About Chi hack night
Chi Hack Night: Building a Better Chicago through Civic Tech
Chi Hack Night is a weekly event that brings together individuals from various backgrounds to build, share, and learn about civic tech. The organization was founded in 2012 with the goal of creating a space where people could collaborate on projects that would improve the lives of Chicagoans.
At Chi Hack Night, participants work on projects related to government transparency, community engagement, and social justice. The organization believes that technology can be used as a tool for positive change and aims to empower individuals to use their skills for the greater good.
One of the unique aspects of Chi Hack Night is its commitment to open source software. All projects developed at Chi Hack Night are released under an open source license, which means that anyone can use or modify them for free. This approach allows for greater collaboration and innovation within the civic tech community.
Chi Hack Night also hosts workshops and talks on topics related to civic tech. These events provide opportunities for participants to learn new skills and connect with others who share their interests. Some recent workshops have focused on data visualization, web development, and user experience design.
In addition to its weekly events, Chi Hack Night has also been involved in several larger initiatives aimed at improving Chicago's communities. For example, in 2016 they partnered with the City of Chicago's Department of Innovation & Technology (DoIT) to launch "Chicago Early Learning", an online platform designed to help parents find high-quality early learning programs for their children.
Another notable project is "Clear My Record", which aims to help people expunge criminal records that are eligible under Illinois law. This project was developed in partnership with Code For America and has already helped hundreds of people clear their records.
Overall, Chi Hack Night is an organization dedicated to using technology as a force for good in Chicago's communities. Through its weekly events and larger initiatives, it has become a hub for innovation and collaboration within the civic tech community. If you're interested in using your skills to make a positive impact, Chi Hack Night is the perfect place to get started.