Open Source for Good

# Open Source for Good: From First PR to Global Impact

This intensive hands-on workshop transforms the often intimidating process of open source contribution into an accessible and impactful experience. Participants will contribute to real-world projects that drive social change while learning essential collaboration skills and best practices.

## Workshop Structure (4 hours)

### Introduction (30 minutes)
- Overview of open source in the social impact space
- Introduction to participating nonprofit organizations
- Overview of GitHub tools and contribution workflows

### Getting Started (45 minutes)
- Environment setup with GitHub Codespaces (provided free)
- Team formation and project selection
- Pairing experienced developers with newcomers

### Hands-on Contribution Sessions (2 hours)
Participants will work on real issues across three tracks:

1. **Beginner Track**
   - Documentation improvements
   - HTML/CSS enhancements
   - Accessibility fixes
   - Test coverage improvements

2. **Intermediate Track**
   - Feature implementations
   - Bug fixes
   - UI/UX improvements
   - API integrations

3. **Advanced Track**
   - Complex feature development
   - Data migration tools
   - Architecture improvements

Throughout these sessions, facilitators and nonprofit representatives will provide real-time code review, PR feedback, and technical guidance.

### Closing Session (30 minutes)
- Impact assessment from nonprofit representatives
- Discussion of long-term contribution opportunities
- Resources for continued involvement

## Technical Requirements
- Basic Git knowledge
- GitHub account (free)
- Laptop with web browser
- No local development environment needed (using GitHub Codespaces)

## What Makes This Workshop Unique

### Real-World Impact
Every line of code contributes to actual projects serving real-world needs. Nonprofit representatives will provide immediate feedback on how contributions will be used in the field.

### Inclusive Design
- Beginners start with documentation and simple fixes
- Intermediate developers tackle feature implementations
- Advanced participants work on complex architectural challenges
- All skill levels receive appropriate mentoring

### Development Tools
Through GitHub's support, participants receive free access to:
- GitHub Codespaces for cloud-based development
- GitHub Copilot for AI-assisted coding
- Enterprise-level GitHub features

## Expected Outcomes

### For Participants
- Practical open source contribution experience
- Portfolio of meaningful contributions
- Understanding of social impact technology
- Connection to the tech for good community

### For Projects
- Progress on critical features
- Expanded contributor base
- Improved documentation and code quality
- New feature implementations

### For the Community
- Strengthened connection between open source and social impact
- New contributors to digital public goods
- Expanded tech for good network

## About the Facilitator
As Ruby for Good's founder and current GitHub Tech for Good team member, the facilitator brings extensive experience in building open source projects for nonprofits, managing contributor communities, and creating inclusive technical education programs.

## Post-Workshop Support
Participants will have access to ongoing mentorship, connection to the global tech for good community, and regular office hours for technical support.

This workshop combines practical skill development with meaningful social impact, demonstrating open source's power in creating positive change while building a more inclusive and purposeful tech community.