New project to setup a radical hackerspace in Birmingham.
We should include in our programme, explorations and commitments to some of these broad ideas:
Commitment to using open source commons software (ideally developed and hosted by tech worker co-operative).
Reducing our reliance on U.S corporate platforms, only using them when absolutely necessary to reach wider audiences.
Speak out and criticise technofedudalism and fascism.
Encourage the usage of end to end encryption when possible to project our member’s and community privacy and digital rights.
Encourage the use of open protocols, open data, transparency and accountability, project managements, cybernetics in our organisations.
Investigate innovative new technologies such as Peer to Peer (P2P), radio/off grid/mesh networks, federated software and online democracy tools to build a more resilient tech infrastructure as move into a more unstable world.
Participate in the wider progressive tech movement community.
I think it terms of tangible practices, I would like to investigate whether it is possible to setup a new hackerspace organisation in Birmingham called Liberation Computer Club. We could meet in the new Artefact cafe to share knowledge and play with technology.
don’t know what your experience is, but imo drop-in “tech cafes” can be difficult to create the right “culture” in, with a range of interests, tastes, and levels of knowledge. the liberation angle would provide a focus, but i wonder what sort of format makes for a stable foundation from which to build? spitballing here, but my suggestion would be maybe start monthly with a 2 hour slot where 10-30 minutes is taken up with a workshop that might have some broader appeal (intro to online privacy, modern surveillance technology, how to set up your phone more securely, intro to open source app alternatives, intro to left-leaning game development, showcasing of libtech iniatives etc), then followed by a more drop-in space for people to chat, work on projects, ask questions, collaborate etc.
this model is kinda more modest than a full blown hackerspace. fizzpop sort of fits the bill of a hackspace, but imo more of a makerspace/workshop space, if i understand correctly.
anyway, just thinking of what can be done on limited capacity that’s enough to attract interest from outside out immediate CB members and build some momentum without creating burnout in those leading it!