Introduction

What is Distributed Chaos?

Distributed Chaos (DC) is a grassroots movement focused on creating and nurturing local hacker communities without bureaucratic overhead. We believe in the power of decentralized, self-organizing groups that foster innovation, learning, and collaboration in technology.

Core Principles

Decentralization: There is no central authority. Each group operates independently while sharing knowledge and resources with the broader community.
Open Access: Knowledge should be freely shared. We encourage documentation, open-source projects, and transparent communication.
DIY Ethics: Embrace the hacker spirit of learning by doing, experimenting, and building.
Inclusive Communities: Welcome all skill levels and backgrounds. Focus on mentorship and knowledge exchange.
Minimal Structure: Keep organizational overhead low. Focus on doing rather than planning.

What We're Not

We're not a formal organization or corporation
We don't enforce strict rules or hierarchies
We're not exclusive or elitist

What We Do

Organize hackathons and project workshops
Share knowledge through tech talks and tutorials
Collaborate on open-source projects
Provide resources for starting and maintaining local groups
Connect different hacker communities worldwide

Getting Started

Ready to join or start a local Distributed Chaos group? Check out our Starting a Group guide or find an existing community near you.

Starting a Group

This guide will help you get started with practical steps and best practices.

Prerequisites

Passion for technology and community building
Basic organizational skills
A way to communicate with potential members
Optional: A meeting space (physical or virtual)

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Define Your Focus

2. Find Your First Members

3. Set Up Communication Channels

Suggested platforms:

Matrix/Element for chat
Signal for smaller groups
Mastodon for public announcements

4. Plan Your First Meeting

5. Establish Basic Guidelines

While staying true to the minimal-structure philosophy, consider:

Code of Conduct
Meeting frequency and format
Project collaboration methods
Knowledge sharing approaches

Running Successful Meetings

Growing Your Community

Document your activities
Share success stories
Welcome newcomers
Connect with other DC groups
Maintain a project showcase
Host events (hackathons, workshops)

Common Challenges and Solutions

Resources

Framework Overview

The Distributed Chaos framework provides guidelines and best practices for running local security groups while maintaining autonomy and independence.

Our goal is to provide a few simple organizing principles rather than to dictate how groups should operate. If your group agrees with our core principles, you're part of our hacker family. Beyond the core principles, we trust that you know best what will or won't work for your local hacker community.

Be Good

Security BSides put forward a core ethos that we feel is worth following: "Be good to, and for, the community."

Be Active

A meetup group that never meets isn't much of a meetup group. Whether online or in meatspace, DCGs should meet at least quarterly.

Be Open

Meetings should be open to the all. Diverse perspectives, experiences, and skills contribute to a richer and more innovative community.

Core Principles

The Distributed Chaos framework is built on fundamental principles that guide our approach to building and nurturing hacker communities. These principles reflect our values and shape how we operate.

1. Decentralization

Key Aspects

No central authority
Autonomous local groups
Organic growth
Resilient networks

Implementation

Independent local leadership
Peer-to-peer knowledge sharing
Local resource management
Community-driven initiatives
Inter-group collaboration

2. Open Knowledge

Key Aspects

Free information sharing
Open source preference
Transparent processes
Accessible learning

Implementation

Public documentation
Shared resources
Open workshops
Knowledge repositories
Skill sharing sessions

3. Privacy Respect

Key Aspects

Data minimization
Individual privacy
Informed consent
Transparent policies

Implementation

Privacy-first tools
Secure communications
Clear guidelines
Opt-in vs Opt-out participation

4. Community Resilience

Key Aspects

Sustainable practices
Resource sharing
Skill redundancy
Knowledge preservation
Adaptive planning

Implementation

Documentation systems
Resource pools
Cross-training
Backup plans
Community support

Remember

Principles should guide, not restrict
Local adaptation is key
Community needs first
Regular evaluation
Continuous improvement

These principles are living guidelines - they should evolve with your community while maintaining the core spirit of Distributed Chaos.

Group Structure

This guide outlines the recommended organizational structure for Distributed Chaos groups while maintaining our principles of minimal hierarchy and maximum flexibility.

Basic Structure

Core Team

Shared decision-making
Focus on facilitation
Minimal bureaucracy

Roles

Community Facilitator
- Event coordination
- Communication flow
- Conflict resolution
- Community wellbeing
Resource Coordinator
- Space management
- Tool maintenance
- Resource sharing
- Inventory tracking

Organizational Patterns

Small Groups (5-15 members)

Informal structure
Direct communication
Shared responsibilities
Project-based organization
Regular meetups

Medium Groups (15-50 members)

Basic role distribution
Working groups
Project teams
Communication channels
Regular events

Large Groups (50+ members)

Multiple working groups
Specialized teams
Documented processes
Clear communication paths
Regular coordination

Meeting Formats

This guide outlines various meeting formats for Distributed Chaos groups and provides detailed guidance on running effective meetings.

