring efforts, "right to privacy" policies, media literacy and youth outreach, and human rights work. The visitors are all taking part in a program affiliated with the Open World Leader Center (OWLC), an independent government agency of the United States Congress that is housed in the Legislative Branch.
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September 03 St. Paul Monthly Meetup
We're back at Rondo Community Library on University and Dale in St. Paul! Come with ideas for projects, things you may have already started, or we'll try to match you up with an already existing project or idea. We'll have food and some great conversation.
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July 25 OTC Field Trip! "Data Party: Explore Your City's Data" at Rondo Library
This month's regularly-scheduled Minneapolis meetup time happens to correspond with a cool community event about open data. So, instead of meeting up in Minneapolis, we'll be heading across the river to Rondo Library to join a "Data Party" event! At the Data Party, we will:
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July 02 St. Paul Monthly Meetup
We're back at Granicus (https://granicus.com) in downtown St. Paul! Come with ideas for projects, things you may have already started, or we'll try to match you up with an already existing project or idea. We'll have food and some great conversation.
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June 27 Minneapolis Monthly Meetup
IMPORTANT NOTE: We are changing the date and location of the Minneapolis Monthly Meetup events! We will now be meeting on the 4th Thursday of the month, and we will meet at the Minneapolis Central Library. (The exact room in the library may change from month to month based on room availability.)
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June 04 St. Paul Monthly Meetup
We're back at Rondo Community Outreach Library on University and Dale! Come with ideas for projects, things you may have already started, or we'll try to match you up with an already existing project or idea.
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May 23 Minneapolis Monthly Meetup
IMPORTANT NOTE: We are changing the date and location of the Minneapolis Monthly Meetup events! We will now be meeting on the 4th Thursday of the month, and we will meet at the Minneapolis Central Library. (The exact room in the library may change from month to month based on room availability.)
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May 07 St. Paul Monthly Meetup
We're back at Rondo Community Outreach Library on University and Dale! Come with ideas for projects, things you may have already started, or we'll try to match you up with an already existing project or idea. We'll have food and some great conversation.
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April 25 Minneapolis Monthly Meetup
IMPORTANT NOTE: We are changing the date and location of the Minneapolis Monthly Meetup events! We will now be meeting on the 4th Thursday of the month, and we will meet at the Minneapolis Central Library. (The exact room in the library may change from month to month based on room availability.)
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April 02 St. Paul Monthly Meetup
NEW LOCATION: Rondo Community Outreach Library, Meeting Room B.
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March 05 St. Paul Monthly Meetup
We're back at Granicus (https://granicus.com) in downtown St. Paul! Come with ideas for projects, things you may have already started, or we'll try to match you up with an already existing project or idea. We'll have food and some great conversation.
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March 30 March Book Club - "Brotopia"
Civic tech isn't just about data, coding, and designing. There are a lot of great books and articles out there that address society, culture, technology, discrimination, economics, and all those other things we care about. So let’s read and talk about some of them!
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March 28 Minneapolis Monthly Meetup
IMPORTANT NOTE: We are changing the date and location of the Minneapolis Monthly Meetup events! We will now be meeting on the 4th Thursday of the month, and we will meet at the Minneapolis Central Library. (The exact room in the library may change from month to month based on room availability.)
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March 05 St. Paul Monthly Meetup
We're back at Granicus (https://granicus.com) in downtown St. Paul! Come with ideas for projects, things you may have already started, or we'll try to match you up with an already existing project or idea. We'll have food and some great conversation.
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February 28 Minneapolis Monthly Meetup
IMPORTANT NOTE: We are changing the date and location of the Minneapolis Monthly Meetup events! We will now be meeting on the 4th Thursday of the month, and we will meet at the Minneapolis Central Library. (The exact room in the library may change from month to month based on room availability.)
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February 28 Minneapolis Monthly Meetup
IMPORTANT NOTE: We are changing the date and location of the Minneapolis Monthly Meetup events! We will now be meeting on the 4th Thursday of the month, and we will meet at the Minneapolis Central Library. (The exact room in the library may change from month to month based on room availability.)
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January 24 Minneapolis Monthly Meetup
IMPORTANT NOTE: We are changing the date and location of the Minneapolis Monthly Meetup events! We will now be meeting on the 4th Thursday of the month, and we will meet at the Minneapolis Central Library. (The exact room in the library may change from month to month based on room availability.)
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January 24 Minneapolis Monthly Meetup
IMPORTANT NOTE: We are changing the date and location of the Minneapolis Monthly Meetup events! We will now be meeting on the 4th Thursday of the month, and we will meet at the Minneapolis Central Library. (The exact room in the library may change from month to month based on room availability.)
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February 05 St. Paul Monthly Meetup
We're back at Granicus (https://granicus.com) in downtown St. Paul! Come with ideas for projects, things you may have already started, or we'll try to match you up with an already existing project or idea. We'll have food and some great conversation.
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January 22 Minneapolis Monthly Meetup
This meeting will be an open lab time where we will work on projects. All skillsets and skill levels are welcome! We are a group that is dedicated to helping each other learn and explore things related to civic technology, open government, and open data. Come with ideas for projects or things you may have already started, or just bring yourself and we'll try to match you up with an already existing project, idea, or dataset to explore.
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January 01 St. Paul Monthly Meetup
We're back at Granicus (https://granicus.com) in downtown St. Paul! Come with ideas for projects, things you may have already started, or we'll try to match you up with an already existing project or idea. We'll have food and some great conversation.
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December 25 Minneapolis Monthly Meetup
This meeting will be an open lab time where we will work on projects. All skillsets and skill levels are welcome! We are a group that is dedicated to helping each other learn and explore things related to civic technology, open government, and open data. Come with ideas for projects or things you may have already started, or just bring yourself and we'll try to match you up with an already existing project, idea, or dataset to explore.
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December 04 St. Paul Monthly Meetup
We're back at Granicus (https://granicus.com) in downtown St. Paul! Come with ideas for projects, things you may have already started, or we'll try to match you up with an already existing project or idea. We'll have food and some great conversation.
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November 27 Minneapolis Monthly Meetup
This meeting will be an open lab time where we will work on projects. All skillsets and skill levels are welcome! We are a group that is dedicated to helping each other learn and explore things related to civic technology, open government, and open data. Come with ideas for projects or things you may have already started, or just bring yourself and we'll try to match you up with an already existing project, idea, or dataset to explore.
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November 06 St. Paul Monthly Meetup
We're back at Granicus (https://granicus.com) in downtown St. Paul! Come with ideas for projects, things you may have already started, or we'll try to match you up with an already existing project or idea. We'll have food and some great conversation.
