Technical Questions
What types of apps will we be developing?
All sorts of different apps. To set expectations, we are here to serve the nonprofits. Many of the nonprofits don’t have technical staff, which is why they come to us. Therefore, we need to create something that the nonprofits are going to be able to support going forward. As a result, the vast majority of what we do is going to be helping nonprofits with WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace. However, there are many different needs and some projects may involve creating or updating 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.
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.
Do I need to bring my own computer?
Yes. We will NOT be providing computers for people to work on. You will need to use your own computer. Most projects can be worked on from either Windows or Mac.
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, 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.
How much time do we have to work on the projects?
All weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). See the next question for hours.
How late can we stay each day?
We will be open from 6pm to 10pm on Friday, 8am to 10pm on Saturday, and 8am to 6pm on Sunday. See the schedule for more details.
When do we have to finish by on Sunday?
You will need to wrap things up and turn over 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 organization 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 organization.
What about parking?
There is parking on-site.
- The primary location is the parking deck located here: https://goo.gl/maps/fvzcpxaPAXKrMPgU8
- Alternative parking can be found right outside of the main lobby for building 86. https://goo.gl/maps/uGM8vmZPjF1UgcAA7
What will the work environment be like?
Fun & Exciting!
Will I learn anything during the weekend?
We can’t imagine not learning anything.