Hackathon: Fake News and War on Democracy: Workshop | Seattle

The spread of misinformation is one of the biggest threats to our democratic process. How can you help save it? The University of Washington Center for an Informed Public, Crosscut and Flatiron School invite you to combat this crisis and help promote a more informed society. During the day’s event, you will join a team and use your creative problem solving skills to tackle one of the most important problems of our time. No need to have any technical background for this event – the only requirement is that you show up ready to take on this challenge!

Program:

9:00 AM: Welcome Hackathoners!!

Sign in and grab coffee and refreshments. We’ll go over the task at hand and hear from kickoff speakers.

10:00 AM: Let’s Get Hacking!

Time to choose teams! Don’t worry if you aren’t coming with a pre-selected team! There will be an opportunity to join in with others. Teams will choose a project focus, and then get to work on creating solutions!

12:00 PM: Time to Eat

Enjoy custom food and beverage courtesy of our sponsors

5:00 PM: Hacking ends!

Teams will share their products to our panel of judges, made up of a group of local thought leaders.

5:30 PM: Closing Ceremony

Winners will be announced and prizes awarded.

6:00 PM: Finale

Hope you had a wonderful event, and we look forward to seeing the changes you implement in your community!

FAQ:

When does the event really start?

We will begin promptly at 9am. Please arrive on time!

What is a hackathon?

A hackathon is any event where people come together to solve problems. Participants form small groups and “hack” out solutions to the challenge put forward. Each participant brings their experience to help the group, you do not need to be a technology expert to participate!

How do I participate in a hackathon?

Most participants come with an open mind, a positive attitude, and a willingness to collaborate with their new team. There is no required preparation, hackathons are all about creative problem solving and meeting smart, creative people in your community. Some participants might come with an idea or a plan but most people will just want to come and participate in the fun!

What is Flatiron School?

Flatiron School is more than just a coding school. We bring together passionate instructors, best-in-class curriculum, verified jobs outcomes, and an inclusive student community that fuels an authentic and open learning environment.

What is the University of Washington Center for an Informed Public?

Our mission is to resist strategic misinformation, promote an informed society, and strengthen democratic discourse. This interdisciplinary effort is led by the Information School, Human Centered Design & Engineering and the School of Law, with collaboration from the Communication Leadership Program at the UW and numerous other university and community partners.

What is Crosscut?

At Crosscut, we believe that an informed public is essential to solving the challenges of our time. As the Pacific Northwest’s independent, reader-supported, nonprofit news site, Crosscut strives to provide readers with the facts and analysis they need to intelligently participate in civic discourse, and to create a more just, equitable and sustainable society.

Supporting Sponsors:

Flatiron School

The University of Washington Center for an Informed Public

Crosscuts