Difference between revisions of "Welcome to HacktionLab"

From HacktionLab: A UK-wide network tech-activists providing meet-ups, events, workshops, national skillshare gatherings and hacklabs
Jump to navigation Jump to search
 
(441 intermediate revisions by 19 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
−
'''<big>Welcome to the HacktionLab Wiki</big>'''
+
__NOTOC__
 +
<big><big>Organising UK-based activist, agitator, alternative and co-operative tech forums, gatherings, discussions and projects since 2008.</big></big>
 +
[[File:HL 2023 draft 2.3 x0.25.png|300px|right|link=HacktionLab_Summer_2023]]
 +
[[File:HL Sheffield 2023 Programme.png|right|300px|link=Workshops_for_HacktionLab_Summer_2023]]
 +
<big>The last HacktionLab event took place in 2023 at Abbeyfield Park, Pitsmoor, Sheffield from 16th to 18th June.<br/>The cost of the event was £20 for two days of talks, workshops and plenty of chances to meet people and swap ideas.<br/>
  
−
The aim of HacktionLab is to have a convergence where people interested in and/or working in the areas of alternative media, renewable energy, free software advocacy, or any form of activism that utilises technology can come together to swap ideas and skills, take part in shared workshops, socialise and strengthen the UK network of people able to provide alternative media coverage and provide technical support to national gatherings, such as Climate Camp and No Borders, as well as increased support at a regional and local level.  We are expecting that a maximum of 30 people will attend.
+
[https://hacktionlab.org/live Live stream of the Community Room at HacktionLab (could be a bit on and off, but do persevere)]
  
−
The idea for the gathering has come from many years experience by activists working for organisations such as Indymedia as well as specific experience gained from involvement in the camps for climate action in Selby (2006) and Heathrow (2007).
+
Anyone who wanted like to give a talk or lead a workshop or discussion about tech, or any aspect of politics or philosophy that is related to tech, was welcome to do so! If they had an idea for a talk or workshop, they could [https://lists.aktivix.org/mailman/listinfo/hacktionlab | join our mailing list] and make a suggestion! The mailing list is where all the pre-event discussion happened. Alternatively they could also send suggestions to <strong>sheffield2023 at hacktionlab.org</strong>.
  
−
==Audience==
+
Here's the [[Workshops_for_HacktionLab_Summer_2023 | list of talks and workshops]].
  
−
The convergence is primary aimed at folk who have experience(s) to share will others in order to encourage the amount of shared knowledge in the UK-wide media, free software and alternative technology activist network, and it's therefore seen that it will be most suitable for media activists, free software advocates, geeks and hackers (of the white hat variety); however, anyone else that is interested in attending is most welcome.
+
[[HacktionLab_Summer_2023|Visit this page for more information]].</big>
  
−
==Date==
+
==HacktionLab: Another Technology is Possible...==
 +
<div class="nav">
 +
[[File:EmailIcon.png|100px|right|link=https://lists.aktivix.org/mailman/listinfo/hacktionlab-announce]]<br/><big>
 +
For news &amp; updates about HacktionLab and our events, or to get involved, sign-up to one of our
 +
[[Mailing_List|mailing lists]]*.</big><br/><small>*Mailing lists kindly provided by [http://aktivix.org Aktivix].</small>
 +
</div>
 +
HacktionLab is UK tech-activist run project that aims to create regular convergence spaces where activists interested and/or working in the areas of alternative media, renewable energy, on-line video distribution, free software or any other form of activism that utilises technology can get together and plan how to better harness the technology (or not) to support grass roots social movements.
  
−
Evening Friday 13th June 2008 to afternoon Sunday 15th June 2008.
+
Since 2008, we've held the successful [[BarnCamp]] rural skills-sharing gathering, the [[Hacktioncamp 2022|HacktionCamp 2022]] hybrid rural-urban get together, and the [[HacktionLab_Autumn_2015|HacktionLab]] and [[Tech Tactics for Social Change Oxford 2017|Tech Tactics for Social Change]] urban gatherings.  We have also helped to nurture and launch several projects supporting activists and social change mavens, such as [https://network23.org Network 23].
 +
<br/><br/>
 +
[[File:2013-barncamp-ltsp-lomo.jpg|300px|left]] [[File:Shamanic laptop 4.jpeg|300px]]
  
−
Would recommend that crew arrive Friday morning (or Thursday evening) to set-up some of the infrastructure, and anyone who wishes should be encouraged to be involved in this, as the set-up forms part of the skills sharing.
+
== HacktionLab latest news ==
 +
===Hacktioncamp 2022===
  
−
==Location==
+
[[File:Makery.png|170px|left]] [[File:Camping.jpg|250px|right]]  Hacktionlab was back with a new event in 2022! '''[[Hacktioncamp 2022]]''' took place in '''Todmorden, UK''' on the '''10th, 11th and 12th of June 2022''' (camping from the Thursday night)!  Soon to be announced is an urban gathering in mid-June 2023.  Watch this space!!
  
