Step 1: Select a Project to work on
The first thing you can do as an organizer is select a project to work on for the weekend. Take a look at the projects on our project page, or if you're interested in something else, you can always create your own. For inspiration, you can take a look at some of the ideas floating around Once you've figured out the project (or projects) you want to work on, it's time to start organizing. Remember the dates: December 12-13.
Step 2: Register your Event
Take a moment to register your event online. Registering gives you a way to link to an RSVP page for the event, send invitations out and keep tabs on who is attending. When you register, make sure to link your event to whatever project you've decided to work on.
Venues are important too-- use your imagination. You can choose any venue, whether it be your home, a local coffee shop or bar, a community center, or your office. One thing is absolutely critical though-- make sure which ever venue you create has enough internet bandwidth to sustain your guests.
Step 3: Invite your developers
Start with your friends and work colleagues. There aren't too many people that are opposed to opening government. Getting them together to work on opening the government should be fun and exciting.
You may also want to reach out to your larger community. Talk to folks at the local Ruby, Python, PHP or other programming language/environment meetups, and user groups. Chances are there's some like-minded folks there who might want to help out. You can also find people on SunlightLabs.com who may be interested.
Step 4: Hold your event
As an organizer, you may have to project manage a bit, so it makes sense to come up with a plan of attack beforehand. Set up a google group or an informal list of people to collaborate and plan how you're going to spend your time working on the project.
Make sure to check your RSVP page for attendees heading your way so you can be prepared. And if you're using a public venue like a coffee house, restaurant or bar, make sure that they're prepared for you beforehand, and that you're gracious guests.
Step 5: Report back in
Let us know how your event went. Check in with us on our IRC channel #transparency at irc.freenode.net. We'd also love it if you took pictures of your event and sent them in to us to feature on our blog. Just send them to photos@sunlightlabs.com on the day of the event, or tag them as gah09 on Flickr.
Step 6: Pat Self On Back
Pat yourself on the back, as an event organizer, you've done great things for your community and your country. +1 yourself!