minor changes and converted docx file to markown

.gitignore

@@ -65,3 +65,4 @@ static/
 
 # Miscellaneous
 *.locksite/
+site/

archive/civic-tech-community-organizer-toolkit.md

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+# Civic Tech Community Organizer Toolkit
+
+**Version:** 1.0  
+**Date:** August 30, 2017  
+**Updated by:** Isha Nepal and Emily Kuzan  
+
+---
+
+## About This Toolkit
+
+Civic tech communities are being established in cities around the world. These volunteer-run hubs foster innovation and networking between public servants, technology professionals, designers, and civic activists. At the heart of these communities is the weekly “hacknight.”  
+
+This toolkit provides key tips to help you establish and run successful hacknights. It is a collaborative, living document created by Isha Nepal and Emily Kuzan on behalf of Code for Canada, with contributions from organizers in the global civic tech community.  
+
+---
+
+## Table of Contents
+
+1. [About Civic Tech Community Groups](#about-civic-tech-community-groups)
+2. [How to Start a Civic Tech Community Group](#how-to-start-a-civic-tech-community-group)
+3. [How to Organize a Civic Tech Hacknight](#how-to-organize-a-civic-tech-hacknight)
+4. [How to Keep Your Hacknights Running Smoothly](#how-to-keep-your-hacknights-running-smoothly)
+5. [Templates You Can Adapt](#templates-you-can-adapt)
+6. [Further Reading](#further-reading)
+7. [Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)](#frequently-asked-questions-faqs)
+8. [Toolkit Requests and Roadmap](#toolkit-requests-and-roadmap)
+
+---
+
+## About Civic Tech Community Groups
+
+The main goal of civic tech groups is to bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds to solve civic challenges using technology and design, typically through weekly “hacknights.”
+
+### Common Characteristics of Civic Tech Hacknights:
+- **Regular Meetings:** Weekly, biweekly, or monthly gatherings lasting 2.5-3 hours.
+- **Structured Agenda:** Introductions, optional presentations, and project hacking.
+- **Inclusivity:** Civic Tech 101 sessions to onboard new members.
+
+### Key Ingredients for a Successful Hacknight:
+1. **Environment:** Create a collaborative and welcoming space.
+2. **Attendance:** Encourage diverse participation for cross-sector collaboration.
+3. **Projects:** Provide at least two project options to engage participants.
+4. **Adaptability:** Tailor hacknights to your community's specific needs.
+
+---
+
+## How to Start a Civic Tech Community Group
+
+### 1. Find Co-Founders
+- Identify passionate individuals to share responsibilities.
+- Reach out to colleagues or your network to build a founding team.
+
+### 2. Organize a Trial Hacknight
+- Test the concept with a small, prototype event.
+- Promote through social media or platforms like Meetup.com.
+- Seed the event with at least one project idea.
+
+---
+
+## How to Organize a Civic Tech Hacknight
+
+### 1. Find a Venue
+- Look for accessible locations like tech firms, shared workspaces, libraries, or community centers.
+- Ensure basic amenities like Wi-Fi, projectors, and workspaces.
+
+### 2. Find Speakers (Optional)
+- Speakers can provide insights and attract attendees.
+- Rotate speakers monthly or invite individuals with relevant expertise.
+
+### 3. Send Invitations
+- Invite technologists, designers, civil servants, and community activists.
+- Use email templates or social media to publicize the event.
+
+---
+
+## How to Keep Your Hacknights Running Smoothly
+
+- Use tools like Meetup.com, Slack, and GitHub to stay organized.
+- Rotate organizers to prevent burnout.
+- Maintain clear roles with templates for agendas, speaker scheduling, and more.
+
+---
+
+## Templates You Can Adapt
+
+These templates can be customized for your community:
+- Agenda and MC Talking Points
+- Civic Tech 101 Slides
+- Code of Conduct
+- Hacknight Roles
+- Speaker Scheduling
+
+---
+
+## Further Reading
+
+- [Civic Tech Communities in Canada](http://codefor.ca/community-network/)
+- [Code for America Brigades](http://brigade.codeforamerica.org/brigade/)
+
+---
+
+## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
+
+### How do civic tech hacknights differ from other hacknights?
+Civic tech hacknights include a civic-focused element, solving public interest issues in addition to technical challenges.
+
+### How can I connect local governments and activists?
+Collaboration starts with outreach and communication. Use platforms like Slack and Meetup to engage both groups.
+
+---
+
+## Toolkit Requests and Roadmap
+
+We welcome feedback and suggestions to improve this toolkit. Share your ideas or request new content by commenting directly or reaching out to the authors.
+
+---
+
+*This document is a living resource and will evolve with contributions from the global civic tech community.*

docs/faq/index.md

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-# faq
+# Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
 