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October 23 Minneapolis Monthly Meetup
This meeting will be an open lab time where we will work on projects. All skillsets and skill levels are welcome! We are a group that is dedicated to helping each other learn and explore things related to civic technology, open government, and open data. Come with ideas for projects or things you may have already started, or just bring yourself and we'll try to match you up with an already existing project, idea, or dataset to explore.
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September 22 Code Switch 2018
Code Switch is back! Join OTC, Blacks in Tech, and Software for Good for a weekend of civic hacking. Come when you can, stay as long as you like! For more details and the registration link, head to: http://codeswitch.mn/
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October 02 St. Paul Monthly Meetup
We're back at Granicus (https://granicus.com) in downtown St. Paul! Come with ideas for projects, things you may have already started, or we'll try to match you up with an already existing project or idea. We'll have food and some great conversation.
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September 25 Minneapolis Monthly Meetup
This meeting will be an open lab time where we will work on projects. All skillsets and skill levels are welcome! We are a group that is dedicated to helping each other learn and explore things related to civic technology, open government, and open data. Come with ideas for projects or things you may have already started, or just bring yourself and we'll try to match you up with an already existing project, idea, or dataset to explore.
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September 04 St. Paul Monthly Meetup
We're back at Granicus (https://granicus.com) in downtown St. Paul! Come with ideas for projects, things you may have already started, or we'll try to match you up with an already existing project or idea. We'll have food and some great conversation.
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August 28 Minneapolis Monthly Meetup
This meeting will be an open lab time where we will work on projects. All skillsets and skill levels are welcome! We are a group that is dedicated to helping each other learn and explore things related to civic technology, open government, and open data. Come with ideas for projects or things you may have already started, or just bring yourself and we'll try to match you up with an already existing project, idea, or dataset to explore.
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July 24 Minneapolis Monthly Meetup
This meeting will be an open lab time where we will work on projects. All skillsets and skill levels are welcome! We are a group that is dedicated to helping each other learn and explore things related to civic technology, open government, and open data. Come with ideas for projects or things you may have already started, or just bring yourself and we'll try to match you up with an already existing project, idea, or dataset to explore.
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June 26 Minneapolis Monthly Meetup
This meeting will be an open lab time where we will work on projects. All skillsets and skill levels are welcome! We are a group that is dedicated to helping each other learn and explore things related to civic technology, open government, and open data. Come with ideas for projects or things you may have already started, or just bring yourself and we'll try to match you up with an already existing project, idea, or dataset to explore.
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June 05 St. Paul Monthly Meetup
We're back at Granicus (https://granicus.com) in downtown St. Paul! Come with ideas for projects, things you may have already started, or we'll try to match you up with an already existing project or idea. We'll have food and some great conversation.
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May 22 Minneapolis Monthly Meetup
This meeting will be an open lab time where we will work on projects. All skillsets and skill levels are welcome! We are a group that is dedicated to helping each other learn and explore things related to civic technology, open government, and open data. Come with ideas for projects or things you may have already started, or just bring yourself and we'll try to match you up with an already existing project, idea, or dataset to explore.
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May 01 St. Paul Monthly Meetup
We're back at Granicus (https://granicus.com) in downtown St. Paul! Come with ideas for projects, things you may have already started, or we'll try to match you up with an already existing project or idea. We'll have food and some great conversation.
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April 24 Minneapolis Monthly Meetup
This meeting will be an open lab time where we will work on projects. All skillsets and skill levels are welcome! We are a group that is dedicated to helping each other learn and explore things related to civic technology, open government, and open data. Come with ideas for projects or things you may have already started, or just bring yourself and we'll try to match you up with an already existing project, idea, or dataset to explore.
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April 24 Minneapolis Monthly Meetup
This meeting will be an open lab time where we will work on projects. All skillsets and skill levels are welcome! We are a group that is dedicated to helping each other learn and explore things related to civic technology, open government, and open data. Come with ideas for projects or things you may have already started, or just bring yourself and we'll try to match you up with an already existing project, idea, or dataset to explore.
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May 19 May Book Club - "Algorithms of Oppression"
• What we'll do
Civic tech isn't just about data, coding, and designing. There are a lot of great books and articles out there that address society, culture, technology, discrimination, economics, and all those other things we care about. So let’s read and talk about some of them! -
April 03 St. Paul Monthly Meetup
We're back at Granicus (https://granicus.com) in downtown St. Paul! Come with ideas for projects, things you may have already started, or we'll try to match you up with an already existing project or idea. We'll have food and some great conversation.
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March 27 Minneapolis Monthly Meetup
This meeting will be an open lab time where we will work on projects. All skillsets and skill levels are welcome! We are a group that is dedicated to helping each other learn and explore things related to civic technology, open government, and open data. Come with ideas for projects or things you may have already started, or just bring yourself and we'll try to match you up with an already existing project, idea, or dataset to explore.
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March 06 St. Paul Monthly Meetup
We're back at Granicus (https://granicus.com) in downtown St. Paul.
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February 27 Minneapolis Monthly Meetup
This meeting will be an open lab time where we will work on projects. All skillsets and skill levels are welcome! We are a group that is dedicated to helping each other learn and explore things related to civic technology, open government, and open data. Come with ideas for projects or things you may have already started, or just bring yourself and we'll try to match you up with an already existing project, idea, or dataset to explore.
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February 27 Minneapolis Monthly Meetup
This meeting will be an open lab time where we will work on projects. Come with ideas for projects, things you may have already started, or we'll try to match you up with an already existing project or idea.
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February 06 St. Paul Monthly Meetup
We're back at Granicus (https://granicus.com) in downtown St. Paul! Come with ideas for projects, things you may have already started, or we'll try to match you up with an already existing project or idea. We'll have food and some great conversation.
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February 06 St. Paul Monthly Meetup
We're back at (http://www.granicus.com/)Granicus (https://granicus.com) in downtown St. Paul! Come with ideas for projects, things you may have already started, or we'll try to match you up with an already existing project or idea. We'll have food and some great conversation.
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January 23 Minneapolis Monthly Meetup
This meeting will be an open lab time where we will work on projects. Come with ideas for projects, things you may have already started, or we'll try to match you up with an already existing project or idea.
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January 02 St. Paul Monthly Meetup
We're back at (http://www.granicus.com/)Granicus (https://granicus.com) in downtown St. Paul! Come with ideas for projects, things you may have already started, or we'll try to match you up with an already existing project or idea. We'll have food and some great conversation.
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December 05 St. Paul Monthly Meetup
We're back at (http://www.granicus.com/)Granicus (https://granicus.com) in downtown St. Paul! Come with ideas for projects, things you may have already started, or we'll try to match you up with an already existing project or idea. We'll have food and some great conversation.
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December 05 St. Paul Monthly Meetup
We're back at (http://www.granicus.com/)Granicus (https://granicus.com) in downtown St. Paul! Come with ideas for projects, things you may have already started, or we'll try to match you up with an already existing project or idea. We'll have food and some great conversation.
