[mpw-staff] Indy Python Workshop: childcare, sponsorship, and a re-announcement

[Catherine Devlin]

And now for an amended announcement... *blush*

The paid childcare staff I'd been working out fell through (they
needed a firm answer on whether we could fund them before I could get
them that answer), so we shouldn't promise childcare.  I'll probe the
attendees for whether they need it, and possibly work out
volunteer-run care if needed, but we shouldn't promise it in advance
after all.  Thus, I'm including an amended version of the announcement
with the references to childcare omitted.

Also, there's still plenty of room in the workshop, and we'd like to
see it full to bursting!  So keep thinking about individuals and
groups you can pass the invitation along to.  I'd especially like to
get the word out among students - not just college, but high school
students as well.

Thanks, and we'll see many of you this weekend!

- Catherine

===

===

What: A free, project-driven introduction to Python for women and their friends
When: Friday, April 13, 6pm-9pm, and Saturday, April 14, 9:30am-4:30pm
Where: Wyndham Indianapolis West (alongside Indiana LinuxFest)
RSVP: http://www.meetup.com/python-182/events/53792112/
Homepage: https://openhatch.org/wiki/Indianapolis_Python_Workshop

--

Learn to program at the Indianapolis Python Workshop, April 13 & 14 at
Indiana LinuxFest!

The Indianapolis Python Workshop is a free, weekend-long introductory
programming event for women using the Python programming language. No
prior programming experience is required! Learn and practice
programming fundamentals through fun projects like building a Twitter
client and cheating at Words with Friends.   This workshop is
hands-down the best event in the region for learning to program in a
supportive, beginner-friendly environment.  While the focus is on
women, men are welcome to attend as guests.

===

Learn and practice Python basics with this project-driven workshop!

Audience: Women and their friends who have no or limited programming
experience. This event is welcoming and respectful of trans women. Men
are welcome as guests of women who are attending (please RSVP as
well).

On Friday evening you'll set up your laptop for programming and start
learning Python through a self-paced tutorial and online practice
problems, with tutors at hand for any questions.

On Saturday we'll spend the morning on a lecture-based introduction to
the language, taking breaks to practice concepts on bite-sized
exercises. In the afternoon we'll break out into groups to practice
Python through short projects on a variety of fun and practical
topics.

The workshop is run by women from the Indiana region and by leaders of
the famous Boston Python Workshop, which has already introduced
hundreds of women and their friends to programming.  Check out photos
and feedback from previous Boston Python Workshops:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bostonpythonworkshop

You must be able to attend both days of the workshop to participate.
If you need childcare to attend, please contact us so that we can help
with arrangements.

Our goal is to provide an environment in which women can develop their
programming skills with confidence.

Venue
-----

The workshop takes place at the Wyndham Indianapolis West (2544
Executive Dr, Indianapolis 46241) on the premises of Indiana
LinuxFest.  No Linux interest is required, but being at LinuxFest is a
great opportunity to see some of the open-source community up close.
In either case, please register for Indiana Linuxfest at
http://indianalinux.org after you sign up for the workshop (both are
free).

Schedule
--------

Friday evening (4/13): laptop setup and first steps with Python

6pm to 9pm: set up your development environment and start learning Python.
Things to bring: a wireless-enabled laptop (any operating system).
Contact us to arrange a loaner laptop, if needed.

Saturday (4/14): lecture and projects

9:30am - 10am: settle in and review Friday's material.
10am - Noon: welcome and lecture-based introduction to Python with
hands-on practice.
Noon - 1pm: lunch, provided by us! If you have dietary restrictions,
please e-mail us as you RSVP.
1pm - 4pm: projects!
4pm - 4:30pm: wrap-up and next steps.
Things to bring: the same wireless-enabled laptop from Friday.

Saturday projects:

Using the Twitter API to write parts of a Twitter client.
Wordplay and how to cheat at Words with Friends.
Programming graphical effects for a ColorWall.

We hope to see you there - please spread the word!  Also, we are
looking for event sponsors - please contact catherine.devlin at gmail.com
if you can refer us to prospective supporters.

Homepage: https://openhatch.org/wiki/Indianapolis_Python_Workshop

Sponsors
--------

Python Software Foundation (python.org/psf)

Fewer Hassles (fewerhassles.com)

DirectEmployers (directemployersfoundation.org): Thumb drive sponsor

We are still seeking sponsors, at levels from $225 to $600.  Please
contact catherine.devlin at gmail.com for details.

-- 
- Catherine
http://catherinedevlin.blogspot.com