Challenges

Educational Tools Developing educational platforms to empower and inform citizens of their legal issues, and legal actions that they may independently pursue. Quick Solutions Legal portals that use an automated triage process to direct people needing legal help to the most appropriate form of assistance and that guide them through the legal process. Clean And Simple Mobile technologies that reach more people more effectively and the application of business process/analysis to legal activities to streamline interactions and improve efficiency. Fast And Easy Document-assembly applications that support the creation of legal documents by service providers and by litigants themselves. Code of Conduct

1) Treat all other hackers with utmost respect. Be kind to others. Do not insult or put down other attendees. Behave professionally. Remember that harassment and racist, sexist, or exclusionary jokes are not appropriate for this event. If at any point you see a fellow hacker being harassed, it’s your responsibility to talk to the nearest hackathon organizer.

2) Treat our sponsors with the utmost respect. Without them nothing would be possible. Take some time out of your work to go meet and speak with them. If they come over to talk to you look up from your work and give them a bit of your time. They're here for you! Show them you appreciate it.

3) The hackathon is a walled garden. To ensure a level field for all contestants, all code, design, art, music, SFX, and assets must be created during the duration of the hackathon. We want to ensure that all participants start off on the same footing and we also want to preserve the true nature of a hackathon. You are, however, free to make plans, create wireframes, and brainstorm prior to the event.The only exception to this rule is that you may use legally licensed material and tools that are freely available to the public. Some examples of these would be: public domain images, creative commons music, open source libraries, and existing APIs and platforms. Failure to comply may result in the offending team's disqualification.

TL;DR: Bring your blueprints, build at the hackathon. It’s the only way we can compare hacks on a level playing field and fairly award prizes. It’s what lets you say “I built this at a hackathon”.

4) Have fun. Hackathons are amazing, and so are you. We’re so happy you’re able to hack with us and be a part of our amazing community.

5) Open your mind. Hacking unites people from across the world and from different cultural norms, nationalities, and backgrounds. Be prepared not only to learn something new from your hack, but also from the amazing people around you. Be mindful of the fact that certain content and actions can make the people around you uncomfortable. They'll review it with the team and notify you if you should go forward. Don't waste 36 hours on a hack that won't be allowed to demo.

6) Be the change you want to see in your local community. Never be afraid of competing based on where you come from or have preconceptions of grandeur because you come from a great school. One can achieve greatness at any time. You simply have to see it and grab it.

FAQ

What is a hackathon?

A hackathon is an event where members of the community are invited to use their ideas, data analysis, design, and software development skills to “hack” together tech-based solutions to problems.

What is the goal of this event?

We want to build tools that help Seattle increae the access to legal services to the City’s low income and moderate means population who cannot afford legal services. This can take the form of new apps, modifications to existing apps, data visualizations, design hacks, and anything else our volunteers imagine.

What can teams build?

This event is not focused on any single mode of social justice. Tools that improve the experience of a single mode (increase access through triage, data viziualization, mobile apps) are welcome, as are tools that help residents better understand their legal issues in order to serve themselves.

How will work be judged?

We will select three teams from the November hackathon to advance to a championship round in January. They will be judged based on the impact their tool will have on improving legal access.

What will teams win?

Besides 15 minutes of fame and the gratitude of fellow citizens? That’s TBD, but we trust this community to come up with some excellent rewards.

Can I participate remotely?

To qualify to present, we expect teams to be around for most of the hackathon and to complete work during the time we’ve set aside. However, if you can’t join us but have ideas or resources to share, we invite you to contribute on our HackPad

Do I have to have a team to participate?

No. In fact, we encourage people to show up as individuals and form teams on-site. Part of the value of this event – and the fun – is connecting with people from different communities and perspectives. Some participants, such as designers and writers, may find themselves floating between teams. That’s okay with us.
Intellectual property
The intellectual property rights of the Social Justice Hackathon produced at the event should belong to the attendees, and not to the organizers and sponsors, with the obvious exception of (a) project based around of the community partner's problem. In that case, the respective community partner will own all property rights and negioate the terms to further development of the project.
Photography/Video Release Waiver
By registering for the Social Justice Hackathon, you consent to the photographing of and the recording of my voice and the use of these photographs and/or recordings singularly or in conjunction with other photographs and/or recordings for advertising, publicity, commercial.

HOW YOU CAN HELP Currently, we are looking for volunteers! We need some help with event management, team mentorship (prior experience with a similar event is a plus), documentation (live-Tweeting, photography, video), and logistics. Please reach out if you’re interested! - See more at: www.socialjusticehackathon.com

To quailify for the final round, the projects must be built at the Social Justice Hackathon. Below are the challenges posed, rules of conduct for the weekend, FAQ section, and how you can help.