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November 28 Minneapolis Monthly Meetup
This meeting will be an open lab time where we will work on projects. Come with ideas for projects, things you may have already started, or we'll try to match you up with an already existing project or idea.
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November 07 St. Paul Monthly Meetup
We're back at Granicus in downtown St. Paul! Come with ideas for projects, things you may have already started, or we'll try to match you up with an already existing project or idea. We'll have food and some great conversation.
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September 26 Minneapolis Monthly Meetup
This meeting will be an open lab time where we will work on projects. Come with ideas for projects, things you may have already started, or we'll try to match you up with an already existing project or idea.
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October 03 St. Paul Monthly Meetup
We're back at Granicus in downtown St. Paul! Come with ideas for projects, things you may have already started, or we'll try to match you up with an already existing project or idea. We'll have food and some great conversation.
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September 23 Attend Code Switch
Have you ever had an idea for how to strengthen your community? Do you have a desire to use your skills or knowledge to solve critical social problems?
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Code Switch 2017
Have you ever had an idea for how to strengthen your community? Do you have a desire to use your skills or knowledge to solve critical social problems?
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September 05 St. Paul Monthly Meetup
We're back at Granicus in downtown St. Paul! Come with ideas for projects, things you may have already started, or we'll try to match you up with an already existing project or idea. We'll have food and some great conversation.
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August 22 Minneapolis Monthly Meetup
This meeting will be an open lab time where we will work on projects. Come with ideas for projects, things you may have already started, or we'll try to match you up with an already existing project or idea.
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August 01 St. Paul Monthly Meetup: Ramsey County Data Portal User Testing
We're back at Granicus in downtown St. Paul!
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July 25 Minneapolis Monthly Meetup
This month we will be joined by Casey Carl, the City Clerk of Minneapolis, and his team. The City Clerk's Office has been working on a major update to the City Council's legislative and agenda website, as well as online tools for submitting and tracking Data Practices Act requests. Join us for a demonstration and discussion of these updated and new sites, and a great opportunity to provide feedback on these fundamental tools for connecting residents with their city.
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June 27 Minneapolis Monthly Meetup
This meeting will be an open lab time where we will work on projects. Come with ideas for projects, things you may have already started, or we'll try to match you up with an already existing project or idea.
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June 06 St. Paul Monthly Meetup
We're back at Granicus in downtown St. Paul! This month we are going to experiment with our usual meeting format and focus on two specific projects. Come join us for some food and some work on Adopt A Tree.
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May 23 Minneapolis Monthly Meetup
This meeting will be an open lab time where we will work on projects. Come with ideas for projects, things you may have already started, or we'll try to match you up with an already existing project or idea.
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May 02 St. Paul Monthly Meetup
We're back at Granicus in downtown St. Paul! Come with ideas for projects, things you may have already started, or we'll try to match you up with an already existing project or idea. We'll have food and some great conversation.
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April 25 Minneapolis Monthly Meetup
This meeting will be an open lab time where we will work on projects. Come with ideas for projects, things you may have already started, or we'll try to match you up with an already existing project or idea.
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April 04 St. Paul Monthly Meetup
We're back at Granicus in downtown St. Paul! Come with ideas for projects, things you may have already started, or we'll try to match you up with an already existing project or idea. We'll have food and some great conversation.
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March 28 Minneapolis Monthly Meetup
This meeting will be an open lab time where we will work on projects. Come with ideas for projects, things you may have already started, or we'll try to match you up with an already existing project or idea.
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March 07 St. Paul Monthly Meetup
We're back at Granicus in downtown St. Paul! Come with ideas for projects, things you may have already started, or we'll try to match you up with an already existing project or idea. We'll have food and some great conversation.
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February 28 Minneapolis Monthly Meetup
This meeting will be an open lab time where we will work on projects. Come with ideas for projects, things you may have already started, or we'll try to match you up with an already existing project or idea.
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February 18 February Book Club - "Data and Goliath"
Civic tech isn't just about data, coding, and designing. There are a lot of great books and articles out there that address society, culture, technology, discrimination, economics, and all those other things we care about. So let’s read and talk about some of them!
In February, we'll meet on a Saturday afternoon at the Walker branch of Hennepin County Libraries to discuss "Data and Goliath", by Bruce Schneier. Schneier’s book discusses the growing role of data collection in business and government, and the immense surveillance potential this creates. He also explores the communal values--such as justice, commercial fairness, and security--that are at stake, and ends with concrete policy ideas for concerned citizens.
If you only have time to read part of the book, then skim one or two of the sections that interests you most and we can compare notes! We look forward to seeing you there!
You can find the book at:
- Hennepin County Library (several copies available): https://hclib.bibliocommons.com/search?t=smart&search_category=smart&q=data%20and%20goliath
- St. Paul Public Library (several copies available): http://alpha.sppl.org/search/?searchtype=X&SORT=D&searcharg=data+and+goliath
Note: This is a "bring your own coffee" event (if you find yourself needing coffee on a Saturday morning). But please remember that the library only allows covered beverages in the conference room.
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Want to help organize future book clubs? Let us know at <contact@opentwincities.org>
Got ideas of what to read for future book club meetings? Add them to https://workflowy.com/shared/7c2f4fb4-41d4-d38d-55c7-ec631e6d0436. -
Geo:Code 2017
Join Open Twin Cities and Hennepin County for one of the most important civic tech events in the Twin Cities. Geo:Code 2017 is a series of open data workshops and conversations to connect people who live, work and govern in Hennepin County. This year we will have two tracks: a county camp unconference and, as in years past, coding space for an open hackathon. Participants are welcome to participate in either or both tracks and to switch through out the weekend. For more information, or to register and submit an idea, please visit http://www.hennepin.us/geocode.
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January 24th Meetup
This month, we’ll be joined by special guest Eugene Belinski from Software for Good to talk about personal surveillance self-defense techniques that are accessible to anyone interested in securing their own data footprint. He’ll share tips on using secure messaging, secure internet browsing, two-factor authentication, and other topics participants may be interested in–so bring your curiosity and your questions!
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February 7th Open Work Meetup
We’re back at GovDelivery in downtown St. Paul! Come with ideas for projects, things you may have already started, or we’ll try to match you up with an already existing project or idea. We’ll have pizza and some great conversation.
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February Book Club - "Data and Goliath"
Civic tech isn’t just about coding and designing. There are a lot of great books and articles out there that address society, culture, technology, discrimination, economics, and all those other things we care about. So let’s read and talk about some of them!
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January 3rd Open Work Meetup
We’re back at GovDelivery in downtown St. Paul! Come with ideas for projects, things you may have already started, or we’ll try to match you up with an already existing project or idea. We’ll have pizza and some great conversation.
