Screenshot from the 2016 CivicTech Online Unconference, with the same format and tools that we will use during TransparencyCamp Online.

INVITATION

This event builds on the success of the 2016 OpenGov & CivicTech Online Unconference and the annual in-person TransparencyCamp held in Washington DC in September.

TransparencyCamp is an “unconference” for opengov. Each year, journalists, developers, technologists, policy-makers, government officials, students, academics, wonks and everyone in between gather together to share knowledge about how to use new technologies and policies to make our government really work for the people—and to help our people work smarter with our government.

As an unconference, TransparencyCamp emphasizes the important contributions that each and every participant brings with them into the sessions, workshops and conversations associated with this event. In fact, participants co-create the entire agenda at the very start of the unconference. Bring a topic you want to learn or teach, and come prepared for a highly engaging online event!

BACKGROUND

The Sunlight Foundation has created guidelines for how members of the opengov community can organize local TransparencyCamps, and this is the first TCamp which is 100% online.

This is an independently run event; Sunlight is not operating or running this event, however they are helping us spread the word through their blog, which is awesome. Ticket prices are low so that cost is not a barrier for anyone, and you will see an option for a free ticket above if you cannot pay.

My name is Lucas Cioffi and I am the primary organizer, based in Charlottesville, Virginia. I'm a software developer, and a few years ago, I started helping federal agencies host in-person unconferences in Washington, DC on the topic of opengov. My goal with this online event is to help opengov advocates connect across geographic regions and providing some useful tools (Slack, Zoom, and QiqoChat) to help people stay connected even after the event ends.

This live, participant-driven event happens by video chat and/or phone. Bring a topic, project, or challenge that you would love to discuss, because the best part about an online unconference is that all participants are empowered to add a discussion topic to the agenda.

To handle all these sessions, there will be up to 10 breakout sessions happening at any time, so it will be easy to find that interests you. You'll be surprised at how easy it is to participate and how collaborative these video chats can be. Sign up today and invite your friends. We look forward to seeing you online! 

What is the purpose?  Why should I attend?

1. Spread the word about your project related to transparency or opengov.

2. Network with other innovators.

3. Bring the toughest questions and challenges you're facing and gain insights from other participants.

FAQ

What is an "unconference"? Unlike standard conferences sessions where people give presentations, unconference sessions are far more conversational.  Professionals will discuss and work through the challenges at the cutting edge of the opengov & civic tech fields.

What is the agenda? Participants (including you!) create the agenda during the opening session.  This ensures that everyone finds a session that interests them and sets a collaborative tone for the event right from the start.

Who will be there? Designers, developers, activists, practitioners, and entrepreneurs working at the intersection of civic engagement and technology.  The power of this event is that it will bring together people with different skills.

How will we connect?

• We will use Slack for group and 1-1 messaging.
• We will use Zoom for video chat.
• We will use QiqoChat to enable multiple Zoom sessions at the same time.

PARTICIPATION INSTRUCTIONS