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Code4Maine / codeformaine-docs

Documentation about the Code for Maine, a Code for America brigade
http://code-for-maine.readthedocs.org/en/latest/
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Write a proposal for monthly or bi-monthly webinars presented by Core Team Members #18

Closed Cribstone closed 9 years ago

Cribstone commented 9 years ago

yesterday I met with two Bowdoin students who were very enthusistic about getting involved with Code for Maine/CfA. We discussed how academic life has thus far been incompatible with the long term goals of brigade programs and brainstormed various short-term projects that could serve as momentum builders. The students mentioned that civic hacking may be a great way to learn basic comp-sci/programming skills like working with APIs and using Git/Github. I proposed that even if we left out the broader CfA network, our network can be a great resource for learning and that perhaps there are members who would like to host their own webinars/Hangouts dedicated to a subject they are knowledgeable in.

For example, perhaps our Delivery Lead would be interested in hosting a hangout on the basics of Git, Github and distributed version tracking within the context of grassroots organizing? Such an event would be a great way to roll out our group communications structure to new and/or prospective members and the recording could be included in the initiation packet?

Such events would be a great way to start building relationships with college campuses.
powellc commented 9 years ago

@Cribstone this is a great idea. Going to word smith the task to be actionable and then start a new branch with some documentation on what such webinars could look like.

Cribstone commented 9 years ago

I'd like to bring the two new students into the discussion somehow, but the catch-22 is they wont know how to use Git/gh until we teach them. Perhaps we should think of a more structured workflow that uses more conventional tools like GoogleDocs, G+ to reach the beginners? That would also help us define what makes a "member" in that familiarity with our workflow could be a prerequisite?

I think the real key is to use well-defined hashtags and subject lines that can be used in email, social media and gh-issues...

powellc commented 9 years ago

Sure. I know github issues is not everyone's cup of tea, but I also have a natural aversion to Google Docs as I can never really remember where anything is. Maybe it's my own organizational issue, but it seems like half the time I spend saying "Wait, did I create that, or did someone share it with me, and I can't edit now either way so ..."

I love the idea of the Webinars. The initiation packet could also help onboard new folks and understand how to contribute using Github and such.