−
We have decided upon [http://www.highburyfarm.freeserve.co.uk/ Highbury Farm] located in the Lower Wye Valley on a hill above the village of Redbrook. Highbury Farm is actually located in Gloucestershire, although it should be in Gwent:
+
It was a HacktionLab / BarnCamp Reunion - featuring discussions on alt-media, radical tech collectives, right-to-repair, free and open source software, the maker mentality, and the old hacker ethic.
  
−
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=116091757328127903486.00044a77c88e510b9560c&t=h&z=17
+
There were talks and workshops at Todmorden Makery, plus time to hang out and socialise. See [[Hacktioncamp 2022|the HacktionCamp 2022 page]] (work in progress) for workshop ideas, logistics etc.
  
−
The HacktionLab will take place at two locations on Highbury Farm:
+
===Older news===
  
−
* The barn: proposal is to do the workshops in this space as it has adequate weather protection, mains power and is near enough to the farmhouse to be able to run Ethernet from the farm's ADSL connection.
+
[[List of previous HacktionLabs|Visit this page for more details of and links to all our previous events and collaborations]].
−
* The field: here we'll put up a mess tent and this is where everyone will camp, has lovely view over Redbrook and up the Wye Valley.  There is vehicle access into this field via a reasonably firm track.
+
* Our last event was [[Hacktioncamp 2022]], which took place in Todmorden, Yorkshire/Lancashire, England in June 2022.
  
−
===Transport and access===
+
* [[Barncamp 2019]] was sadly cancelled :-(
  
−
Access to Highbury farm by vehicle is somewhat difficult as ...
+
* [[Tech Tactics for Social Change Oxford 2017]] at Oxford Hackspace on Sat 21st and Sun 22nd October 2017.
  
−
Trains to Chepstow, there is then a bus service from Chepstow to Redbrook village, but this ceases at about 6PM.  We will therefore need to organise a ''runner'' to collect people from Chepstow train station on Friday evening, should there be a need to do so.
+
* The gathering before that was [[BarnCamp 2017]] from 7th to 12th June 2017 in the Wye Valley.
  
−
==Workshops==
+
* And before that [[HacktionLab Autumn 2015]] in Hebden Bridge and Todmorden which took place on the 5th and 6th of 2015. [[HacktionLab Autumn 2015|Go here for more details]].
  
−
The ''workshops'' should be simply facilitated discussions and hands-on skills-sharing activities based around a technology or a way of doing something.  The aim is to enable a free exchange of ideas based around a theme, and not too much time should be spend in their planning.
+
* The 2015 outing of [[BarnCamp]] took place in the Wye Valley on the 19th, 20th and 21st June - More information on the [[BarnCamp 2015]] page and at [https://barncamp.org.uk the BarnCamp web site].
  
−
Perhaps if there
+
* We did a [[Bristol Anarchist Bookfair 2015 Talk|talk on Linux and Anarchism]] at the [http://www.bristolanarchistbookfair.org/ Bristol Anarchist Bookfair] on Saturday 25th April 2015.
  
−
==Kids==
+
* 1in12 Club Bradford HacktionLab gathering.  15-16 November 2014. [[Winter_2014_Hacklab|More info]].
  
−
Kids are most welcome, however we will not be arranging any crêche facilities.
+
* We returned to the [http://www.bristolanarchistbookfair.org/ Bristol Anarchist Bookfair] on Saturday 26th April at 1pm to give an abridged and updated version of our talk on in '''Privacy and the Dark Side of the Net''' to a packed room of people (the room was pretty small and there were quite a lot of people). 
  
−
==Facilities==
+
* Under the guise of [https://www.techtoolsforactivism.org Tech Tools for Activism] we did a talk in the [http://www.shambalafestival.org/act/rebel-soul-2/ Rebel Soul] tent at [http://www.shambalafestival.org/ Shambala Festival] 2013 on the topic of '''Privacy and the Dark Side of the Net''' in light of the revalations by Edward Snowden.  Materials are available: [[upload/5/57/Shambala-2013-crib-sheet.pdf|Click to download a handy crib sheet of useful URLs]] or [[upload/8/87/Shambala-2013-talk.pdf|Click to download a PDF of the slides from the talk]].
  
