Random Hacks of Kindness (RHoK)
Random Hacks of Kindness
The Disaster Relief Codejam
When?
Thursday, November 12, 2009 at 6:00 PM
- to -
Saturday, November 14, 2009 at 5:00 PM (PT)
Where?
Hacker Dojo
140 South Whisman Road
Mountain View, CA
Register
We would like to know if you are coming - please register here
What is Random Hacks of Kindness?
It is an initiative that brings together disaster relief experts and software engineers to work on identifying key challenges to disaster relief, and developing solutions to these critical issues. This Codejam is the first of a series of Random Hacks of Kindness (RHoK) events that will bring the best and brightest together for a "give camp" to solve real world-problems related to Crisis/Disaster Relief.
Objectives:
This event is the first step in building a global community dedicated to solving disaster relief challenges through technology.
At the RHoK Codejam, programmers will partner with subject matter experts to tackle “real world "problems. These challenges have begun to be defined (see preparation), and will continue to be refined during the event.
The software created at this first event will continue to be developed at subsequent RHoK events, and openly shared with the international community. Our hope is that this software will address some of the serious challenges facing the disaster response community, and evolve in response to their needs.
Background:
In May 2009, the first ever Crisis Camp barcamp was held in Washington, DC. During one of the opening sessions an industry panel including representatives from Microsoft, Google and Yahoo! agreed that some matters supersede competitive concerns. We agreed to cooperate to mobilize our developer communities to create interoperable solutions/code that will have real impact in the field. We have partnered with NASA and The World Bank to make this happen.
Organizers:
Microsoft, Google, Yahoo, NASA and The World Bank.
Preparation:
We want our hacks to make an impact. To that end we need the problem definitions as tight as possible before we begin coding on the 12th. The following is a link (see here) to the preliminary project definitions. Please contribute by adding new ideas and/or refining ones that are already there.
Hotel:
We have block ordered a number of rooms at the Crestview Hotel until November 6th. To make a reservation call 650-966-8848 and book under "Random Hacks of Kindness" group. The rate is $69 a night.
