Weekly briefing: Hackers in government; 100 ways to learn for free

Top Stories

Reprogramming power: Audrey Tang is bringing hacker culture to the state. Reimagining the role of minister as that of a chatroom moderator, Tang and hacktivist collective g0v are shaking up Taiwan's government with radical reforms, participatory democracy and uncompromising transparency.
(Apolitical)

The skills you need for the jobs of tomorrow: 100 ways to learn for free. Want to be a more competent communicator, or develop your data and digital capacities? Apolitical has compiled the best online resources to help you brush up the skills modern public servants need.
(Apolitical)

Quiz: How much do you really know about migration policy? Refugees and migrants are regular fixtures in the news, but there’s a lot people misunderstand about them. Test your knowledge of migration policy across the world with our latest quiz.
(Apolitical)

Top Writing From Our Members

Do gig workers really value flexibility, or would they prefer guaranteed work? A survey of 20,000 zero-hours contract and gig economy workers found that a majority want more work and regular hours — and prize job security over autonomy.
(Nikhil Datta, The London School of Economics)

Layoffs in the public sector have very different consequences. Downsizing is more disheartening in the public service, where job security has historically been a key benefit. Governments must do more to protect their employees from economic downturns.
(Jaclyn Piatak, University of North Carolina)

Energy, Environment and Economic Opportunity

California uses revenue from its cap-and-trade program to bring renewable energy to poor communities. Government uses 35% of funds from the multi-billion dollar program to install free solar power and low-energy water heaters in low-income households. This helps them save up to 75% on electric bills.
(Yale E360)

Health and Ageing

In 2017, Zimbabwean grandmothers helped 30,000 people tackle depression. Trained to deliver free talk therapy on public benches, the grandmothers fill a gap in affordable, accessible mental health services. The program was found to have better results than traditional therapy.
(BBC)

The UK appointed a minister for suicide prevention. Health Minister Jackie Doyle-Price will take on the additional role as part of the UK’s push to tackle mental health issues. Some 4,500 people take their lives in England each year, and suicide is the leading cause of death for men under 45.
(The New York Times)

Education and Changing Jobs

Singapore will no longer rank children by exam results. Class discussions, homework and quizzes will replace tests. The goal is to bring school standards in line with Singapore’s workplace needs, which means more focus on ‘soft’ skills like critical thinking, self-awareness and leadership.
(The World Economic Forum)

Safety and Justice

A pilot in Tajikistan halved violence against women, causing depression and suicide to plummet. It combined counselling, skills training and mentoring in two communities where 60% of women had previously experienced abuse. Following the intervention, women’s earnings increased fourfold.
(The Guardian)

Evolving Cities

New York’s beleaguered transit agency reached out to the tech sector for help. Facing declining ridership, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority will launch an accelerator where public servants can collaborate with the private sector on solutions to escalating congestion and persistent subway delays.
(The Verge)

And finally

Want to learn how to roll a joint? The government of New Brunswick is here to help. The province’s newly appointed cannabis agency provides step-by-step instructions for consumption on its website. Canada became the first major world economy to legalise marijuana last week.
(Cannabis NB)