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December 6th Open Work Meetup
We’re back at GovDelivery in downtown St. Paul! Come with ideas for projects, things you may have already started, or we’ll try to match you up with an already existing project or idea. We’ll have pizza and some great conversation.
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November 22nd Open Work Meetup
This meeting will be an open lab time where we will work on projects. Come with ideas for projects, things you may have already started, or we’ll try to match you up with an already existing project or idea.
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November 1st Open Work Meetup
We’re back at GovDelivery in downtown St. Paul! Come with ideas for projects, things you may have already started, or we’ll try to match you up with an already existing project or idea. We’ll have pizza and some great conversation.
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October 25th Open Work Meetup
This meeting will be an open lab time where we will work on projects. Come with ideas for projects, things you may have already started, or we’ll try to match you up with an already existing project or idea.
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October 4th Open Work Meetup
We’re excited to visit the beautiful Union Depot this month! Thank you to Ramsey County for opening up their space in the Depot, and for providing this month’s dinner!
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September 27th Open Work Meetup
This meeting will be an open lab time where we will work on projects. Come with ideas for projects, things you may have already started, or we’ll try to match you up with an already existing project or idea.
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September 6th Open Work Meetup
We’re back at GovDelivery in downtown St. Paul! Come with ideas for projects, things you may have already started, or we’ll try to match you up with an already existing project or idea. We’ll have pizza and some great conversation.
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August 23rd Open Work Meetup
This meeting will be an open lab time where we will work on projects. Come with ideas for projects, things you may have already started, or we’ll try to match you up with an already existing project or idea.
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July 26th Open Work Meetup
This meeting will be an open lab time where we will work on projects. Come with ideas for projects, things you may have already started, or we’ll try to match you up with an already existing project or idea.
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August 2nd Open Work Meetup
We’re back at GovDelivery in downtown St. Paul! Come with ideas for projects, things you may have already started, or we’ll try to match you up with an already existing project or idea. We’ll have pizza and some great conversation.
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July 5th Open Work Meetup
We’re back at GovDelivery in downtown St. Paul! Come with ideas for projects, things you may have already started, or we’ll try to match you up with an already existing project or idea. We’ll have pizza and some great conversation.
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June 28th Map-stravaganza with MaptimeMSP
Open data + CartoDB = Map-stravaganza!
This month, we'll be holding a joint meeting with MaptimeMSP to bring together the power of open data with the visual thrill of maps! Come ready to learn about open data, maps, and how you can combine the two to make exciting visualizations. -
Code Switch Projects
Here is a summary of the nine projects that were worked on and presented at this year’s Code Switch.
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June 7th Open Work Meetup
We’re back at GovDelivery in downtown St. Paul! Come with ideas for projects, things you may have already started, or we’ll try to match you up with an already existing project or idea. We’ll have pizza and some great conversation.
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May 24th Open Work Meetup
This meeting will be an open lab time where we will work on projects. Come with ideas for projects, things you may have already started, or we’ll try to match you up with an already existing project or idea.
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Code Switch
Code Switch is intense, fast-paced, extremely fun [organized] chaos. Code Switch is a free two-day civic hackathon that seeks to achieve maximum social impact by expanding participation among members of underserved communities. Everybody is welcome to join diverse project teams to brainstorm and create products and solutions to enhance economic opportunity, education, health, and safety in underserved communities.
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May 3rd Open Work Meetup
We’re back at GovDelivery in downtown St. Paul! Come with ideas for projects, things you may have already started, or we’ll try to match you up with an already existing project or idea. We’ll have pizza and some great conversation.
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April 26th Open Work Meetup
This meeting will be an open lab time where we will work on projects. Come with ideas for projects, things you may have already started, or we’ll try to match you up with an already existing project or idea.
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April 5th Open Work Meetup
We’re back at GovDelivery in downtown St. Paul! Come with ideas for projects, things you may have already started, or we’ll try to match you up with an already existing project or idea. We’ll have pizza and some great conversation.
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Do Good Data Discount and Scholarship
Do Good Data is coming up, a Chicago conference about tools and strategies for data analysis in non-profits and government organizations. We think this is an awesome conference, and we're offering a limited number of $100 scholarships! We also have a discount code from the conference organizers to share.
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March 22nd Open Work Meetup
This month we'll be joined by special guest Amy Riegelman, Assistant Librarian at the University of Minnesota Libraries, to talk about Grappling with Discoverability Consequences + Discovering Gov Web Analytics.
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Geo:Code 2016 Projects
Here is a summary of the fourteen projects that were worked on and presented at the 2016 Geo:Code Twin Cities Code-a-thon.
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March 1st Open Work Meetup
We’re back at GovDelivery in downtown St. Paul! Come with ideas for projects, things you may have already started, or we’ll try to match you up with an already existing project or idea. We’ll have pizza and some great conversation.
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February 23rd Open Work Meetup
We'll be having our monthly open work meetup again at Anderson Hall on February 23rd at 6pm. This month we'll be joined by special guest Kevin Dyke, spatial data analyst and curator at the John R. Borchert Map Library, to talk about GIS and Open Data Bring yourself, your skills, your passion, and your ideas. We'll bring pizza.
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Geo:Code 2.0
Residents, innovators, doers - your governments want your help! Please join governments and institutions from across the Twin Cities at the University of Minnesota on March 5th and 6th for Geo:Code 2.0 - a civic tech event to co-create a better Twin Cities. Register, submit ideas, and learn more at <www.hennepin.us/geocode>.
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February 2nd Open Work Meetup
We’re back at GovDelivery in downtown St. Paul! Come with ideas for projects, things you may have already started, or we’ll try to match you up with an already existing project or idea. We’ll have pizza and some great conversation.
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January 26th Open Work Meetup
We'll be having our monthly open work meetup again at Anderson Hall on November 24th at 6pm. This month we're going to recap the Minnesota Government IT Symposium, and preview Geo:Code 2016. Bring yourself, your skills, your passion, and your ideas. We'll bring pizza.
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What is Civic Tech?
Civic tech is a big word. It’s a rally cry. A buzzword. A brand. It’s a trend many of us want to be part of, but we can’t agree on what it is. Civic tech is squishy. Sometimes it is defined in terms of markets, dependant on who the customers are, how old the provider is, or what sector either belongs to. Sometimes, it is defined in terms of products, based on the class of problem a tool addresses, the features it has, or the technologies it uses.
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January 5th Open Work Meetup
We’re back at GovDelivery in downtown St. Paul! Come with ideas for projects, things you may have already started, or we’ll try to match you up with an already existing project or idea. We’ll have pizza and some great conversation.
