On Saturday I was lucky enough to meet a long-held ambition and visit the 826 Valencia projectin San Francisco. Fantasic.

On Sunday I woke up to a feature in the Observer around coding for kids, including a manifesto for teaching computer science in the 21st century. Excellent.

I was then lucky enough to point Daniel, CEO and founder of TechSoup (our host in SF), to myreflection on working with Young Rewired State in Manchester.  He shared some thoughts on thedynamics and tensions for change makers - including an inspiring link to the story of Vlad and theResource Center for Student Organizations.

On Monday I met Steve from SAP.  He runs a programme that brings SAP technology staff, skills and resources into non-profit causes across the globe.  Steve wants to work with NetSquared, which I organise in Manchester.  I was reminded of DJ, who develops SAP projects, but also bought pizza for Manchester Young Rewired State last year!

Blimey – how things connect

Creating Space

I’ve been talking a lot with my fellow #net2glc bod Aysegul about how making, curating and maintaining a common and open space is important for the conditions for change.  Booking the room, opening the doors and holding the coats… For me, this is crucial.

An Open Space for Coding for Kids

With all this floating around, I’m more hyped to take forward the idea of maintaining a space for young people to mess about with technology, but outside of school.

The campaign to change UK education is admirable and needed, something I fully support.  But stuff like the MadLab, 826 Valencia, Young Rewired State and Net Squared happen outside of established institutional timetables.  Let’s make sure that alongside much-needed school changes, there is a space for access to people, skills and resources via free association.

How to push it?

Two immediate ways:

1 - Join us at MadLab on 30th April for a planning meeting about Young Rewired State.  Find out more, and meet some of the YRS’ers.

2 - Pledge support for YRS nationally.  This year, there is an amazing ambition of 500 participants across 50 centres – bringing them together at a “summer of code”

See you there