Technical Volunteer Frequently Asked Questions

Technical Questions

Will types of apps will we be developing?

All sorts of different apps. Some will be websites developed or updated using WordPress, Wix, or SquareSpace. Other projects may involve creating or udpating an ASP.NET or PHP-based web application, or a mobile app, moving data from one database to another, or perhaps configuring SalesForce or Little Green Light for a nonprofit. See the list of projects.

I'm not an experienced developer. Will there be a place for me?

Yes. Seattle GiveCamp is a great place to learn from your peers. We are happy to have software professionals of all types and levels. Each team will be led by a more experienced developer.

Do I have to buy any software to participate?

No.

Will there be wireless internet available?

Yes!

Do I need to bring my own computer?

Yes. We will NOT be providing computers for people to work on. Bring your Windows or Mac laptop to the event.

Operational Questions

How does it work? How do I get matched up with a project or team?

Here's how it works...

• Before GiveCamp, you may want to study the list of projects, research the nonprofits you are most interested in, and think about where your skills might be best used and/or which project or charity most excites you. We ask that you have some alternatives in case your favorite project's team is full.
• At the opening presentation on Friday night, after a tasty pizza dinner, you will learn about each of the projects. You will then get to talk to the nonprofit representatives and your fellow volunteers.
• After you've had a chance to talk to the nonprofits, it's time to pick your project. No one will assign you a project, but we do have some limitations on the size of each team. That is, we will have a minimum and a maximum number of volunteers for each team and we ask that you be open to working on different projects and try to help us create balanced teams so that every project is successful.

See agenda page for the Friday night schedule when teams are formed.

Will there be food and drink or do I need to bring my own?

We will have lots of food and drink. Expect munchies, soda, coffee, pizza, etc. If you are on site for breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner, you will not go hungry! See the agenda page for meal info. If you have any unusual food/drink requirements, we have made every effort to accommodate you, but you are also welcome to supplement by bringing your own stuff! Note: we will have vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

How much time do we have to work on the projects?

All weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). See next question for hours.

How late can we stay each day?

We will be open from 6pm to 11pm on Friday, 8am to 11pm on Saturday, and 8am to 6pm on Sunday. See schedule for more details.

When do we have to finish by on Sunday?

You will need to wrap things up and turnover the project deliverables to the nonprofit by around 2pm on Sunday. But you'll want to stick around for the closing ceremonies where you get to show off your project to the other GiveCampers, eat cupcakes, and celebrate what you've accomplished in one weekend.

So, after the weekend is done, will I have to finish and/or support the app?

No! The GiveCamp model is that you are done on Sunday. However, if you like what the nonprofit organzation is doing and wish to continue to help them after Seattle GiveCamp, we won't stop you, but any arrangements are between you and the nonprofit organzation.

Will there be whiteboards available for our use?

Yes.

What about parking?

We got you covered! You can park for free in the Microsoft parking garage. See location page for more info.

What will the work environment be like?

Fun & Exciting!

Will I learn anything during the weekend?

We can't imagine not learning something.