We are excited to promote the OpenTwinCities.org effort.

OpenTwinCities is a place for software developers interested in developing and creating local instances of civic technology apps in the Twin Cities to roll up their sleeves and make things happen.

On a related note, E-Democracy.org is exploring opportunities to raise the support required for the next CityCamp in Minnesota in 2013. This dynamic event combines geeks, wonks, and citizens interested in open government, open communities, and civic tech in an exciting “unconference” format.

Join the planning committee online group to get involved.

CityCamp Minnesota 2012

CityCamp is an international unconference series and online community focused on innovation for municipal governments and community organizations.

On November 12 we held the 1st CityCamp in Minnesota! 

On Wednesday, January 11th, the networking continues at The Republic in Seven Corners - the same location as our post- CityCampMN happy hour.

>> RSVP HERE <<

THIS EVENT IS FREE. 

The theme for the first of our 2012 Quarterly Meetups is “Nonprofits.”  MN is a hotbed of great nonprofits and we welcome these groups, their supporters, and the whole CityCamp community for a great time! 

4 p.m. CityCamp 2012 Brainstorm – Optional

Join volunteer Bud Fisher with Advocate Interactive to shape what’s next for CityCamp in 2012!  Topics include upcoming themes, speakers, code-a-thons, and whatever else is important to the group!

5 p.m. Networking Unsad Hour

After the brainstorm we’ll open up for networking and conversation. Expect to meet great people from government, startups, nonprofits, citizen groups and more! (The Republic’s awesome Happy Hour specials run until 6 p.m.)

6 p.m. Fire Drill Presentations

If we get 50 registrants – although let’s try for 75 – we’ll take votes for three attendee-chosen topics prior to networking.  Our three notable speakers will whip up some great content during networking, then give short presentations on the topics…this should be exciting!

Let’s make this a great start to the year – let’s all invite five of our contacts to join the collaboration for a lively event!

After You Register

• Check out the Code for America “Brigade” idea to connect civic hackers city by city. It is being led by CityCamp, co-founder Kevin Curry. Sign-up now and let’s get some civic coding going.
• After you register here, consider joining the global ongoing online CityCamp Exchange to connect with those going to similar events in San Francisco, London, and beyond.
  
• Join the CityCampMN online working group to help with this collaborative network.

We will have a more detailed review of CityCampMN soon.

For now, here are some news articles, blog posts and other items.

A key outcome is that that Bud Fisher volunteered to call a “what’s next” meeting in January 2012 with the dozen or more volunteers who raised their hands to explore what’s next. To join Bud and others, join the CityCampMN online working group.

Also, everyone should join the global CityCamp Exchange for useful exchange across the 2.0 and local government, community, etc. space.

Before you come, preview the participant introductions or scan the public version of the attendee list (scroll down) to start the networking.

Tweet that you are on your way or will be attending with the hashtag #CityCampMN.

Dress casual.

Then get parked and then get inside the Humphrey Center on the West Bank of the University of Minnesota.

Coffee will be out at 8:00 a.m. when registration opens. We will start at 9:00 a.m. sharp.

Humphrey School Social Media course students will have a blue sticker on their name tags if you have any questions during the day.

Fill out session idea cards (with something you’d like to share OR learn – video example) in the Atrium. Those who want to “lead” a session may also briefly promote their idea during the morning on stage. (Similar ideas are then combined and crafted into the full session grid off stage.)

• Key Documents:
• Agenda and Sponsors
• Session Grid (final version available by 11 a.m. with first sessions set based on previous online submissions)
• Slides - General
• Ignite Slide – To Add Later
• Public Attendee List – Scroll Down
• Detailed Contact List – Available at event for download (you may edit in/out information from your registration)
• Live+
• Tweets - #CityCampMN on Twitter and @CityCampMN
• Live Blog - CityCampMN Live Group Blog on Tumblr – Post via e-mail to:
  hoolug629@tumblr.com
• Session Notes – Special thanks to the Humphrey social media course students
• Photos - Photos tagged “citycampmn” on Flickr
• Video - Video tagged “citycampmn” on YouTube
• No live webcasts are planned – If anyone does, please share link via the live Tumblr blog and Twitter with #citycampmn #live

We were hoping for 50, thought 100 would be awesome and now you’ve made it 150 registrants for the first CityCamp Minnesota on November 12.

An “unconference” is like taking the spirited coffee break and making it the entire conference. So, let’s get the ball rolling now online.

Imagine this, you’ve arrived at the conference and are mingling about and just joined a group of friendly folks. Everyone is looking at you …

1. Who are you? Be conversational.

2. Why are you coming to or interested in CityCamp Minnesota?

3. Share any contact details and links you wish.

Time to be unMinnesotan and toot your horn a little bit. How the heck are you going to connect with those you are meant to meet on November 12 if you don’t say hello?

Answer by first clicking “X Comments …” or use the comment box if you see it below. Select the option to receive introductions via e-mail if you want to watch them as more are posted.

P.S. We will keep bugging you to introduce yourself until at least half of those on the Eventbrite attendee list (scroll down) say hello.