Frequently Asked Questions
Code for Charlottesville is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to civic tech and volunteerism. We are a local brigade of Code for America! We bring together coders, designers, data analysts, researchers, and community partners to work on projects with local nonprofits and governmental agencies. One of our guiding principles is that the tech team should work within the community we serve, and we work to meet the real needs of that community.
What types of projects do you work on?
Our projects are all civic tech-based. We try to help out local Charlottesville companies and anywhere else that we can! One of our many projects includes the Shop. This is where local businesses come in and request a small service such as making edits to their website or technology integration. One of our guiding principles is that the tech team should work within the community we serve, and we work to meet the real needs of that community.
What are some skill sets that you are looking for?
We are looking for a wide range of volunteers. Volunteers from a lot of different backgrounds and various skill sets. Some traits we look for in volunteers include strong communication skills, being responsible, willing to learn, problem-solving skills, and cooperation. Some technical skills that are not required but helpful to have include: scripting, programming (Java, Python, R), web development (HTML, CSS, javascript), and other technical skills are welcomed!
How do I apply to be a volunteer?
The process to apply is extremely simple! Just fill out the application on our website via https://www.codeforcville.org/volunteer. From there we will be able to gauge your interests and get an understanding of who you are! There are many roles for volunteers, and we need help from people with coding experience, and from people with design, communication, and research skills. Our projects involve data analysis, front-end and back-end software development, UI/UX design, policy research, and community organizing.
Do I have to know CS to participate?
No, you do not have to have prior coding experience to volunteer. Some projects may be helpful with coding experiences but there are also tasks that are not coding-related. The project leaders will also be there to help with cs related tasks and is a great experience to learn if you do not have prior programming experience.
How many projects can I participate in?
You can participate in as many projects as you want! However, to ensure that you are not overworking yourself and are able to enjoy your time with Code for Charlottesville, we recommend that you participate in one project at a time.