Each year the Annual General Meeting (or ‘AGM’) is a time for Hackforgers to come together to learn about what has been happening over the past twelve months, and to make plans for the future. This meeting is when we determine board members and bylaw updates, and when the general memership gets a look at how board meetings work. This year we had a lot to cover on all fronts, and we appreciate everyone who joined us for it. For those who were unable to make it, here are the night’s highlights:
2022-2023 Recap
This past spring Hackforge officially moved into its first physical space in a while! We’re now located at 300 Ouellette Ave, unit 210. This move allows us to host regular in-person and hybrid events in a location that is easily accessible by private or public transit.
We’ve also abolished paid memberships, moving instead to a contribution-based model.
According to Managing Director Lauren Hedges, between January and September of this year we’ve hosted 36 events, reaching over 240 people. Our projections through the end of the year expect a total of 48 events for 320 people by the end of December. This represents a 20% growth in events and a 5.5% growth in attendance over 2022.
Hackforge has also received a Community Services Recovery (CSRF) Grant for a project we’ve dubbed “Hackforge Goes Hybrid.” This funding allows us to update our program delivery models and methods in order to reach more people. This includes purchasing equipment and amenities to empower hybrid virtual/in-person events, and hiring an editor to ensure our video recordings quickly make it online. Still to come, we will be purchasing a mobile internet hotspot, which will enable us to hold events in a wider geographical area.
This grant also covers the redesign of Hackforge’s website! We’ll be making it more accessible, while also making it easier for folks to find info on and register for our events. The first changes for this will be rolling out soon, so keep an eye out for that!
This year we have also hired (for the first time ever?!) a volunteer coordinator! Matias Marin is working on helping to build a more engaged online community through our Discord server, is assisting with event management, and will become more visible to everyone in the weeks to come.
Other recent updates:
We’re hiring an admin assistant for the Managing Director – interviews have just wrapped, and the successful applicant will be announced soon
Hackforge is partnering with the Cycling Guide Foundation to bring the Cycling Guide mobile app to Windsor-Essex. Cycling Guide offers low-stress, cycling-centric routes, targeted towards new cyclists and commuters. This is a compliment to WindsorEssexCycling.ca, which we envision will be a route-planning web app for long distance riders.
Plans for 2023-2024
Plans for the next twelve months include:
Produce short-form video content that covers the highlights of Hackforge events and existing videos, as well as advertising our interest groups
Continue pursuing the regional implementation of Cycling Guide mobile app
Complete website redesign
Ensure compliance with Ontario Not-for-profit corporations act by the October 2024 deadline
Board of Directors Changes
At this year’s AGM two members of our Board of Directors met the end of their term, with eligibility for reelection. Sherri Wheeler and Shawn Daichendt were reinstated by acclamation.
Earlier this week Chair of the Board Doug Sartori accepted the resignation of board member Franco Iaccobacci. This left an opening for someone to complete his term.
Long-time Hackforger, and AWS interest group lead Goran Karmisevic was nominated and elected by the Board.
Bylaw Amendments
Confirmation of Bylaw 7.03 Term of Office
7.03 Term of Office
Directors shall hold office for a term of 2 years so long as they remain eligible under the terms of Article 7.02. Terms of office shall be staggered so that two or three of the terms expires each year.
No Director shall be eligible to serve more than three consecutive terms.
A Member who has served three full consecutive terms shall not be eligible to serve again as a Director before the passing of one year.
Amendment of Bylaw 7.17 Succession of the Chair
This bylaw was amended to update succession planning for the role of Chair of the Board
Original Bylaw:
7.17 Succession of the Chair
Should the Office of Hackforge Chair become vacant, for any reason, the level of succession, is deemed as follows:
Treasurer
Secretary
Amended Bylaw
7.17 Succession of the Chair
Should the Office of Hackforge Chair become vacant, for any reason, the level of succession, is deemed as follows:
Secretary
Treasurer
Bylaw Amendment 10.07 Past Chair
This bylaw was added to bring in the past chair as an ex officio board member.
