Hackathons aren't just for programming –– in general, the format works well for any task that requires collaboration and can be accomplished in a relatively short timeframe with few materials beyond internet access. Hackathons have been held for lots of different things in the past, but we’re going to try something new: hosting hackathons for policy drafting and general knowledge production.
More or less. Most legislation is already written by adults in their mid to late twenties; we’re just getting the process started a little bit earlier.
There are lots of reasons to think that college students can do things that ordinary centers of knowledge production –– like think tanks, advocacy groups, and political parties –– can't do. One reason is that most people at entry level positions of knowledge producing institutions are career-oriented; they have to please their superiors, who have to please their donors. Additionally, their career orientation forces them to focus on integating themselves into the existing policy world. All of these factors combine to restrict young researchers’ political imaginations.
Finally, the people producing legislation and analyzing public policy are not representative of the population at large. They are more likely to be white, rich, and male, mainly due to the network of elite high schools and colleges that act as feeders, the large role that personal connections play in securing roles in these institutions, and systemic discrimination.
A hackathon aimed at legislation can correct some of these problems, by creating a space for the expression of political knowledge outside of the existing knowledge centers, and by giving anyone a platform to spread their ideas.
Pretty much whatever you want! Design a new health care system, legislation for public financing of elections, a community policing proposal, a method of citizen review for pardoning non-violent offenders... The list goes on. To get started, check out our SUBREDDIT and TUMBLR, and start finding people who you think would be cool to work with!
Also, be sure to check out the Participate page, where you can be notified about events near you.