Getting Started

We understand that it can take enormous physical and emotional effort to organize a community event, therefore we have compiled this Organizer’s Kit to help you get things started.

If this is your first time organizing an event, we encourage you to start small.

Your PCD does not need to be a large event, or professionally produced, to be impactful. What matters most is creating a space where people can connect with each other around creative coding.

A minimum viable PCD might look like:

• 1-2 organizers
• 1 space (a room, studio, classroom, coffee shop, or online)
• 1 simple activity (a small workshop, talk, book club session, screening, or collaborative coding session)
• A small group of participants (even 5-15 people is enough)
• A few photos or a short recap to share back with the community

Many of the most impactful community events start this way. You can grow your PCD over time.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, ask yourself:

• What is the simplest version of this event I can realistically host?
• What type of events do people show up for in my community?
• Which spaces are available and how many people will fit there?
• What can I organize with the time and energy I have?

If you need inspiration for activities to run at your PCD, check out the Zine Library, which contains a collection of ready-to-run workshops and activities created by the community. You are also welcome to create your own zine and share it with the community. See How to Make a Zine for more information.

Theme adapted from Just the Docs, used under the MIT License.