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Open Twin Cities at the Minnesota Government IT Symposium
The 34th Annual Minnesota Government IT Symposium is happening next week, and Open Twin Cities is going to be there through out the event! If you’re going to the IT Sympsoium, be sure to checkout one of our sessions, or just come by and say ‘hi’:
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December 1st Open Work Meetup
We’re back at GovDelivery in downtown St. Paul! Come with ideas for projects, things you may have already started, or we’ll try to match you up with an already existing project or idea. We’ll have pizza and some great conversation.
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November 24th Open Work Meetup
We'll be having our monthly open work meetup again at Anderson Hall on November 24th at 6pm. Bring yourself, your skills, your passion, and your ideas. We'll bring pizza.
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Give to the Max Day 2015
Today is Give to the Max Day! Support civic tech, open data, open government, and the amazing community of residents and government personnel who are creating civic innovations everyday!
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November 3rd Open Work Meetup
We’re back at GovDelivery in downtown St. Paul! Come with ideas for projects, things you may have already started, or we’ll try to match you up with an already existing project or idea. We’ll have pizza and some great conversation.
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Government Metadata Amicus Brief
Earlier this week, Subbaraman PLLC submitted an amicus brief (available here) on behalf of Public Record Media in the case of Webster v. City of Bloomington. Co-signing onto this brief are the Minnesota Coalition on Government Information (of which I am a board member), and myself as Lead Organizer of Open Twin Cities.
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October 27th Open Work Meetup
We’re moving a couple of buildings over this month! Join us in Anderson Hall.
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November Book Club - "Now I Know Who My Comrades Are"
Civic tech isn’t just about coding and designing. There are a lot of great books and articles out there that address society, culture, technology, discrimination, economics, and all those other things we care about. So lets read and talk about some of them.
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October 6th Open Work Meetup
We’re back at GovDelivery in downtown St. Paul! Come with ideas for projects, things you may have already started, or we’ll try to match you up with an already existing project or idea. We’ll have pizza and some great conversation.
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September 22nd Open Work Meetup
We’re moving a couple of buildings over this month! Join us in Anderson Hall.
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September 1st Open Work Meetup
St. Paul is going to have an election is a couple of months, and E-Democarcy has some ideas on how to help St. Paul residents get to know their candidates. At this meetup, we're going to focus on two projects that will help St. Paulites connect with people running for office: Crowd Sourcing Candidate Information and checkoug out the Your Next Representative project.
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August 25th Open Work Meetup
We'll be having our monthly open work meetup again at the Humphrey School on August 25th at 6pm. Join us and Casey Carl, City Clerk of Minneapolis, to talk and brainstorm elections tech!
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Brewing A Better Forest Code for a Cause
Are you a coder that loves trees? Come help code on August 6th for Brewing a Better Forest’s Adopt-A-Tree app and get free beer!
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July 28th Open Work Meetup
We'll be having our monthly open work meetup at the Humphrey School on July 28th at 6pm. We're excited to welcome the MN Bikeways team and learn more about their project!
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CycleHack Twin Cities Recap
Start of the hack day, photo by Rob Davis -
July 7th Open Work Meetup
GovDelivery is again opening its doors to Open Twin Cities and is letting us hold a meetup in their downtown St. Paul office! As always, this meeting will be an open lab time where we will work on projects. Come with ideas for projects, things you may have already started, or we’ll try to match you up with an already existing project or idea.
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June 23rd Open Work Meetup
We’ll be having our monthly open work meetup again at the Humphrey School on June 23rd at 6pm. Bring yourself, your skills, your passion, and your ideas. We’ll bring pizza.
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CycleHack Twin Cities 2015
Join us on June 19 and 20 for CycleHack Twin Cities. http://cyclehacktc.com/
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Hack for MN 2015
On June 6th, hackers around the country will gather to do good as they create good code. The National Day of Civic Hacking 2015 will bring together citizens, developers, designers plus government staff to collaboratively create build and invent.
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June 2nd Open Work Meetup
We’re happy to be holding another St. Paul Open Twin Cities meetup at GovDelivery. Like all of our regular monthly meetups, this meeting will be an open lab time where we will work on projects. Come with ideas for projects, things you may have already started, or we’ll try to match you up with an already existing project or idea.
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May 26th Open Work Meetup
We'll be having our monthly open work meetup at the Humphrey School on May 26th at 6pm. This month, we're going to hear about Laura Andersen's trip to the Service Design in Government Conference in London.
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May 5th Open Work Meetup
We’re happy to be holding another St. Paul Open Twin Cities meetup at GovDelivery. Like all of our regular monthly meetups, this meeting will be an open lab time where we will work on projects. Come with ideas for projects, things you may have already started, or we’ll try to match you up with an already existing project or idea.
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Minnesota DPA Workshop w/ MNCOGI & Tech.MN
Join Tech.MN, the Minnesota Coalition on Government Information, and Open Twin Cities for a workshop about what Minnesota's Data Practices Act is and how you can use it to access government information.
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April 28th Open Work Meetup
We'll be having our monthly open work meetup at the Humphrey School on April 28th at 6pm. This month, we're going to hear about Poplus from Steven Clift.
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April 7th Open Work Meetup
We’re happy to announce that GovDelivery has opened its doors to Open Twin Cities and is letting us hold a meetup in their downtown St. Paul office! So, in addition to our regular 4th Tuesday meetups at the Humphrey School, we are also starting a series of meetups on the 1st Tuesday of every month at GovDelivery.
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March 24th Open Work Meetup
We’ll be having our monthly open work meetup again at the Humphrey School on March 24th at 6pm. Bring yourself, your skills, your passion, and your ideas. We’ll bring pizza.
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Geo:Code 2015 Projects
Here is a summary of the eight projects that were worked on and presented at Hennepin County’s 2015 Geo:Code Code-a-thon.
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March 3rd Open Work Meetup
We’re happy to announce that GovDelivery has opened its doors to Open Twin Cities and is letting us hold a meetup in their downtown St. Paul office! So, in addition to our regular 4th Tuesday meetups at the Humphrey School, we are also starting a series of meetups on the 1st Tuesday of every month at GovDelivery.
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February 24th Open Work Meetup
We’ll be having our monthly open work meetup again at the Humphrey School on February 24th at 6pm. Bring yourself, your skills, your passion, and your ideas. We’ll bring pizza.
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February Book Club
Civic tech isn’t just about coding and designing. There are a lot of great books and articles out there that address society, culture, technology, discrimination, economics, and all those other things we care about. So lets read and talk about some of them.
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February 3rd Open Work Meetup
We’re happy to announce that GovDelivery has opened its doors to Open Twin Cities and is letting us hold a meetup in their downtown St. Paul office! So, in addition to our regular 4th Tuesday meetups at the Humphrey School, this month we are going to try holding another Open Work Meetup at GovDelivery.
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Hennepin County Geo:Code Code-a-thon
Hennepin County and Open Twin Cities are proud to present Geo:Code; an open
data code-a-thon hosted at Hennepin County Library - Minneapolis Central
on Saturday, February 21st and Sunday February 22nd! This event is free and
meals will be provided.
