Comment by brooksgarrett

The biggest problem with this question is the breadth of the term 'hacker'. Hackers tend to clump into whatever projects they are currently working on. Try starting off in places like #ubuntu and other projects (that interest you!) that are very newbie friendly. Master a topic and try helping other newbies with that topic. It takes time but my personal experience is the best way to be involved in the 'hacker' culture is to be recognized as someone who brings value and contributions back to the group, regardless of the size of those contributions.