On Thursday, July 10, 2003, at 01:27 AM, geert lovink wrote:
http://www.tacticaltech.org/summersource/ The non-profit sector (often called Non Governmental Organizations or NGO's) has heard much about free and open source software (F/OSS) in the past few years. Many who have looked into software for their organizations are aware of the arguments for choosing an open source route. However, most of us are still using Microsoft products, and other proprietary solutions. A critical barrier in this transition is the lack of information about practical implementations, coupled with a lack of connection between implementers of open source solutions and the F/OSS developers with whom they need to work. Summer Source will address these issues in an eight-day series of workshops, skillshares, and structured discussions in which implementers and developers are brought together to learn and share. The camp will foster the practical skills needed in both groups to bring open source solutions to fruition in the non-profit environment, while offering a space in which this nascent, regional community can firmly take hold. Tactical Tech Amsterdam, Multimedia Institute Croatia and the Open Society Institute's Information Program have pooled resources to take the summer camp forward. We are approaching this as the first of a series of regional events that will build the local F/OSS capacity. Summer Source will focus on open source education for two distinct technology-savvy groups: developers, who create the software, and implementers, who guide non-profit organizations through technology strategizing. During the camp, developers and implementers will attend separate, tailored workshops as well as numerous shared sessions. Implementers will emerge with hands-on experience in standard open-source desktop software, coupled with a greater appreciation for the challenges and opportunities in helping non-profits select a practical set of open source tools. For these participants, the camp will create a practical awareness of F/OSS choices; they will leave understanding clearly what works, what doesn't, and how they can help their organizations to make informed choices. Upon completion of camp, implementers will possess the requisite skills to set up a small NGO office entirely using open source solutions, while also knowing who they can call for assistance. Developers at Summer Source will learn how they can apply their skills and knowledge to make a significant impact in the work of NGO's, and be encouraged to inspire others to do the same. Sessions will address funding issues, marketplace models, and relevant legal and policy issues as well as strategic processes and models for F/OSS development. Particular attention will be paid to development models that focus on end-users and the support of sustainable developer communities. And of course, developers will get to show each other the latest and greatest in F/OSS technology and trends, in a setting designed to maximize discussion and networking opportunities. A substantial portion of the gathering will be devoted to shared sessions bringing implementers and developers together for discussion, brainstorming, alliance building and visioning for the future. The sessions and content will evolve based on the input of participants and facilitators in the weeks leading up to camp as we strive to create the most effective and valuable of all possible gatherings. However, all changes will continue to reflect the intended outcomes of the camp's agenda. Summer Source is jointly organized by Tactical Technology Collective Amsterdam and Multimedia Institute Croatia. It is funded by the Information Program of the Open Society Institute. About the Tactical Technology Collective Tactical Tech stands at the crossroads of the NGO and technology sectors. Through building links between them, we aim to help establish an accessible baseline of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) needed by all NGOs (i.e. if applicable computers, internet access, e-mail, mobile communications, etc.) and their integration beyond rudimentary usage into an integrated strategic tool for planning, advocacy & campaigning. We do this through promoting the use of low-cost and "no-cost" technology, free and open-source software, community based expertise and consultancy to strengthen civil-society organizations and networks. Through our work we hope to show how ICTs can mobilize and activate people divided by geography, economical status and divisive histories. Through our past experiences there are three significant areas through which new technologies can most appropriately address some of the major problems faced by the non-profit sector. Our work, therefore, primarily focusses on these interrelated areas: the local NGO technology sector, the development of tools and materials, and the application of these within transnational issue networks. Multimedia Institute (www.mi2.hr) Multimedia Institute - mi2 is a citizen association, non-profit, non-governmental organization founded in mid 1999 as a spin-off project of Open Society Institute Croatia (actually it's former Internet program), with the aim to promote and educate in new technologies and new media culture, working predominantly in the fields of new media culture, digital technology R&D&D (research/development/deployment), social activism, cultural management (policy, advocacy and networking). In response to the present needs and interests of its members, mi2 transformed from a narrow educational/service project into an organisation that carries out a wide range of independent projects and programs based (mostly) at the location of net.culture club "mama" (from May 2000) and mi2lab (from spring 2002). Through the concept of net.culture, mi2 promotes different approaches to the issues raised by new technologies, media and contemporary culture, by bringing together civil (activists), tactical media and art scene. Through the project of networking with similar cyber caffes, independent cultural centers and public initiatives that reflect on these issues, we want to promote new cultural policy that makes use of the amplifying effect imbodied in information technologies and new media, but also human resources into efficient networking. During the year 2000 and especially after the opening of the "mama" club, Multimedia Institute brought together a 6 full-time members team (6 full-time employed, 5 person on honoraria) and approx. 10 part-time associates. The increased number of active members and collaborators leads to an increased number of activities and creation of new projects for which we hope to spin-off in the future. "These guys are on top of all things cool, and your first second inside will tell you this is true. The music is delirious, and a young and hip crowd of eclectic and curious characters display faces that appear especially insightful. Expect interesting conversation, great music, internet, drinks and multi-media showings that will get that brain of yours tuned into a larger terrain of consideration. Phenomenal." Those wishing to attend Summer Source are asked to complete an application form. These applications will help us in selecting a diverse and passionate group of people working on F/OSS solutions for NGO's. Deadline for applications is 17th July, 2003 Applications may be submitted via email [EMAIL PROTECTED] The application form can be downloaded in three formats: application.rtf (RTF Format) application.txt (UNIX/LINUX text format) application_ms-dos.txt(Windows text format) For general information please contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] The fee for each participant is EUR 150. ------------------------------------------------- a m b i t : networking media arts in scotland post: [EMAIL PROTECTED] archive: http://www.mediascot.org/ambit info: send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and write "info ambit" in the message body -------------------------------------------------
