CivicTechWR Hacknight #80: Regional Councillor Colleen James
Details
Join our weekly meeting where we tackle civic issues using technology and design! All skill levels and backgrounds are welcome.
This week we're welcoming guest speaker Colleen James, Regional Councillor for Waterloo Region, who will speak on the topic "The Importance of Data and Civic Engagement to Inform Decision-making"
Colleen James was elected to Regional Council in October 2022, representing City of Kitchener residents.
Colleen’s professional career includes more than 15 years of experience in municipal government at both the city and regional levels. As the founder of Divonify Incorporated, Colleen is a leading consultant on equity and inclusion. Locally, nationally, and internationally, Colleen partners with a wide range of public, private, and not-for-profit organizations and businesses that are committed to change.
Colleen’s values are central to her work as a leader. These values determine her approach to making decisions as a Councillor on behalf of the community. These values include building trusted relationships; having equity-informed community discussions; listening and collaborating; empowering and amplifying; taking meaningful action, and being accountable.
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Join us virtually
We are piloting a hybrid format this week! If you are not able to make it in person, you can stream the presentations at https://webconference.kwlug.org/b/and-ko2-zwx-xkx.
Childcare during the event
Childminding is available this week as well! Jasmin will be in the Playroom (2nd floor) from 5:30 to 8:30pm. There is an eating area for dinner but you'll need to bring the food for your child(ren).
Agenda
6:00 - 6:20pm: Welcome & introductions
Come find us in the Boardroom and make yourself comfortable as we do a round of introductions. You're welcome to bring food or drinks (but please clean up after yourself).
6:00 - 6:15pm: Welcome & introductions
Come find us in the Clubhouse (3rd floor) and make yourself comfortable as we do a round of introductions. You're welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
6:15 - 6:45pm: Guest speaker Colleen James - "The Importance of Data and Civic Engagement to Inform Decision-making"
We'll have a 15 minute presentation from Regional Councillor Colleen James*,* followed by 15 minutes for Q&A. Afterwards, Colleen will be available for more in-depth discussions in a breakout group.
6:45 - 7:00pm: Project Pitches
Do you have a project idea? Is there a civic issue you're curious/concerned about? The floor is open to anyone who wants to pitch to the group. Tell us what you want to do and what kind of help you're looking for.
7:00 - 7:45pm: Breakout groups
Decide which project interests you and join that breakout group. As a team, you decide where to take it from there.
7:45 - 8:00pm: Progress report
We'll reconvene and give each group a chance to report back on their progress.
OPTIONAL post-hacknight hangout
If anyone is interested we can head downstairs to AOK bar & arcade to keep the conversations going (or play some games)!
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What is CivicTechWR?
CivicTechWR brings together people from different sectors and industries to actively solve issues facing our local community. We welcome people with all types and levels of skills. Even though "tech" is in the name, everyone is welcome and everyone has a skill or experience that is valuable. We're here to empower people to work together, exchange ideas and tools to improve the lives of the residents in and around Waterloo Region through civic technology.
Code of Conduct
At Civic Tech Waterloo, we are committed to fostering a respectful and inclusive environment for all participants, regardless. We do not tolerate harassment or discrimination of any kind, including verbal abuse, intimidation, or bias based on gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or any other personal characteristic.
If something or someone is making you feel uncomfortable, please reach out to one of our organizers so we can address this.
Notice of Photography and Filming
Please note that photography and video filming will take place during this event for promotional and archival purposes. The photographs and recordings made are likely to appear on our social media, website, printed and online publicity, press releases or funding applications.
If you don't want to be photographed or recorded, please inform one of our organizers. Otherwise, by attending this event, you consent to such recording media and its release, publication, exhibition or reproduction.