Why should you volunteer with dsmHack?

  • Our Vision

    We envision a community where technology is never a barrier to doing good.

    Our Mission

    Create opportunities to connect local nonprofit organizations and technologists to cultivate organizational and individual growth.

  • Small nonprofits have limited operating budgets which often leaves them vulnerable and at a disadvantage. Once a year, we create opportunities for local nonprofit leaders to get the technological assistance that they need, which helps to ensure that their organizations are able to thrive and accomplish meaningful goals.

  • Absolutely! We hear from our nonprofits all the time how much this gift has meant to them and their organization.

  • Absolutely! At the end of the 2024 charity hackathon, we will provide each volunteer with a digital certificate that they can add to their LinkedIn profile. You can also list it on your résumé under volunteer experiences.

  • JavaScript, Python, Java, C#, C++, HTML/CSS, SQL, TypeScript, PHP, and Ruby are the most common languages, but hackers constantly surprise us with their remarkable skill sets.

  • Our annual nonprofit charity hackathon is a great, fun, and memorable Networking experience. We do have an expectation that each team deliver a finished product during the 48-hour hackathon. However, sometimes follow-up appointments are needed in order to ensure that the nonprofit is able to effectively utilize the technology. In these situations, volunteers are free to swap contact information at their discretion.

  • Shoot us an email at info@dsmhack.org or join our mailing list and we will notify you when new opportunities to get involved become available.

Our volunteers include…

Designers

Are you passionate about using your design skills for social good? Whether you specialize in graphic design, UX/UI, or application development, your expertise is invaluable in helping our teams develop user-centric and visually compelling solutions that address the needs of local nonprofits.

Coders/Developers

Whether you're a seasoned pro or a coding enthusiast, your expertise is needed to develop strategic remedies to issues faced by local nonprofits. Whether it’s building web applications or crafting mobile solutions, your time volunteering with dsmHack can make a real difference in the lives of others! Join us as we harness the power of technology to drive positive change and create a world where technology is never a barrier to doing good.

DevOps Engineers

Your skills in continuous integration, deployment, and infrastructure management are crucial for ensuring that the projects developed during the event are scalable, resilient, and efficient. By participating, you'll collaborate with a diverse and talented team, streamline development processes, and help turn visionary ideas into operational realities.

Agility Experts

Are you a Certified Scrum Master? Joining dsmHack is a fantastic opportunity to lead agile teams, foster collaboration, and drive the development of innovative solutions to real-world challenges. Your skills in facilitating agile processes, removing impediments, and ensuring smooth workflow will be crucial in helping our teams achieve their goals within the hackathon’s dynamic and fast-paced environment.

Business Analysts

Strong analytical thinkers who can effectively communicate with nonprofit leaders to assess their organization’s needs, identify opportunities for improvement, and develop strategic solutions that drive social impact. Whether you specialize in process optimization, data analysis, or market research, your skills are vital in helping nonprofits reach their goals.

Database Administrators

Your skills in database management, security, and optimization are essential for ensuring that the innovative solutions developed during the event are reliable, efficient, and secure. By participating, you'll work alongside a diverse group of professionals, provide crucial support in managing data systems, and help turn visionary ideas into impactful realities.

IT Professionals

Collaborate with a diverse group of like-minded individuals, gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies, and contribute to impactful projects that make a real difference in the community. Whether you specialize in software development, cybersecurity, data analysis, or network management, your skills are invaluable to our mission. Enhance your professional growth, expand your network, and be a catalyst for positive change!

Project Managers

Are you a natural leader with strong organization and communication skills? Your leadership will be instrumental in guiding a team of skilled professionals to success, ensuring that ideas are transformed into actionable solutions within the 48 hour timeframe. By participating, you'll not only contribute to the greater good but also expand your professional network and develop your skills in a dynamic and inspiring environment.

Nonprofit Consultants

Guide and mentor teams as they develop innovative solutions to address pressing community challenges. Your insights into nonprofit management, strategic planning, and effective resource allocation will be invaluable in shaping projects that have a lasting impact.

Testers/Optimizers

Do you have a keen eye for detail and a passion for technology? Join us in ensuring that the innovative solutions developed during the event are robust, reliable, and ready to make a real impact on pressing social issues. Your role will be crucial in identifying bugs, optimizing performance, and guaranteeing the quality of the final products.

SEO Experts

Your expertise is crucial for ensuring the solutions developed during the hackathon reach a wide audience and achieve maximum impact. Help optimize web content, and ensure that the projects are effectively communicated and easily discoverable online. This is a fantastic opportunity to apply your skills to meaningful projects, expand your professional network, and contribute to the greater good. Help us amplify nonprofit missions and drive social change!

YOU — if you are eager to learn!

Everyone can help!