This year marks the 6th anniversary of Rootscamp “Unconference” where organizers set the agenda, share lessons learned and drive the conversation about best practices in organizing.

RootsCamp is an “open space” unconference driven by the people who attend to share, debrief and celebrate the tremendous work organizers did in 2011, regardless if we won or lost. It’s also the place to start preparing for the work ahead of us in 2012.

What is the Agenda?

There is no pre-set agenda.We create a schedule (to the right) and you come ready with ideas. There are plenty of rooms in the building to accommodate a lot of sessions.

 

Who do I present with? What’s the format?

You can conduct a session alone, or with others. Formats may may vary – presentations of case studies, discussions, Q&A’s, demos or skill-share sessions, or a mix. The format is up to you, but we urge you to facilitate a session that is participatory and includes as many people in the room as possible. We discourage panels and dry, text-leave PPT’s.

 

When and where do I post my awesome session?

Some people are proposing session ideas ahead of time, but the schedule will be created at the event itself on what we lovingly call “The Wall”.

 

Please arrive before 10am on Saturday so we’re all on the same page about how the weekend will work – and you can identify others whose work intersects with your own.

 

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
Saturday, February 18
9:00 am – Doors open, coffee and registration
10:00 am – Opening Session
11:15 am – Session Block 1
12:00 pm - LUNCH
1:00 pm – Session Block 2
2:00 pm - Session Block 3
3:00 pm - Session Block 4
4:00 pm – Session Block 5

Sunday, February 19
9:30 am –  Doors open, coffee is served
10:30 am – Opening Session
11:00 am – Session Block 1
12:00 pm – Session Block 2, Career Fair Begins
12:45 pm – LUNCH
1:45 pm – Session Block 3
2:00 pm – Career Fair Ends
2:45 pm – Session Block 4
3:45 pm – MVO Awards and Closing Session

 

The Rules of RootsCamp

1st Rule: You DO talk/tweet/email about RootsCamp. (#roots12)

2nd Rule: You DO blog about RootsCamp.

3rd Rule: If you want to present, you must write your topic and name in a presentation slot.

4th Rule: Only three word intros.

5th Rule: As many presentations at a time as space allows for.

6th Rule: No pre-scheduled presentations, no tourists. (But do start thinking about your session now)

7th Rule: Presentations will go on as long as they have to or until they run into another presentation slot.

8th Rule: If this is your first time at RootsCamp, you HAVE to present.
(Ok, you don’t really HAVE to, but try to find someone to present with or suggest a session you want to participate in discussing.)

(by Tantek Çelik as parodied from The Rules of Fight Club.)