10.07 Past Chair
The Past Chair shall, ex officio, also be an officer of the Corporation and a Member of the Board of Directors and shall be entitled to receive notice and attend all meetings of the Board and its Executive Committee;
The Past Chair shall hold this role for two years or until a new Past Chair is available, whichever comes first
Duties:
Attend board meetings as a non-voting board member
Provide guidance and advice to the board based on their experience
During this event, we’ll embark on a collective mission to map essential elements such as roads, buildings, bike lanes, and more. Our collaborative efforts will not only enrich the accuracy and depth of OSM but also contribute to a valuable resource for transport and urban planning.
We’ll be using the Every Door app – a cutting-edge tool that simplifies and enhances the OSM editing process, making it more accessible to users of all skill levels. With its user-friendly interface and intuitive features, you can easily add, edit, and verify map data right from your smartphone or tablet.
Whether you’re passionate about local geography, community development, or simply curious about OSM editing, this event offers a unique opportunity to make a positive impact. Come join us and be part of a dynamic community of mappers shaping the world, one door at a time! Don’t forget to bring your enthusiasm and mobile device loaded with the Every Door app.
When: Wednesday, September 6, 6 – 8pm
Starting Point: Meet in front of the Walkerville Theatre (1564 Wyandotte St E, between Gladstone and Lincoln)
Ending Point: Walkerville Chill (1580 Wyandotte St E, NW corner of Wyandotte and Lincoln) – Stick around for ice cream and chatting at the end!
In this free python training session we’ll be reviewing and building upon the basics learned in last month’s Python Primer. Don’t worry if you missed part one – the opening review will be enough to get you caught up before we dive into more practice and learning.
This hands-on, in-person event has limited capacity, so make sure to register now to reserve your spot. No prior knowledge is necessary, but you will need to bring a computer. (Don’t have one? No problem! Hackforge has a limited number of loaner computers available for the workshop. Email lauren@hackforg to arrange)
When: Sunday September 10th from 10 – 11:30 am
Where: Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave, unit 210
It ia recommended that attendees have Anaconda and Jupyter Notebook installed on their computer. However, if this is not possible there will be alternative options presented on the day of the event.
It’s time to celebrate another year of innovation, collaboration, and community building!
Hackforge’s Annual General Meeting serves as a platform for our members and supporters to come together, reflect on our achievements, and chart the course for the future.
During this event, you’ll have the opportunity to hear from our team about the milestones we’ve reached, the impact of our projects, and the various initiatives we’ve undertaken to foster technological advancement and creativity in the Windsor-Essex region.
As a community-driven organization, your active participation in the AGM is crucial. This is the perfect occasion to share your ideas, suggestions, and feedback, as we strive to continuously improve and expand our offerings to meet the evolving needs of our members and the local tech community.
To allow as many people as possible to join, this year’s AGM will be a hybrid event. Join us in-person at Hackforge HQ, or tune in virtually via Zoom. Whichever method you choose, eligible members (https://hackf.org/members-list/) will still be able to vote.
When: Tuesday, September 12th, 7 – 9 pm
Where: Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210), Zoom
Open Streets Windsor
Sunday, September 17th, @ 10AMIn-Person Only
During Open Streets vehicular traffic is rerouted while roadways are taken over by pedestrians, bikes, roller blades, scooters, and more. Community members and organizations line the routes with information and activities on a variety of topics. It’s excellent community building, and the best day of the year!
Stay tuned for more information on Hackforge’s involvement in Open Streets 2023.
Come hangout and chat about all things Linux and open source in this month’s Linux Users Group Meetup! Hackforge is a casual, welcoming space, and everyone is invited to join this event, regardless of experience level.
This monthly event is a great chance to meet other Linux enthusiasts, get answers to your Linux questions, and to learn more about the world of open source operating systems.
To join the conversation outside of our monthly events, join the Hackforge discord and visit the #linux-users-group channel.
When: Tuesday, September 19th, 7 – 9 pm
Where: Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210)
AWS Users Group Back To The Basics: Amazon Virtual Private Cloud (VPC)
Are you new to Amazon Web Services or looking to master the fundamental building block of cloud architecture? This meetup is designed just for you!Agenda:
Understanding VPC: We’ll demystify what VPC is and why it’s essential.
Proper Provisioning: Learn the best practices for provisioning VPCs to meet your specific use cases.
Hidden Costs & Gotchas: Explore potential pitfalls and hidden costs associated with VPC implementation.