-Welcome to the faq section.
+## What is CivicTechWR?
+CivicTechWR is a community group focused on solving local issues through design and technology.
+
+## How can I get involved?
+You can get involved by attending our meetups, joining our Slack, and contributing to our projects on GitHub. Check the [Get Involved](../index.md#get-involved) section for more details.
+
+## When and where are the meetups?
+Our meetups are usually scheduled regularly. You can find the latest schedule and venue details on our [Meetup page](https://www.meetup.com/civictechwr/).
+
+## How can I join the Slack community?
+Join our Slack community by following this [invite link](https://join.slack.com/t/civictechwr/shared_invite/zt-2ldijjy0i-gaGvPkuafPt9Zpn7jml70w).
+
+## What kind of projects does CivicTechWR work on?
+We work on a variety of projects that aim to address local community issues using technology and design. Check our [GitHub repository](https://github.com/CivicTechWR) to see our current and past projects.
+
+## How can I contribute to a project?
+You can contribute by checking out our projects on [GitHub](https://github.com/CivicTechWR) and following the contribution guidelines provided in each project repository.
+
+## Who can join CivicTechWR?
+Anyone with an interest in using technology and design to solve community issues is welcome to join.
+
+## Do I need any specific skills to join?
+No specific skills are required. We welcome people with diverse backgrounds and skill sets.
+
+## How can I stay updated on CivicTechWR activities?
+You can stay updated by joining our [Meetup group](https://www.meetup.com/civictechwr/), our [Slack community](https://join.slack.com/t/civictechwr/shared_invite/zt-2ldijjy0i-gaGvPkuafPt9Zpn7jml70w), and following our [GitHub repository](https://github.com/CivicTechWR).
+
+## Where can I find more information?
+For more detailed information, visit our [website](https://civictechwr.org).

docs/index.md

@@ -5,26 +5,32 @@ CivicTechWR is a community group dedicated to solving local issues through desig
 ## Sections
 
 ### Policies
-- [Code of Conduct](policies/Code_of_Conduct.md)
-- [Diversity and Inclusion Policy](policies/Diversity_and_Inclusion_Policy.md)
+Explore the principles and rules guiding our community:
+- [Code of Conduct](policies/Code_of_Conduct.md): Our standards for respectful and inclusive behavior.
+- [Diversity and Inclusion Policy](policies/Diversity_and_Inclusion_Policy.md): Promoting diversity and equity.
 
 ### Guidelines
-- [Communication Guidelines](guidelines/Communication_Guidelines.md)
-- [Contribution Guidelines](guidelines/Contribution_Guidelines.md)
-- [Event Planning Guide](guidelines/Event_Planning_Guide.md)
-- [Social Media Guidelines](guidelines/SocialMedia_Guidelines.md)
+Learn how to communicate, contribute, and plan effectively:
+- [Communication Guidelines](guidelines/Communication_Guidelines.md): Best practices for communication.
+- [Contribution Guidelines](guidelines/Contribution_Guidelines.md): Steps for getting involved and contributing.
+- [Event Planning Guide](guidelines/Event_Planning_Guide.md): Organizing events and meetups.
+- [Social Media Guidelines](guidelines/SocialMedia_Guidelines.md): Managing our social media presence.
 
 ### Meeting Minutes
+Keep track of past discussions and decisions:
 - [2024-06-19 Meeting Minutes](meeting-minutes/2024-06-19_Meeting_Minutes.md)
 
 ### Templates
+Useful templates for effective collaboration:
 - [Event Planning Template](ctwr-templates/Event_Planning_Template.md)
 - [Meeting Minutes Template](ctwr-templates/Meeting_Minutes_Template.md)
 
 ### FAQ
+Find answers to common questions:
 - [Frequently Asked Questions](faq/index.md)
 
 ## Get Involved
+
 Explore the documentation to find out how you can contribute to our projects, attend events, and collaborate with others in the CivicTechWR community.
 
 ### Attend Our Meetups