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Hennepin County Geo:Code Accessibility Jam
To support Geo:Coders who want an early start on their projects, MN.IT Services and Open Twin Cities are hosting a pre-event workshop on January 31st at the Minneapolis Central Library. Geo:Code Accessibility Jam will use Service Design to learn about accessibility and usability and their role in developing more effective civic technology and open data initiatives. Coming out of the Jam, you will be prepared to put what you’ve learned into practice at Geo:Code Code-a-thon, and will be familiar with a powerful process for creating technologies and services that are truly accessible to your users.
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January Open Work Meetup
We’ll be having our monthly open work meetup again at the Humphrey School on January 27th at 6pm. Bring yourself, your skills, your passion, and your ideas. We’ll bring pizza.
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NDIA Hackday
We believe that digital connectivity and skills are a civil rights issue of the 21st century. As part of a broader effort by the Northside Digital Innovation Alliance (NDIA) to ensure that residents of North Minneapolis have access to Internet connected computers and digital skills training opportunities, the NDIA is working to build a Northside Digital Assets website with direct input from North Minneapolis residents that will help residents find places in their communiy to access and learn about information technology.
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November Open Work Meetup
We’ll be having our monthly open work meetup again at the Humphrey School on November 25th at 6pm. Bring yourself, your skills, your passion, and your ideas. We’ll bring pizza.
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November Book Club
The November Open Twin Cities Book Club will be co-hosted by the University of Minnesota Center for Urban and Regional Affairs
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Data from Minneapolis Mayor's 2015 Recommended Budget
In case you haven’t seen it yet, Minneapolis Council Member Andrew Johnson recently shared spreadsheets containing data on Mayor Hodges’ recommended 2015 Budget with the Open Twin Cities community. These spreadsheets exist thanks to requests by Council Members Johnson, Elizabeth Glidden, and Cam Gordon, as well as the work of the Finance Department of the City of Minneapolis. The spreadsheets have since been added to Open Twin Cities’ data portal, making that data available in a variety of formats, as well as an API.
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October Open Work Meetup
We’ll be having our monthly open work meetup again at the Humphrey School on October 28th at 6pm, with guest Dr. Lanise Block. Bring yourself, your skills, your passion, and your ideas. We’ll bring pizza.
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ClimateHackTC Recap
On September 13th, Bill Bushey and I co-organized ClimateHackTC, a four-hour experimental event inspired by a global hackathon challenge called Hack4Good: Hack Against Climate Change (#Hack4Good). We threw together this smaller-scale event (in two weeks!) to start a conversation about solving climate-related problems with climate activists/concerned citizens and the civic technology community together. I was delighted that 21 people showed up on a Saturday to talk about climate hacking. I was also extremely impressed by the projects presented, the participation of everyone in the room,and the passionate interest and willingness to learn that people brought to our little event. And, folks who were unable to attend sent some great ideas as well as data sets to get us started.
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October Book Club
Civic tech isn’t just about coding and designing. There are a lot of great books and articles out there that address society, culture, technology, discrimination, economics, and all those other things we care about. So lets read and talk about some of them.
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September Open Work Meetup
We’ll be having our monthly open work meetup again at the Humphrey School on September 23rd at 6pm. Bring yourself, your skills, you passion, and your ideas. We’ll bring pizza.
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Civic Innovation Mixer
With the National Association of Government Web Professionals conference bringing three awesome guests from Code for America to town, E-Democracy.org, Open Twin Cities, and EdJam* want to invite you mix it up.
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Climate Hack Twin Cities
The Hack4Good Hack Against Climate Change is a global event happening around Climate Week NYC and the Sept. 24th UN Summit on Climate Change. In Minneapolis, we’re using this event as inspiration to explore the potential for environmental groups and activists to collaborate with the civic tech community to create innovative solutions to climate-related problems using technology.
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Lessons from Chicago: What Can Be Built
Chicago has one of the biggest, oldest, most productive, and most robust civic technology communities in the country. What makes it tick? What does the Windy City have to teach the Twin Cities? Earlier this month, Steve Clift, Laura Andersen, and myself took a two day civic tech field trip to Chicago, with the goal of sharing and learning as much civic tech as we could. The following is the first in a series of posts on what we learned during this trip, and what it made us think about.
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September Book Club
Civic tech isn’t just about coding and designing. There are a lot of great books and articles out there that address society, culture, technology, discrimination, economics, and all those other things we care about. So lets read and talk about some of them.
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August Open Work Meetup
We’ll be having our monthly open work meetup at the Humphrey School on August 26th at 6pm, with guest Jo Holtan. Bring yourself, your skills, your passion, and your ideas. If you’re looking for project ideas, please checkout the Projects Page.
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August Book Club
Civic tech isn’t just about coding and designing. There are a lot of great books and articles out there that address society, culture, technology, discrimination, economics, and all those other things we care about. So lets read and talk about some of them.
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CURA Housing Forum on Open Data and Rental Housing
The City of Minneapolis is moving towards passing an Open Data policy that, over time, will change the way the public can access and utilize public data. This new policy will impact community-based organizations and their constituents, city staff, neighborhoods, social enterprises, and others by creating new ways to ask and answer questions and develop better solutions. What does this mean for equitable housing goals? How can data support just rental housing policy and practices, and when can relying on data to make decisions and advocate with renters fall short? Hear from both City and community leaders about their work with data and data-driven decision-making in Minneapolis neighborhoods.
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Minneapolis Open Data Public Discussion
The proposed, and now adopted, Minneapolis Open Data Policy has prompted a number of individuals and organizations to talk about the policy.
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Minneapolis Passes Open Data Policy
At about noon yesterday, Minneapolis became the 16th city in the United States to enact an Open Data Policy. This policy is both a significant step forward in the accessibility of Minneapolis city government, and a necessary evolution of the city’s work via innovation, engagement, trust, and collaboration in the 21st century. It is both the result of a lot of hard work, and the foundation of more work to come from city leaders, city staff, private organizations, and the citizens of Minneapolis.
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July Open Work Meetup
Note the location change. We will be meeting at Metro State while construction occurs at the Humphrey School.
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Hack for MN 2014 Open Hack Projects
We’d like to thank Tech.MN for recording all of the project presentations.
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Hack for MN 2014 Heading Home Projects
We’d like to thank The Nerdery for recording all of the project presentations.
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Hack'd for MN 2014
Hosted by Open Twin Cities, MN.IT Services & DevJam Studios
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Hack for MN 2014 Chatter
Hack for MN 2014 was a blast! In case you missed it, check out these write-ups, videos, and pictures about the event:
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June Open Work Meetup
Note the location change. We will be meeting at Metro State while construction occurs at the Humphrey School.
