What we’re about
CivicTechWR is a community group that brings together people from different sectors and backgrounds to actively solve civic challenges facing our local community using design and technology. We are part of a larger network of Civic Tech groups across Canada, loosely coordinated by Code for Canada. We welcome everyone who is interested in better understanding and finding solutions to civic challenges through technology, design or other innovative means. People of all backgrounds and skill levels are welcome to participate.
CivicTechWR Hacknights
We meet every Wednesday from 6-8pm at Builders Club, but there's no obligation to come every week. This is a typical hacknight schedule:
6:00 - 6:20pm: Dinner & introductions - bring your own food & drinks
6:20 - 6:40pm: Project pitches - anyone can pitch an idea or issue
6:30 - 7:40pm: Breakout groups - join a group to discuss an issue or work on a project
7:40 - 8:00pm: Progress report - recap of what each group did and plans for next steps
8:00 - ???: OPTIONAL post-hacknight hangout
About once a month we have speaker sessions. During our speaker sessions, we host a leader from the community to speak to the group. This could be someone from a local non-profit, from government, from industry, or any citizen - what matters is that they have something to share with our group, something to teach us, or something to inspire us.
How to find us
We meet at the Builders Club at 165 King St W, Kitchener. It's in the same building as Libro Bank. Once you're in the lobby, dial 301 and we'll let you in. We're on the 3rd floor.
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.
Do you have more questions?
Feel free to reach out by email at civictechwr@gmail.com or join us on Slack via this invite link.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- CivicTechWR Hacknight #122 - with Sean Campbell of Union CooperativeBuilders Club, Kitchener, ON
Join our weekly meeting where we tackle civic issues using technology and design! All skill levels and backgrounds are welcome.
This week we welcome guest speaker Sean Campbell. Sean works as the Executive Director of Union Co-operative. He is the Principal of Scaled Purpose, a management consultancy for non-profits, charities, and co-operatives. Sean is an instructor at Wilfrid Laurier University, and a director at the Canadian Co-operative Investment Fund.
Union Co-operative is an organization that buys residential and commercial properties in Waterloo Region to ensure permanent affordability and community ownership. Sean will share ideas for developing a digital tool to better support tenants, helping them understand their rights, access resources, and connect with local services. He’ll also discuss how such a tool could streamline partnerships with community organizations to match tenants with affordable housing opportunities, offering an alternative to traditional waitlists.
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Agenda
5:45pm: Doors Open
Come find us in the Clubhouse (3rd floor). Swing by earlier, hang out at the space, make yourself comfortable and do some casual networking while we set up. You're welcome to bring your own food and drinks!6:00 - 6:15pm: Dinner & Introductions
We kick off with brief introductions, ice breakers, and announcements.6:15 - 6:45pm: Guest Speaker - Sean Campbell of Union Co-operative
This week at Civic Tech, we’re excited to welcome Sean Campbell, Executive Director of Union Co-operative, an organization that buys residential and commercial properties in Waterloo Region to ensure permanent affordability and community ownership.6:45 - 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
You're welcome to stick around to continue working on your project or to socialize. Bring your own drinks; we usually have snacks to share!-----
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.