Core Meeting Types

1. Lightning Talks

Duration: 5-10 minutes per talk
Format: Multiple short presentations
Total Time: 1-2 hours

Structure

Introduction (5 min)
4-6 lightning talks
Q&A after each talk
Wrap-up discussion

Tips

Keep strict time limits
Use timer displays
Encourage diverse topics
Record for documentation
Prepare backup talks

2. Workshop Sessions

Duration: 2-3 hours
Format: Hands-on learning
Participants: 5-20

Structure

Setup (15 min)
Introduction (15 min)
Guided practice (1-1.5 hours)
Independent work (30 min)
Show and tell (15 min)

Tips

Test all prerequisites
Provide written guides
Have backup materials
Plan for different skill levels
Document common issues

3. Hack on stuff Nights

Duration: 3-4 hours
Format: Open project work
Style: Casual and collaborative

Structure

Project pitches (15 min)
Team formation (15 min)
Work time (2-3 hours)
Progress sharing (30 min)
Next steps planning

Tips

Provide basic tools
Encourage collaboration
Document progress
Share resources
Plan follow-ups

4. CTF (Capture The Flag)

Duration: 4-8 hours
Format: Security challenges
Style: Competitive learning

Structure

Challenge introduction
Team formation
Competition period
Solution sharing
Learning review

Tips

Vary difficulty levels
Provide hints system
Document solutions
Encourage teaching
Plan practice rounds

Duration: 1-2 hours
Format: Casual networking
Style: Relaxed and inclusive

Tips

Choose quiet venues
Plan ice breakers
Include newcomers
Share community news
Gather feedback

Venue Considerations

Physical Space Requirements

Essential Features
- Adequate seating
- Power outlets
- Internet access
- Presentation space
- Breakout areas
- Physical accessability
Amenities
- Restroom access
- Water/Booze
- Climate control
- Storage space

Meeting Facilitation

Before the Meeting

Preparation
- Confirm venue/platform
- Test equipment
- Prepare materials
- Send reminders
Setup
- Arrive early
- Test systems
- Prepare space

During the Meeting

Management
- Time keeping
- Flow control
- Engagement
- Documentation
Engagement
- Include everyone
- Monitor energy
- Adjust pace
- Handle questions
- Support active learning

After the Meeting

Wrap-up
- Summarize key points
- Plan next steps
- Gather feedback
- Clean up
- Document
Follow-up
- Share resources
- Send summary
- Update docs
- Plan improvements
- Thank participants

Special Considerations

Accessibility

Physical
- Venue access
- Seating options
- Clear signage
- Rest areas
- Support needs
Virtual
- Platform access
- Caption support
- Recording options
- Alternative formats
- Technical help

Hybrid Meetings

Setup
- Dual audio systems
- Multiple cameras
- Chat monitoring
- Engagement tools
- Technical support
Facilitation
- Balance attention
- Include everyone
- Manage interactions
- Technical backup
- Document sharing

Documentation

Meeting Records

Content
- Attendance
- Key discussions
- Decisions
- Action items
- Resources shared
Format
- Written notes
- Photos/videos
- Presentations
- Code/projects
- Follow-up tasks

Knowledge Management

Organization
- Clear structure
- Easy access
- Regular updates
- Version control
- Backup systems
Sharing
- Public access
- Permission levels
- Update process
- Archive system
- Search capability

Remember

Meeting Formats

These formats should be adapted to your group's needs while maintaining the core principles of Distributed Chaos.

Communication Channels

Sponsorship

Community Tools

This guide provides recommendations for tools and platforms that can help your Distributed Chaos group thrive while maintaining privacy, accessibility, and openness.

Communication Platforms

Real-time Chat

Matrix/Element
- Decentralized and open-source
- End-to-end encryption
- Cross-platform support
- Federation capabilities
- Self-hosting option
Signal
- Strong encryption
- Perfect for smaller groups
- Simple to use
- Mobile-first approach
Discord
- Popular among tech communities
- Rich feature set
- Good for larger communities
- Voice and video capabilities
- Note: Consider privacy implications

Asynchronous Communication

Mastodon
- Decentralized microblogging
- Open-source
- Federation capabilities
- Good for public announcements
Forums
- Discourse (recommended)
- Self-hosted options
- Searchable archives
- Structured discussions