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Hack for MN 2014
Hack for MN 2014 is coming to the Nerdery on Saturday June 21st and Sunday June 22nd!
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Capitol Code Update: Government API Store
David Ching came to Capitol Code Open Data Jam, hosted by the Minnesota Office of the Secretary of State and Open Twin Cities to network and engage with the local civic tech community. He elected to work on a project pitched to develop a Public Data Ecosystem; part of which included the delivery of a catalog of all government data APIs and datasets known as the API Store.
As a serial entrepreneur with over 35 years experience in technology and a doctorate in civil engineering from the University of Minnesota, it’s not surprising Dave is now gravitating toward dedicating his time and talent to exploring one of the most pressing government tech challenges we’re facing: access to public data.
Funded by taxpayer dollars, government data in Minnesota is, by default, publicly available (exceptions concerning privacy and safety apply). While it is technically possible to get ones hands on government data, it’s not always the most efficient experience, on either side of the transaction.
Issues of accessibility, awareness of available data, and usable formatting challenge end-users, while managing usage and interpretation of the data are some of the concerns that need to be addressed. Along with that, technical concerns of hosting and managing access to the vast quantities of government data, not to mention the resources required to do so, make this a problem without a simple solution.
But a solution is needed. Government data can be used to create all kinds of apps and services that help communities and spark economic growth. From tools that help individuals manage healthcare spending, to online resources that can help businesses decide where to locate in the state, in the right hands and with the right resources, government data can be used to solve all manner of civic challenges, while also creating economic opportunity.
Dave and the Public Data Ecosystem team spent their time at Capitol Code exploring the current state of data availability, the challenges facing data consolidation, and crafting potential solutions that would address the experience on both the provider and user sides. The government API Store would function similar to the Android or iOS app stores where datasets would be cataloged and made available in a “one-stop shop” easily accessed by citizens and others, including commercial providers of apps.
Providing a more efficient warehousing and delivery system for this data is, according to feedback from Capitol Code judge Tom Fisher, Dean of the University of Minnesota College of Design, “so logical.” Following up with the inevitable, “Why hasn’t it already been done?” An exploration of which has help guide Dave and his team to answering the critical question of “how CAN it be done?”
Dave joined Open Twin Cities and began coming to monthly meetups to recruit partners to work on developing the API Store. Having shored up an enthusiastic team, he reached out to James Kauth, Director of Innovation at MN.IT Services to learn more about who from state government to involve, what work is already being done, and how to keep momentum around this project going.
The challenge is compelling, and a great deal of groundwork has been laid in the four months since Capitol Code to begin addressing the challenges that face the development of this increasingly valuable resource: the ins and outs of public/private partnerships on technology projects, who manages the API Store, when/if/how to charge for access to the data.
Dave is planning to have a pilot or working prototype ready to demonstrate by the end of 2014. If you’re interested in learning more about this project or have an idea of you own you’d like to get some traction on, join us June 21-22 at the Nerdery for 2014 Hack for MN, hosted by MN.IT Services and Open Twin Cities, and in partnership with the MN Interagency Council on Homelessness.
Open Twin Cities is a civic tech and design user group that meets monthly to share ideas and work on civic projects. The group is open to anyone interested in attending. You can join us at our June meetup on June 26 at the Metro State Midway Campus - Room P, 1450 Energy Park Drive, St. Paul, MN.
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OTC shows up in USA Today Open Data/Hackathon Article
USA Today just posted a nice article about the growth of open data around the country, the great things happening at hackathons, and the ways in which governments are supporting and benefiting from both.
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OMG Transit: It started at a hackathon
OMG Transit has come a long way since Matt, Jason and Richard met and got to work creating a real-time bus app at Hack for MN 2013. After two days of development, the team presented their funtional website to a team of judges including MN.IT Director of Innovation, James Kauth and City of Minneapolis CIO, Otto Doll.
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May Open Work Meetup
Note the location change. We will be meeting at Metro State while construction occurs at the Humphrey School.
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Installing Adopt-A on Debian/Ubuntu with rbenv
Inspired and helped by the documentation work of Chad Foley in Raleigh, I wanted to share some notes I took as I went through the process of installing Adopt-a-Hydrant on Debian (Jessie in my case), while being a total n00b to Ruby.
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Hennepin County Launches GIS Open Data Portal
On April 28th, Hennepin County unvailed it's new GIS Open Data Portal! This comes just 10 weeks after the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners voted to pass an Open GIS resolution, a vote put into motion thanks in large part the work and formal recommenation of MetroGIS.
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April Open Work Meetup
We’ll be having our monthly open work meetup again at the Humphrey School on April 22nd at 6pm. Bring yourself, your skills, you passion, and your ideas. We’ll bring pizza.
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Open Data and the Theater of Public Policy
On April 15th, the Theater of Public Policy invited Open Twin Cities co-founder Bill Bushey to join Minnesota’s Secretary of State Mark Ritchie and Minneapolis’ CIO Otto Doll on stage for discussion and improve about open data in Minnesota.
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Open Data at the Theater of Public Policy
The Theater of Public Policy is putting on a show this Monday at 7pm at Bryant Lake Bowl all about government data and civic tech. And they’ve invited Secretary of State Mark Ritchie, Minneapolis CIO Otto Doll, and Bill Bushey of Open Twin Cities to come talk about what these things are.
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Capitol Code in 3 Minutes
Did you miss Capitol Code: An Open Data Jam? Or do you want to relive that day? Watch the recap video and experience that day in 3 minutes!
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March Open Work Meetup
We’ll be having our monthly open work meetup again at the Humphrey School on March 25th at 6pm. Bring yourself, your skills, you passion, and your ideas. We’ll bring pizza.
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Capitol Code in the Press
It has only been four days, but already coverage from the media and bloggers is flooding in about this weekend’s Capitol Code: An Open Data Jam!
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Capitol Code Projects
We would like to thank Tech.MN for recording and posting videos of the final project presentations, which are linked to below.
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February Open Work Meetup
We’ll be having our monthly open work meetup again at the Humphrey School on February 25th at 6pm. Bring yourself, your skills, you passion, and your ideas. We’ll bring pizza.
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Capitol Code and the Public Data Ecosystem
Yesterday I attended Capitol Code: an Open Data Jam put on by the Secretary of State’s Office. The event was focused on showcasing the possibilities of using public data to solve community problems, drive innovation and entrepreneurship, and make information more accessible to residents of Minnesota.
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Capitol Code - An Open Data Jam
The Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State and its partners are proud to invite you to Capitol Code: An Open Data Jam, to help build the Minnesota of the 21st century using public data — and your ideas.
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Ramsey and Hennepin Counties Pass OpenGIS Resolutions
Yesterday, Ramsey and Hennepin Counties became the first counties to respond to MetroGIS’s recommendation that metro counties provide free and open access to their GIS data by approving open GIS resolutions!
