Open Gov 101 | Washington, D.C.

About this class

Are you an experienced coder/developer looking to put your skills to use for good? A civic activist wanting to learn about the intersection between technology and democracy? Or a little of both? If so, this class is your on-ramp to the world of open government data and its applications.

The class will blend information and hands-on action. The first part will summarize the different types of open government activism and their focus areas, elaborating in particular upon the relationship between data availability and data use. We will then run through the various sources of raw data available to be transformed into knowledge, and the various data portals

Then, we will take a deeper dive into a key resource for DC "hacktivists", the DC Office of Open Government and its Open Data Portal. After walking through the array of datasets and resources available through that portal, participants will work in small groups to identify a particular dataset, consider its implications, and develop a proposal for an online tool or app to put that data to use.

Takeaways

• Become familiar with the open government movement, its contours, and its motivating goals.

• Gain hands-on experience exploring the body of available government data specific to Washington, DC.

• Connect to groups and networks devoted to making use of that data, including concrete avenues for further engagement.

Prereqs & Preparation

All are welcome, no prior knowledge or experience needed. Of course, healthy interest in open government and open data and a creative mindset are helpful.

Please bring a computer.