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** Improve your FOI know-how
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** and more news from mySociety
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** March 2024
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A woman typing on a tablet in a public space
** We are sharing so much FOI knowledge
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We're two seminars down in the Freedom of Information for Campaigning and Advocacy series, and there's still more to come.
The good news is, you can access all the sweet, sweet knowledge that's been imparted
so far, either by watching the seminars on video, or by reading our summaries.
** Getting the most from FOI
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Seminar 1 rattled through a bunch of tips for maximising the chances of getting the results you want from FOI. Revisit it here ([link removed]) .
** Telling stories with FOI data
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In seminar 2, three experts told us how to make sure that, once the responses are in, your findings reach a wide audience. Enjoy it all over again right here ([link removed]) .
** Join us at the next FOI seminar
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We'll be looking at how to change disparate FOI responses into clean datasets that help support your campaigning or advocacy, with Maya Esslemont from After Exploitation ([link removed]) , and Kay Achenbach from Open Data Institute ([link removed]) . Reserve your spot by signing up on Eventbrite ([link removed]) .
Book your free spot here ([link removed])
Inside parliament
** Gaza ceasefire votes
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Time moves fast in politics, so the kerfuffle over Parliament's vote on a Gaza ceasefire last month may now be little more than a blurred memory.
However, it brought up some important points on parliamentary procedure, around both Opposition Day votes, and how to record 'voice votes' on TheyWorkForYou. Our blog post ([link removed]) explains it all in simple terms.
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We do a lot of different things here at mySociety, and we appreciate that not everyone will be interested in every single part of it.
So if you've got a minute, please tell us a bit more about yourself ([link removed]) , and we'll work towards sending you the stuff you really want to read.
** In case you missed it: Local Intelligence Hub
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Our latest project, the Local Intelligence Hub ([link removed]) , is already proving useful to organisations working nationally or locally on climate, nature and environmental issues.
The national picture: Take a look at the map page ([link removed]) to explore questions like, "Which areas of the country are concerned about paying energy bills, and have high support for onshore wind power? Or: "Which constituencies have high levels of deprivation and a strong climate activist network?" You can combine multiple questions like these to focus in on the areas where your work will have the most impact.
If you work locally, type in your postcode ([link removed]) to head to your constituency page, where you can discover information about your MP, public opinion, factors like air or river pollution… and lots more.
What do the forthcoming boundary changes mean to you? We've covered that here ([link removed]) .
The Local Intelligence Hub was created in partnership with the Climate Coalition and with support from Green Alliance. Coming soon: Local Authorities!
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National view
Constituency view
** Call for proposals: closes 22 March
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TICTeC 2024 12 and 13 June in London
We want to hear about your project at TICTeC this year! if you've got hands-on experience of building or using civic tech around climate or democracy, do consider submitting a proposal ([link removed]) for a presentation or workshop.
** Join the TICTeC buzz
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It's been a while since we ran an in-person TICTeC — you might have forgotten the joy of it, beyond the opportunities for learning and sharing. So much happens between sessions: new connections are made, discussions take flight and, dare we say, friendships are forged! Don't miss out: book your tickets to join us in London now ([link removed]) .
A selection of mySociety's useful websites
** Your donations help us run projects like these
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We are not publicly funded, and your donations help us carry on helping people to engage meaningfully in democracy. If you're able, please consider making a contribution today.
Donate now ([link removed])
** What we're reading
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* Our US pals at Muckrock have put out a guide to researching political candidates ahead of elections ([link removed]) — much of which can also be applied over here.
* Trains? Maps? We're here for it ([link removed]) .
* "The space between techno-optimism and reality [...] is where delivery takes place, services are transformed, and innovation becomes reality." People first, always ([link removed]) .
* Geeks For Social Change are hiring in Greater Manchester ([link removed]) — but will remove this advert as soon as the position is filled, so be quick!
* You don't have to be a British Citizen to vote in UK elections: see where you can vote on this new website ([link removed]) from Citizens UK, Migrant Democracy Project and Just Register.
* Roads are 'the nexus of history, geography, travel, and government, a seemingly perfect subject for the hyper-fixations of Wikipedia'. And yet ([link removed]) .
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Through our trading subsidiary SocietyWorks (05798215) we also provide commercial services.
Image credits: Person at laptop - ** Christina at wocintech ([link removed])
; ** UK Parliament – Central Lobby ([link removed])
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