How to host a HacktionLab

From HacktionLab: A UK-wide network tech-activists providing meet-ups, events, workshops, national skillshare gatherings and hacklabs
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Here's a check list of things you need to do and have to host a HacktionLab:

Make a page on this wiki

Something like "HacktionLab Location Year". On this page make sure you include:

  • make a banner graphic for it and include that.
  • specify the exact location with a link to a website for it if relevant, include the address, a link to it on Open Street Map.
  • the dates and times.
  • a list of the current agenda, workshop times, etc with links to any working pages for these.
  • links to any deciders for if you're trying to work out the best date.
  • details of how people can get in touch to come or suggest workshops, perhaps set up a mail box for the event.

Post details of the event as soon as possible to the mailing list

That is hacktionlab@lists.aktivix.org

For the event, you'll need to make sure you have the following resources

  • flip chart
  • flip chart paper
  • pens to write on the flip chart paper
  • video projector that can do at least 1024x768
  • something to project on, such as a projector screen or wall
  • wireless access to the Internet (preferably password protected and using WPA2 encryption)
  • at least 3 four-gang power extensions
  • a 5m+ extension reel
  • ability to amplify sound with a 3.5mm jack plug for plugging into laptops
  • someone willing to donate their laptop to be the main one connected to the project
  • if that someone has a MacBook(Pro|Air), make sure they have their mini|micro-DVI-to-VGA adapter dongle thing

Try to provide some sustinance for people, such as

  • tea, coffee, herbal infusions, juices
  • buscuits of some sort, including vegan, oatcakes, ricecakes and stuff that coeliacs can eat.
  • perhaps something like bombay mix

Accommodation

  • you'll need to find some crash spaces for everyone

Promote it

Make sure you promote it! Encourage people you know and people on the list to make sure they pass on the details to all other lists/networks they're involved in - often people don't realise that not everyone knows about what's going on in their neck of the activist woods. Post it to Indymedia, Schnews, whereever. There is also even Facebook, but that may suck.

Heard the cats!

People may need cajoling into providing workshop suggestions and agreeing to do stuff. Mailing lists tend to be very passive as subscribers sit there and watch the tumbleweed of comments and proposals drift by. Try to engage directly with the people you think will get things moving, and try to create a buzz on the list and beyond about it.

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