It's an innovative way to help solve problems for local groups: Put 200 people in a room and let them work for three days straight, competing to create the best solutions. Eugene's “Hack for a Cause," kicks off Friday evening.
Professionals and students will gather at Nulia in Downtown Eugene and form teams to help about 10 local governments and nonprofits with their specific needs. Matt Sayre is with the Technology Association of Oregon.
Sayre: “Over the last four years, we've worked with organizations like White Bird Clinic, like Parenting Now, Egan Warming Center, to partner and provide technology to solve challenges that prevent them for reaching their mission.”
This year's challengers include HIV Alliance and ShelterCare on data collection and storage, and Lane County on a map of rural internet access data. On Sunday, a group of judges will choose which team best solved each problem, and has the potential to keep working with their group. The keynote and introduction is open to the public.
See Hackforacause.org for general information. Videos of the challenges are here.