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StarTribune - Minneapolis Sees Civic Push for Open Data
Incase you missed it, Eric Roper of the StarTribune wrote a great feature article in the February 2nd issue covering civic tech, open data, the Minneapolis open data direction to staff, and Capitol Code.
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January Open Work Meetup
We’ll be having our monthly open work meetup again at Free Geek on January 28th at 6pm. Bring yourself, your skills, you passion, and your ideas. We’ll bring pizza.
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Minneapolis Open Data Direction To Staff
Well I’m ashamed to admit this, but we were totally unaware that one of the final acts of the 2012 Minneapolis City Council was to issue a Direction to Staff on opening up city data. The below Direction is quoted from the December 11th, 2013 Official Proceedings of the Minneapolis City Council.
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Minnneapolis Open Data Policy Discussion
Otto Doll, the Chief Information Officer of Minneapolis, has been charged with developing an open data policy for the City. To help develop this policy, Otto is inviting the civic tech community to his office to have a discussion about what that policy should look like. If you have experience with requesting data from Minneapolis or thoughts on how the city should implement open data, please come and help shape this important policy of transparency and innovation.
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December Fun Meetup
Instead of our usually monthly open work time, let’s have some fun and reflect on a great first year for Open Twin Cities.
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November Open Work Meetup
We’ll be having our monthly open work meetup again at Free Geek on November 26th at 6pm. Bring yourself, your skills, you passion, and your ideas. We’ll bring pizza.
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Ranked Choice Voting and Civic Tech in Minneapolis
Last week, the city of Minneapolis held an unprecedented election. The 2013 Minneapolis Mayoral race was the city’s first contested mayoral election to use Ranked Choice Voting (RCV). The 2013 Minneapolis Mayoral race also featured quite possibly the longest list of candidates in city history, with 35 names appearing on the ballot. Those two facts contributed to a long, post election decision period, in which it took 3 days and 33 manually conducted rounds of counting until the official winner of the Minneapolis Mayoral race could be called.
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CityCampMN 2013 Recap
CityCampMN 2013 is over, and it was a fantastic event full of meeting new people, discussing important issues, and building new technologies.
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CityCampMN 2013
CityCampMN is our region’s 2nd installment of the wildly popular global unconference series connecting civic doers, makers and hackers together with local and state government officials and civic leaders for a day of learning, discussing, imagining and building.
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October Open Work Meetup
We’ll be having our monthly open work meetup again at Free Geek on October 22nd at 6pm. Bring yourself, your skills, you passion, and your ideas. We’ll bring pizza.
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2013 Minneapolis/St. Paul Open Data Questionnaire Results
October 1st has come and gone, as has a bit of time to allow for mail in responses to make it to our mailboxes. Now we are proud to announce the release of candidate responses to the questionnaire.
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Open Twin Cities/Code for America 2013 Brigade Program Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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September Open Work Meetup
We’ll be having our monthly open work meetup again at Free Geek on September 24th at 6pm. Bring yourself, your skills, you passion, and your ideas. We’ll bring pizza.
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2013 Minneapolis Open Data Questionnaire Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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August Open Work Meetup
We’ll be having our monthly open work meetup again at Free Geek on August 27th at 6pm. Bring yourself, your skills, you passion, and your ideas. We’ll bring pizza.
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National Open Data Policy Resources
With contested Minneapolis Mayoral and City Council races coming this November, momentum is growing within the Open Twin Cities community to advocate for open data in Minneapolis. To help with our advocacy efforts, we are gathering the following list of policy resources from around the world. Our goals is for this list to include examples and comparisons of existing open data policies, analyses of open data, arguments for and against open data, and experiences from those who have advocated for open data.
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July Open Work Meetup
We’ll be having our monthly open work meetup again at Free Geek on July 23rd at 6pm. Bring yourself, your skills, you passion, and your ideas. We’ll bring pizza.
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Hack for MN 2013 Video
A lot happened in two days at Hack for MN 2013. Check out this 4 minute video to get a taste of that awesome weekend.
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June Open Work Meetup
We’ll be having our monthly open work meetup again at Free Geek on June 25th at 6pm. Bring yourself, your skills, you passion, and your ideas. We’ll bring pizza.
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Visualizing Neighborhoods (A Hackathon for Good) Recap
Visualizing Neighborhoods: A Hackathon for Good primarily organized by the Center for Urban and Regional Affairs (CURA) with help from Open Twin Cities and many others was (and hopefully will continue to be) a hackathon type of event focused on neighborhood or place-based communities and data and other visualizations and took place this year on Saturday, May 25, 2013.
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Hack for MN 2013 Recap
Hack for MN 2013 was a huge success, and a fun weekend (see some of the fun in our new Flickr Group)! Minnesota’s version of Hack for Change - the national event of events that brought citizens, community leaders, civil servants, and technologists together to experiment and address community issues across the country - brought out 75 participants who worked on 13 great projects over the course of 19 hours. Now that we’ve all had some time to relax and reflect on this event, I’d like to share some thoughts on this milestone event for civic innovation in the Twin Cities.
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Hack for MN 2013 Projects
Climate Crowd
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Hack for MN 2013
National Day of Civic Hacking is a national event that will take place on the weekend of June 1-2, 2013, in over forty cities across the nation. The event will bring together citizens to collaboratively create, build, and invent new technology solutions using publicly-released data to solve challenges relevant to our neighborhoods, our cities, our states, and our country. National Day of Civic Hacking will provide citizens an opportunity to do what is most quintessentially American: roll up our sleeves, get involved, and work together to improve our society.
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Visualizing Neighborhoods
Visualizing Neighborhoods is a day-long event to bring together neighborhood leaders, technologists, data visualizers, designers, artists, scientists, civil servants, and anyexplore how data can be used for research, analyzing, mapping, outreach, engagement, and communication in our neighborhoods. The goals are to start conversations, build community, experiment, and prototype projects for neighborhoods.
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MinneBar 8 Civic Hacking and Open Data
For Minnebar 8, Open Twin Cities put together an introductory presentation about civic hacking, open data, OTC, and some of the events we had coming up. The first 10 to 15 minutes in particular are meant to be a non-technical introduction to civic hacking and open data.
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Open Data Day Hackathon Recap
For a recap of what happened at the Open Twin Cities Open Data Day/Code Across America hackathon, head over to http://zzolo.org/2013/02/26/open-twin-cities-hackathon-re-cap/
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Open Data Day and Code Across America Hackathon
This is an event focused on open data and civic hacking in all sectors including government and private. This may include writing applications, identifying data, liberating data, idea building, designing helpful interfaces, icon making, and more. EVERYONE is welcome! If you don’t know how to code, that is ok, we’ll do our best to help you along.