Keeping local Drupal developer and user communities engaged, inspired and growing is challenging. Meetups are great but can only go so far given their short format. Not every community has the financial and human resources to mount a full-blown camp —- and even the best camps happen infrequently and can’t meet the needs of everyone.

The Twin Cities (MN) Drupal community recently organized an “uncamp” — not really an unconference, not really a camp. In 3 short weeks with light-planning and a small budget we pulled off a one-day event designed to level the participation field giving equal opportunity to the spectrum those who attended — from people totally new to Drupal to veteran developers — to have their burning questions addressed, learn new skills and share their knowledge (technical and non-technical alike).

Utilizing a mashup of alternative facilitating techniques like Pro-Action Café based on Open Space Technology, we found participants without prior preparation were confident to bring their issues to the group and inspired meaningful proactive discussion and learning. Many reported that this was one of the best, most valuable events they’ve attended.

In this Lab we’ll first delve into the details of the Twin Cities Drupal Open House (TCD’OH!) event to demonstrate how this model can be modified and replicated in your community. And because experience is the best way to learn, we’ll all participate in a full Pro Action Café. You’ll get a direct taste of the power of this technique and learn how to facilitate one yourself.

All in all, we’ll explore:

• Venue, budget, size
• Reaching both inside and outside your community
• Uncamp” structure and principles
• Specific activities and facilitation techniques
• How this type of event fits in context with other local community events (meet ups, camps, etc.)

Barry Madore and Tim Erickson have both been trained in alternative dialogue and event facilitation techniques and have been active in the Drupal, nonprofit, arts and civic engagement communities in the Twin Cities and internationally.