Expert Insights: Accelerate your career by gaining insights from seasoned AWS professionals.
Q&A Session: Bring your AWS questions, and our experts will provide answers and guidance.
This meetup is an excellent opportunity to enhance your AWS knowledge, connect with like-minded individuals, and expand your professional network. Plus, don’t forget to enjoy some refreshments while networking with fellow attendees!
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced AWS user, this meetup promises to deliver valuable insights and practical tips. Join us for an engaging evening of learning and networking. Don’t miss out!
Border City Data: Working with Facebook Advertising Data
This month, Doug Sartori leads a tutorial on working with Open Ad Data provided by Meta. Parent company of social media giants Facebook and Instagram, Meta claims to have over 3 million active advertisers. And they’re kind enough to share some of that data! Through their Ad Library, users can find data on all currently running ads and ads about social issues or politics from the last 7 years.
This intermediate-level tutorial will include a review of available data, details on registration and working with API keys, and a demo of code for consuming and processing application data.
This is a free, hybrid event that will be of interest so social media marketers, researchers, and data enthusiasts. Review the Ad Library for yourself at: https://www.facebook.com/ads/library/
When: Thursday, September 28th, 6 – 7:30 pm
Where: Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210), Zoom
This is a perfect opportunity for anyone with an interest in community building or the nonprofit sector!
Windsor Hackforge is looking for an administrative assistant to work alongside the Managing Director. This position involves interacting with Hackforge volunteers and Board Members, managing events (in-person, hybrid, and virtual), creating graphics for and posting to social media, and editing event recordings for online sharing.
Windsor Hackforge is a registered nonprofit offering educational and networking opportunities for the tech community in Windsor and Essex County. We are also the home of The Tourism Innovation Lab, a micro-granting organization that supports innovative tourism ideas in Ontario and British Columbia. This position provides the successful candidate with opportunities to network with the broader tech community, learn about the backend of a grassroots non-profit, and influence the programming delivered by Hackforge.
Our ideal candidate has strong communication skills and is able to take directions and then work independently. We are comfortable with and willing to train on skills such as Google Workspace, video editing, and WordPress management, especially for someone who can demonstrate their ability to adhere to timelines.Hackforge is a highly technical and fast-paced environment.
Required Competencies: typing, english (both written and spoken), customer service
Desired Experience: Google Workspace, social media marketing, WordPress management, video editing
Contract Length: 6 months with the opportunity to extend (September 18 2023 to March 31, 2024)
Hours: 10/week, flexible, requires some evenings and weekends
Pay: $30/hour
Location: Downtown Windsor, Ontario, Canada (most work can be done remote, but some in-person time will be required)
Educational Background: be enrolled in or have completed post-secondary education in computer science, communications, or related field.
Windsor Hackforge is committed to equity and diversity in the delivery of services and our work environment. Members from equity-seeking groups including Women, Indigenous Persons, Members of Racialized Groups, Persons with Disabilities and Persons of Diverse Gender Identities, Gender Expressions and Sexual Orientations, and groups protected by the Ontario Human Rights Code are encouraged to apply and to self-identify in their resume and/or cover letter. Hackforge is committed to a recruitment process and work environment that is inclusive and barrier free. If you require assistance with your application, please contact Hackforge Managing Director Lauren Hedges at lauren@hackf.org, or 888-960-7641 ext. 4
Please send your cover letter and resume to info@hackf.org by Friday, September 1 at 5pm
For those who work in tech at any capacity – even if your job doesn’t require coding skills – knowledge of Python is an asset. Python is renowned for its simplicity and versatility, making it an ideal language to learn, even for those with no prior coding experience.
Whether you’re a project manager, data analyst, or IT specialist, this workshop is tailor-made to empower you with basic Python programming skills. It will teach the fundamental concepts, syntax, and best practices of Python programming, setting the groundwork for further exploration.
