What we’re about
Open Austin addresses local social and civic challenges through creative uses of technology. We foster relationships between government, non- and for-profit organizations, and resident activists.
Upcoming events (4)
See all- Open Austin's 2025 Summer SocialJeni's Splendid Ice Creams, Austin, TX
### Celebrate the ~800 hours we volunteered to build public interest tech!
Open Austin is a local, grassroots civic tech nonprofit and this summer, we're celebrating almost 800 volunteer hours this year so far of building tech for the public interest: From revamping Austin Public Library's study room booking website, to building a mapping tool for tenant rights organizing, to analyzing how many people have broadband access across the city.
And if you're new to Open Austin, come see what we're about! Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, we want to see you.
(Who is a "public interest technologist"? Engineers, designers, policy makers, gov/ngo staff, citizen activists - anyone that believes that tech should be used creatively for "back-of-the-house" advocacy to make our community stronger.)### At this year's Summer Social, we're also a fundraising for two Civic Data Fellow stipends.
Our Civic Data Fellowship pairs novice data analysts from underrepresented communities with mentors, culminating in professional presentations and data-driven projects used by local advocacy groups, and developing workforce-ready tech job candidates. This year's cohort starts in mid-August. Join our interest list tor news about info sessions and the application!
There are many ways to support:- Buy a raffle ticket
- Make a tax deductible donation
- Get some Grassroots Civic Hacker merch (pre-order form to-come or buy on-site)
- Just enjoy some ice cream! Jeni’s arranged to donate 25% of all ice cream sales during the event to Open Austin.
### Finally, we're celebrating John Lewis' Day of Action.
Congress John Lewis (1987-2020) was a civil rights leader and voting rights activist. After our social, we'll take the 801 bus together to the No Kings Rally at the Capitol, flyer to come.
### Agenda
- 4pm - Learn about the state of Open Austin and our upcoming board elections
- 5pm - Ice cream time!
- 7pm - Take the 801 bus to the No Kings rally
### FAQ
- Free parking info will be emailed to ticketholders before the event
- Jeni's has dairy-free ice cream options
- Please bring friends!
