Director’s Update

The Alliance of Civic Technologists is running full steam ahead as we enter summer. We’re excited to announce three major milestones as we continue to grow and support the network of civic tech volunteer organizations: ACT Congress, Board Elections and City Camp! 

While I’m excited to see this progress, I want to state emphatically that none of this would be possible without the support of our volunteers. Our secretary, Brianda Hernandez, has been making sure this newsletter goes out every month and has done a great job making sure all your stories get told to the wider network. Behind the scenes, Ben Sheldon has been updating our website and Jake Durell has been working to ensure our 501c3 status. Our involvement in bringing back City Camp, an unconference event that brings together technologists and civic leaders, would simply not be possible without the leadership of Nicole Dan and Nikhil Sangamkar. 

And of course, we’re grateful for the work that civic technologists across the country are putting into their communities. From helping to prepare for disasters in San Francisco, to gathering over 600 people in New York to learn and innovate, to helping reduce gun violence in Philadelphia by cleaning and greening vacant properties, your work during these difficult times is impressive and important.

So thank you, for all that you do. 

First ACT Congress

We’re excited to invite you to the first-ever ACT Congress, hosted by the Alliance of Civic Technologists, happening virtually on Saturday, June 28, 2025! This groundbreaking, half-day unconference is open to everyone and will feature engaging, participant-led sessions focused on shaping the future of our community, our mission, and civic technology as a whole. 

The day will begin with an exclusive delegates-only breakfast session, where we’ll make key decisions about the organization’s future, including a member vote of the 2025-2026 budget and holding our inaugural board election, a major milestone. For those not attending the delegate breakfast, we’ll be hosting a meet and greet session in parallel. 

Following breakfast, virtual doors will open to the broader public for a dynamic and interactive lineup of sessions driven by YOU, the attendees. Whether you’re a civic technologist, nonprofit leader, public servant, or simply curious about the future of digital civic engagement, ACT Congress will be a space to connect, contribute, and co-create. 

For more details and registration please visit Eventbrite. Then, don’t forget to mark your calendar and stay tuned, because you won’t want to miss this! 

First Board Election 

ACT is holding our first board elections during the first session of ACT Congress! Our bylaws, passed earlier this year, calls for a board of seven each serving three year terms that are staggered. Currently, the board is at three members and this election will bring the number of board members to five. Our board is selected by the delegates of each member organization who join prior to June 28th. 

We encourage anyone who is interested in helping guide ACT’s future to consider a run. We estimate a time commitment of three to five hours a month. Board members are expected to attend our monthly meetings and help steer one of our working committees.

For this election, we’ll be voting on four seats. Three of these will be for three year terms and one for a two year term. Anyone from our member organizations can run for a board seat by filling out this short form. If you have any questions or want to talk with us before running, please email hello@civictechnologists.org. 

In Celebration of 🌈Pride Month🌈

We are proud to share a list of events, people, projects, and resources focused on tackling LGBTQIA+ issues and improving queer lives either from within our wonderful ACT network or recommended by our members’ leaders. 

Network Roundup 

Here are some quick notes about what’s been happening in the network!

FCI Civic Hack Day

Looking to create real-world impact with tech or just meet other changemakers Don’t miss Florida Community Innovation’s virtual Civic Hack Day on Saturday, June 21, 2025, from 11 AM to 5 PM ET via Zoom! Work alongside students from top universities like University of Florida, University of California Berkeley, and the University of Michigan to co-build tools that support access to food, housing, jobs, and more. Whether you’re into coding, research, user design, or just have some big ideas, there’s a place for you, no tech experience needed! Register now and build with, not for, Florida communities. Email questions to info@floridainnovation.org. 

Civic Data Fellowship

Open Austin is actively recruiting for their 2025 Civic Data Fellowship, starting this month! If you’re a novice data analyst with low-to-no professional experience, the program will pair you with experienced mentors, to learn how to work with local advocacy groups to explore local civic issues, while building professional presentations and data-driven projects. If this sounds like a good fit, please fill in this interest form, before August, to receive alerts about info sessions, key dates, and submit the application form. For more information, read this brochure. 

Digital Newsracks

Have you ever wondered what happened to those old newspaper racks? Julia Gitis, founder of Community News Lab, did and they’ve been on a mission to bring them back with a modern twist. In partnership with SF Civic Tech and others, they’re helping transform these fixed-pedestal news racks into digital neighborhood bulletin boards, showcasing local updates, civic resources, and community events. 

At their recent Castro Feedback Day, the temporary prototype installation received overwhelmingly positive feedback from both event attendees and curious passersby. A wonderful glimpse into how legacy infrastructure can be reimagined to serve today’s neighborhoods in fresh and meaningful ways. 

Upcoming Events

6/19 - Spring Social on✊🏾Juneteenth✊🏿

Join the Alliance of Civic Technologists as we come together to celebrate community, connection, and civic innovation at our Spring Social on Thursday, June 19, 2025, Juneteenth. This special gathering will offer us a chance to reflect, recharge, and build meaningful diverse relationships across our growing network of civic technologists. 

6/28 - Congress

Join us for the inaugural ACT Congress hosted by the Alliance of Civic Technologists on Saturday, June 28, 2025! This virtual, half-day unconference is open to the public and will feature interactive, participant-led sessions focused on advancing our mission and envisioning the future of our community. 

The day will begin with a delegates-only breakfast session, where our Members will cast votes on the upcoming year’s budget and conduct our first-ever board election, a pivotal step in ACT’s growth.

9/20 - World CityCamp Day

We’re thrilled to announce that plans for the Alliance of Civic Technologists’ first CityCamp are nearly complete! CityCamp is an “unconference” designed to bring together technologists, nonprofit leaders, and local government stakeholders to collaborate on innovative ways to improve our cities. This fall, we’ll be hosting a series of CityCamp events across the country, leading up to World CityCamp Day on September 20, 2025. If you’d like to be a part of shaping this exciting initiative, please contact Nicole from our Events Committee by email.  

Network Events 

Some events happening across the United States, for the next month, from June 5th to July 2nd!

Beyond ACT 

Events from groups that aren’t officially a part of the Alliance of Civic Technologists network. 

Stay in Touch

Interested in chatting with the community, in real time? Join our public Discord server!

Does your local civic tech organization have a story to tell? Want to be featured in our next newsletter? Reach out to us at hello@civictechnologists.org.