This hands-on, in-person event has limited capacity, so make sure to register now to reserve your spot. No prior knowledge is necessary, but you will need to bring a computer. (Don’t have one? No problem! Hackforge has a limited number of loaner computers available for the workshop. Email lauren@hackforg to arrange)
When: Sunday, August 6th from 11 am – 12:30 pm Where: Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210) Cost: Free
It is recommended that attendees have Anaconda and Jupyter Notebook installed on their computer. However, if this is not possible there will be alternative options presented on the day of the event. Download Jupyter Notebook: https://jupyter.org/install Download Anaconda for Jupyter Notebook: https://anaconda.org/anaconda/jupyter
During this event, we’ll embark on a collective mission to map essential elements such as roads, buildings, bike lanes, and more. Our collaborative efforts will not only enrich the accuracy and depth of OSM but also contribute to a valuable resource for transport and urban planning.
We’ll be using the Every Door app – a cutting-edge tool that simplifies and enhances the OSM editing process, making it more accessible to users of all skill levels. With its user-friendly interface and intuitive features, you can easily add, edit, and verify map data right from your smartphone or tablet.
Whether you’re passionate about local geography, community development, or simply curious about OSM editing, this event offers a unique opportunity to make a positive impact. Come join us and be part of a dynamic community of mappers shaping the world, one door at a time! Don’t forget to bring your enthusiasm and mobile device loaded with the Every Door app.
When: Thursday, August 17, 6 – 8pm Starting Point: Meet in front of the Walkerville Theatre (1564 Wyandotte St E, between Gladstone and Lincoln) Ending Point: Walkerville Chill (1580 Wyandotte St E, NW corner of Wyandotte and Lincoln) – Stick around for ice cream and chatting at the end!
This month, LUG will be hosting a Linux install and social gathering. If you’re interested in trying out Linux, then this is the event for you! Members will be available to help you with installing Linux on your laptop or onto a virtual machine. Participants are encouraged to socialize and chat about Linux and open-source software.
As a bonus, will be a Commodore 64 and a Commodore 128 hooked up to monitors that will be available to tinker with.
Looking forward to seeing you all at the event!
When: Tuesday, August 22nd, 7 – 9 pm Where: Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210)
Windsor Hackforge and the Canadian Open Data Society (CODS) are holding a casual get-together at Craftheads Brewing on Thursday, August 24th.
CODS is a national collective of open data supporters who strive to promote and support relevant initiatives across the country. As part of their mission to broaden public discourse on Open Data, they’re working with Hackforge to present this meetup.
Attendees can expect semi-structured conversation related to the role open data plays in the Canadian tech ecosystem, information on CODS and their mission, and the opportunity to converse with data professionals. Refreshments will be available to purchase from the bar.
Where: Craftheads Brewing (89 University Ave W, SE corner of University and Pelissier) When: Thursday, August 24th, 6 – 8 pm
The province of Ontario provides data on the quality of stream water dating back to 1964. Through the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, the public can download and manipulate data that shows, among other things, total and dissolved nutrients, metals, and chloride in our streams and rivers.
On Thursday, July 20th, Border City Data and Doug Sartori will be using Python to connect to, process, and visualize this data. The slow-paced walkthrough is suitable for those with a base-knowledge of Python, as well as those interested in water quality.
In-person and virtual attendance options available. RSVP through Eventbrite and we’ll see you then!
Since early 2022, Hackforge has been on mission to bring bicycle routing to Windsor-Essex. To accomplish this we started the C3Tech initiative and launched WindsorEssexCycling.ca.
Recently, we connected with the Waterloo-based Cycling Guide Foundation (CGF). Earlier this summer CGF launched it’s mobile app, Cycling Guide. This cross-platform application offers low-stress cycling routes using available infrastructure. It is based entirely on OpenStreetMap data. Basically, CGF beat us to releasing the app we set out to build. So now we’re partnering with them!
Currently, Cycling Guide routing only works in the Waterloo Region and Guelph. However, Hackforge is working with CGF to bring it to Windsor-Essex, too! In this one-hour walkthrough, CGF Executive Director Mark Connolly will be giving a demonstration of the app. Joining him will be the project’s OSM expert David Trueman and data lead Amy Colford.
This event will be of interest to anyone into cycling, OpenStreetMap, or app development. It will be a great starting point for planning how OSM Windsor-Essex can work on collecting, correcting, and maintaining our roadway data.
This free, virtual-only event will be taking place on Sunday, July 23rd at 7pm. Register via Eventbrite to attend.
Join us at Hackforge HQ for another casual meetup of the Linux Users Group! Bring your computer, steam deck, thoughts, and/or ideas, and we’ll see what happens!
