░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░
░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░
▛▚ ▌ ▞▔▔▚ ▞▔▔▚ ▌ ▚ ▌ ▞ ▞ ▌ ▚ ▌ ▚ ▚ ▌ ▚▌ ▚▂▂▞ ▚▂▂▞
▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒
NEXT MEETING
Plot
937 Sun Mun Way
Los Angeles, CA (Chinatown)
Bring a laptop.
Every other Tuesday, 7pm.
▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒
Computers are everywhere. Phones, laptops, cars, and even some refrigerators are now computers. Initially designed as high-end professional tools, computers have become an unremarkable fact of life in Los Angeles, and around the world.
In the past decade, in particular, programming was touted as an easy path towards receiving a good income. Computing culture has recently focused so heavily on the utility (and profitability) of computing that the simple joy of creative use has been largely drowned out.
Now, the spectre of “AI” has changed computer users and their usage, likely forever. This moment could inspire a wellspring of creativity. Instead, many people are, understandably, quite anxious about their own future. Computing is in crisis, as is the world.
NCC is an experiment in learning to use computers the way people have for decades: in-person, with each other, sharing tools, time, and what we know. Our goal is to practice that with each other, and open it up to the public at large.
We believe that people learn best by trying things, together with others — this is particularly true for programming.
NCC is anchored around an open social environment for learning, teaching, and creative practice with computers.
We aim to create a safe, welcoming, participatory space for computer users of all levels, from all backgrounds. There's no prerequisite for showing up. Even a computer is optional, but strongly encouraged.
While we accept (and encourage) the work coming out of NCC be tied to local projects and purposes, the only true purpose of NCC is to create a space for creative exploration. Making stuff on the internet is isolating, and a social space for computing outside of the workplace is needed.
NELA Computer Club is something we create together. There is no “owner,” no “organizer,” no “host” who can determine its fate alone.
Decentralization is not structurelessness; we actively experiment with the building blocks of governance. We have a board for legal and logistical purposes, a membership program, and are building internal tools to keep NCC alive and vibrant. Most decisions (what we do, how we do it, who we are to each other) are through shared member participation, in person and online.
Hopefully, this work will be minimal. If not, we hope it is at least somewhat fun.
We can't divorce computing from the world it lives in and affects.
Every microchip is the product of complex trade networks of international capital. All electricity affects our carbon footprint. Companies track our every search, purchase, and movement. “The cloud,” “AI,” and “user experience” are metaphors that frame our mental model of the world.
Part of what we practice together is noticing this; and figuring out what to do about it.
That includes mutual help with things like getting off surveillance platforms, understanding what our tools actually do, and contributing to the open-source software that quietly runs the world.
NCC is meant to create a place to explore, learn, and grow with computers, and with each other.
Los Angeles is one of the most diverse cities in the world. Honoring that means consciously creating space for the widest variety of people possible: without discrimination based on race, gender, class, sexuality, ability, age, or socioeconomic status.
The Berlin Code of Conduct offers a simple framework for this, including the following expected behavior:
The full details of the Social Rules are available on the Recurse Center website.