 +
* The 7th, 8th & 9th of June 2013 brought us [[BarnCamp 2013]] with a [[BarnCamp 2013 ideas scratchpad|slew of amazing workshop proposals]].  2013's event was organised in collaboration with [http://www.bristolwireless.net Bristol Wireless] and [http://www.flossmanuals.net FLOSS Manuals].  Check-out the [[BarnCamp Media Page]] for details of what happened.
  
−
Firstly I hope you don't mind the blanket email to all of you like this.
+
* We ran a one hour [[Bristol_Anarchist_Bookfair_2013|talk-cum-workshop session]] at this year's [http://www.bristolanarchistbookfair.org/ Bristol Anarchist Bookfair] on Saturday 20th April at 1pm in '''The Room With a View''' at the [http://www.3ca.org.uk/ Trinity], Bristol.  We also took time out on the grass in the Sun to have a planning meeting for this year's [[BarnCamp]].
  
−
Thought I'd write you a line about a little proposal that I've been talking to Lloyd and Mick about, and also that comes from a conversation I had with Gary at November's CC convergence in Oxford.
+
* We're pleased to have squeezed the <strong>second edition</strong> of our booklet, <strong>[https://techtoolsforactivism.org/booklet Tech Tools for Activism]</strong> our of the printer's door.  Some pre-release copies were distributed at the [https://network23.org/msg2012/ Movement Support Gathering] in Birmingham and the final version were on sale at the London Anarchist Bookfair, and at <strong>Shared Planet</strong>. If you'd like some copies to distribute or for your locality, please email us at <strong>techtoolsbook _at_ hacktionlab _dot_ org</strong>.
  
−
It would be really great to work on some movement building in the technical arena, both for CC, for No Borders, for Indymedia, and just in general for other stuff that happens.
+
* We ran a stall at [http://peopleandplanet.org/shared-planet-2012 Shared Planet 2012], which took place on <strong>Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th November</strong> at [http://www.shu.ac.uk/ Sheffield Hallam University].  Run by [http://peopleandplanet.org People & Planet], Shared Planet is the UK's largest student activist conference.  We were there with copies of the new <strong>[https://techtoolsforactivism.org/booklet Tech Tools for Activism booklet]</strong>, as well as lots of other information.
  
−
So I propose we put together a convergence over 2 or 3 days in May (perhaps) for interested parties to do talks, workshops, masterclasses and socialising based around topics such as:
+
* We had a stall at the [http://anarchistbookfair.org.uk/ London Anarchist Bookfair] which took place at Queen Mary’s, University of London on Saturday 27th October.  It was a lot of fun to meet everyone, faces old and new, and we had a great day.
  
−
* recycling computers / building a mobile suite
+
* In the summer some hacktionlabbers took part in the [http://oshug.org/event/oshcamp2012 Open Source Hardware Camp] and the [https://network23.org/msg2012/ Movement Support Gathering].
−
* renewable energy and how it works (AC and DC theory)
 
−
* linux and other free software workshops
 
−
* publishing for the web - undercurrents/indymedia
 
−
* basic computer networking
 
−
* basic wireless technology
 
−
* satellite technology
 
−
* security, privacy and encryption techniques
 
−
* using the web - wikis, drupals, plone, etc.
 
−
* streaming
 
  
−
i've just done a new splash page for the help files
+
* The Spring 2012 HacktionLab took place at the [http://www.londonarc.org/ London Action Resource Centre (LARC)] over the May Bank Holiday. [[Spring_2012_Hacklab|Go here for more details.]]
−
that i've been working on for an idea of the kind fo
 
−
workshps that i'd be up for  
 
  
−
it's here
+
* Some members of HacktionLab launched the new [https://techtoolsforactivism.org Tech Tools for Activism web site]. And a list of new tools for 2012 [[new tools for 2012]]
−
http://clearerchannel.org/guides/s_index.html
 
  
−
It could be marketed as a kind of hack-lab sort of affair and we could ask for a contribution for each person that comes to cover the costs and feed everyone.
+
* In January 2012 we returned to the brilliant [http://www.1in12.com/ 1-in-12 Club] (Bradford) for the third time and the  [[Winter_2012_Hacklab|tenth HacktionLab]], a gathering of people from various projects that featured a Drupal clinic, and launched '''Tech Tools for Activism''', a new project to provide a co-ordinated gateway into resources for activists in the UK.  More on this very soon....
  
