Calling developers, geeks and techies alike: Here’s a chance to give back by using your passion and skills for technology.
GiveCamp, a weekend-long event that brings together software developers, designers and database administrators who donate their time to build custom software for non-profits, kicks off at the Microsoft Commons this Friday, Oct. 19 at 6 p.m. and ends 48 hours later on Sunday, Oct. 21 at 6 p.m.
There are 37 charity projects available already, with some of the descriptions listed here. Requests range from building mobile apps to redesigning websites to implementing CMS.
Volunteers can commit one or more days, and people with essentially any tech expertise, whether it’s using WordPress or Microsoft Access, can provide help for different teams. And you don’t have to be a skilled techie to help out — GiveCamp seeks event staff volunteers to support the developers.
GiveCamp provides all the software that volunteers will need to maintain, update and extend their applications. Developers must turn over all source code to the charities after Sunday night and the charities are responsible for maintaining the code moving forward.
It’s the event’s third year in the Seattle region. Microsoft senior technical evangelist Chris Koenig started GiveCamp in Dallas in 2007. In five years, the program has benefitted over 150 charities and donated developer and designer services valued at about $100,000. GiveCamp events take place all around the nation.
If you want to help out, head here to fill out a volunteer form.
One reminder: Don’t forget your sleeping bag, pillow, toothbrush and deodorant. Can’t let bad hygiene get in the way of great programming.
