Scratch Day: From Global to Local

Scratch Day is a network of face-to-face local gatherings, on the same day in all parts of the world, where people can meet, share, and learn more about Scratch, a new programming environment that enables people to create their own interactive stories, games, animations, and simulations. We believe that these types of face-to-face interactions remain essential for ensuring the accessibility and sustainability of initiatives such as Scratch. In-person interactions enable richer forms of communication among individuals, more rapid iteration of ideas, and a deeper sense of belonging and participation in a community. The first Scratch Day will take place on May 16, 2009. Already, Scratch Day events are being planned in more than 20 countries, including Colombia, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Palestine, Romania, Russia, South Korea, Taiwan, and Uruguay, as well as the United States.

Since the launch of the Scratch website in 2007, a thriving online community has developed around Scratch. More than 338,500 people from around the world have registered on the website, where they share Scratch projects and ideas with one another. On Scratch Day, we shift from global to local, enabling people to meet and collaborate with Scratchers from their own neighborhoods and communities.

We believe that these types of face-to-face interactions remain essential for ensuring the accessibility and sustainability of initiatives such as Scratch. In-person interactions enable richer forms of communication among individuals, more rapid iteration of ideas, and a deeper sense of belonging and participation in a community.