−
I have thought of (though not spoken to) Radford Mill Farm, which is south of Bristol and Bath and is an organic farm in a valley, with facilities for camping and an indoor venue space suitable for up to about 60 people for doing the talks and presentations.  Lloyd and I did an event down there about a year and a half ago and it was a good enough space for it.
+
* We had stalls at the [http://rebelliousmediaconference.org/ Rebellious Media Conference] (8/9 Oct, London) and also at the [http://anarchistbookfair.org.uk/ London Anarchist Bookfair] (22 Oct, London) where we were chatting to people and giving out copies of [[Tech tools for activists]].
  
−
Evening events could include a couple of bands, some open mic, some poetry, and some decent organic cyder around a fire of course ;)
+
* There was a gathering of projects involved with HacktionLab in Manchester on the 17th and 18th of September 2011: our ninth gathering at [[Hacktionlab Manchester 2011]].
  
−
So what say ye?  To the date, the idea in general?  Are ye up for helping to get it together, promoting it, etc?  Do you reckon we'd get some interest and get folk to attend?
+
*Some hacktionlabbers have been involved in launching a [https://network23.org new anonymous secure blogging network] using a [[Wordpress network|Wordpress network set up]].
  
−
Best wishes to all,  
+
*We our pleased to have finished the first version of our booklet [[Tech tools for activists]]. It is aimed at non-techies, from grass-roots and NGO activists to the ordinary person on the street who is concerned about privacy and the surveillance state. It provides technical help and tips about computer security and publishing your own media, amongst other topics. [[Tech tools for activists|Find out more about it and where you can get hold of hard copies, or download it]].
  
−
i was there last weekend and they are definately up for this sort of thing
+
*Finally various local HacktionLab collectives are the throes of organising workshop events in their local areas. Get on the list and get in touch if you're interested in organising, giving or attending a workshop.
  
−
Hi there,
+
== Contact Details  ==
−
At the last IMC UK network meeting I mentioned that there was going to
 
−
be a gathering to cover the following and some others. We are in very
 
−
very early planning stages but looking to meet near Briston 14/15
 
−
June.
 
  
−
Mobile internet issues
+
Nearly all proposals, discussions and news takes place on our (old fashioned) [[Mailing List]]. This is the best place to get in touch:
  
−
* skillsharing around doing rural IMC's -
+
*Join the email list. [[Mailing List|More information at this page]]
−
* mobile internet connection
+
*There is also the (now somewhat defunct) Crabgrass group located at https://we.riseup.net/hacktionlab
−
* 12 volt power issues
 
−
* wireless
 
  
−
Video tech issues
+
== Interesting Links  ==
  
−
* the next steps for imc video on a UK level
+
*[http://www.escapegoat.org/2007/9/22/noborders-indymedia-center-tech-review No Borders Mobile tech set up 2007]
−
* tactical collaboration
+
*[http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2007/08/378427.html Indymedia centre at Climate Camp (Sipson 2007)]
−
* tech skill share on encoding, hosting, podcasting and websites for video
+
*[http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2006/10/352449.html Indymedia at the Camp for Climate Action 2006: Report &amp; Personal View]
−
 
+
*[https://docs.indymedia.org/bin/view/Global/FieldIMCHowTo Stirling Indymedia - Field IMC at Horizon Ecovillage during G8 protests]
−
 
+
*[https://docs.indymedia.org/view/Local/ImcUkG8TechReview Edinburgh Media Centre Tech during G8 protests]
−
if you are interested please join this list
+
*[https://docs.indymedia.org/bin/view/Local/BcnHOWTOMediaCenter Indymedia: HOWTO Mount a Media Centre]
−
http://lists.psand.net/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/hacktionlab
+
*[http://articles.adelayde.net/hesfes05/ Suite of low-cost, low-energy laptops running Linux at a home education festival in 2005 - Bristol Wireless]
−
 
 
−
niceone
 
−
mick
 
−
 
 
−
==Equipment==
 
−
 
 
−
* LTSP suite (from Bristol Wireless)
 
−
* Video projector + screen (or white sheet)
 
−
 
 
−
==Crew/Rôles==
 
−
 
 
−
* Catering crew
 
−
* Mess tent set-up
 
−
* LTSP suite set-up
 
−
* Networking, projector and power set-up
 
−
* Shit pit and pissoirs
 
−
* Fire crew
 

Latest revision as of 10:42, 24 February 2024

Organising UK-based activist, agitator, alternative and co-operative tech forums, gatherings, discussions and projects since 2008.

HL 2023 draft 2.3 x0.25.png
HL Sheffield 2023 Programme.png

The last HacktionLab event took place in 2023 at Abbeyfield Park, Pitsmoor, Sheffield from 16th to 18th June.
The cost of the event was £20 for two days of talks, workshops and plenty of chances to meet people and swap ideas.

Live stream of the Community Room at HacktionLab (could be a bit on and off, but do persevere)

Anyone who wanted like to give a talk or lead a workshop or discussion about tech, or any aspect of politics or philosophy that is related to tech, was welcome to do so! If they had an idea for a talk or workshop, they could | join our mailing list and make a suggestion! The mailing list is where all the pre-event discussion happened. Alternatively they could also send suggestions to sheffield2023 at hacktionlab.org.

Here's the list of talks and workshops.

Visit this page for more information.

HacktionLab: Another Technology is Possible...

EmailIcon.png

For news & updates about HacktionLab and our events, or to get involved, sign-up to one of our mailing lists*.
*Mailing lists kindly provided by Aktivix.

HacktionLab is UK tech-activist run project that aims to create regular convergence spaces where activists interested and/or working in the areas of alternative media, renewable energy, on-line video distribution, free software or any other form of activism that utilises technology can get together and plan how to better harness the technology (or not) to support grass roots social movements.

Since 2008, we've held the successful BarnCamp rural skills-sharing gathering, the HacktionCamp 2022 hybrid rural-urban get together, and the HacktionLab and Tech Tactics for Social Change urban gatherings. We have also helped to nurture and launch several projects supporting activists and social change mavens, such as Network 23.

2013-barncamp-ltsp-lomo.jpg

Shamanic laptop 4.jpeg

HacktionLab latest news

Hacktioncamp 2022

Makery.png
Camping.jpg

Hacktionlab was back with a new event in 2022! Hacktioncamp 2022 took place in Todmorden, UK on the 10th, 11th and 12th of June 2022 (camping from the Thursday night)! Soon to be announced is an urban gathering in mid-June 2023. Watch this space!!

It was a HacktionLab / BarnCamp Reunion - featuring discussions on alt-media, radical tech collectives, right-to-repair, free and open source software, the maker mentality, and the old hacker ethic.

There were talks and workshops at Todmorden Makery, plus time to hang out and socialise. See the HacktionCamp 2022 page (work in progress) for workshop ideas, logistics etc.

Older news

Visit this page for more details of and links to all our previous events and collaborations.

  • Our last event was Hacktioncamp 2022, which took place in Todmorden, Yorkshire/Lancashire, England in June 2022.
  • The gathering before that was BarnCamp 2017 from 7th to 12th June 2017 in the Wye Valley.
  • 1in12 Club Bradford HacktionLab gathering. 15-16 November 2014. More info.
  • We returned to the Bristol Anarchist Bookfair on Saturday 26th April at 1pm to give an abridged and updated version of our talk on in Privacy and the Dark Side of the Net to a packed room of people (the room was pretty small and there were quite a lot of people).
  • We're pleased to have squeezed the second edition of our booklet, Tech Tools for Activism our of the printer's door. Some pre-release copies were distributed at the Movement Support Gathering in Birmingham and the final version were on sale at the London Anarchist Bookfair, and at Shared Planet. If you'd like some copies to distribute or for your locality, please email us at techtoolsbook _at_ hacktionlab _dot_ org.
  • We had a stall at the London Anarchist Bookfair which took place at Queen Mary’s, University of London on Saturday 27th October. It was a lot of fun to meet everyone, faces old and new, and we had a great day.
  • In January 2012 we returned to the brilliant 1-in-12 Club (Bradford) for the third time and the tenth HacktionLab, a gathering of people from various projects that featured a Drupal clinic, and launched Tech Tools for Activism, a new project to provide a co-ordinated gateway into resources for activists in the UK. More on this very soon....
  • There was a gathering of projects involved with HacktionLab in Manchester on the 17th and 18th of September 2011: our ninth gathering at Hacktionlab Manchester 2011.
  • Finally various local HacktionLab collectives are the throes of organising workshop events in their local areas. Get on the list and get in touch if you're interested in organising, giving or attending a workshop.

Contact Details

Nearly all proposals, discussions and news takes place on our (old fashioned) Mailing List. This is the best place to get in touch:

Interesting Links

Retrieved from ‘https://hacktionlab.org/index.php?title=Welcome_to_HacktionLab&oldid=6194’