Software for Good: “Let’s do all of those things. At the same time. Three times a year.”

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Almost two years ago (before I started working here), Software for Good set out to match a cohort of 2 to 4 interns with a “for good” project every summer, spring, and fall. The company intended to invite underrepresented developers into the field and offer discounted services to software projects that SfG was eager to support. I came on board soon after the program started to help manage it.

After 17 interns and 7 projects, we’ve learned a few things from our experience.

Minnesota has plenty of diverse talent

The clearest lesson is that there are plenty of talented, diverse, and eager new developers out there ready to work. The college students and recent bootcamp graduates that have applied for the program have been so smart, interesting, passionate, and hard-working, we wish we could have hired more of them.

The lack of diversity in the tech field is a hotly debated topic that I have pretty strong feelings about, but I’m not trying to settle any scores here. I’ll just say it’s clear to me that there is plenty of opportunity for Minnesota companies to bring on diverse and exciting new talent. If you can’t find it, let me know. Maybe I’ll write another blog post.

We need to be as strategic with intern projects as with any other work

The next big lesson is that we need to dedicate time and resources to strategy and user experience design for the intern projects. At Software for Good, strategy encompasses a broad range of services that are used to figure out what we’re building. It includes brainstorming, wireframing, prototyping, user experience research, design, user testing, and more.

When thinking about new software, a client might want to jump to the “build it” step. We try to channel that excitement into refining our understanding of what, why, how, and for whom we are building.

However, since we’ve worked with Giving Program clients within a very limited timeline, we always felt pressured to constrain the ideation, research, and consultation in order to build more. We wanted every client to leave with as many features as possible, and we wanted the interns to spend as much time as possible actually developing software. This tension has been one of our biggest challenges.

Money is tight for our ideal clients

The other big obstacle we faced was financial. More specifically, it has been difficult to find organizations who are ready to invest in custom software solutions, even at steep discounts. As we spoke with Do Gooders about their hopes and dreams, we found promising ways that technology could help. But most of these folks came from nonprofit organizations that already felt financially constrained. In some cases, we were able to think creatively to make projects happen. We’ve also been grateful for support from the SciTechsperience program, which offsets some of SfG’s cost to pay our interns.

Once we’ve agreed with a client to build something, we feel an overwhelming obligation to make it awesome. It turned out to be a bit unsustainable for Software for Good to make that commitment three times a year. It seems to boil down to underlying financial constraints that the nonprofit community already knows all too well. Finding more financial investment in technology for social good might even require a culture change in the funding community.

We still have hope for more creative solutions here too — perhaps there’s an organization that can help offset the costs for people or organizations with bold tech ideas? (If yes, email me at eddie@softwareforgood.com!)

Applying what we’ve learned

We’ve decided to commit to offering software development within the Giving Program one time per year, every summer, when interns can work and be supported in our office full time. Reducing the number of projects we build throughout the year will lower costs in general and allow us to carry out more strategy consulting for Giving Program participants throughout the rest of the year. And interns will focus more narrowly on building the application (i.e., writing code), building on a stronger, clearer foundation of UX and design. This will allow the development work to advance all summer at a spritely pace.

We’re also working on ways to do more strategy consulting for nonprofit clients with limited budgets. We’ll be launching a workshop series in early 2019 to help organizations think through how technology could meet the needs of the people they serve.

That’s about all the reflection I can fit into a blog post. Next I have to go come up with a tweet-length version. Just over a year out, we’re in early stages of this learning process, and we’re eager to learn from others.

If you want to have a conversation, or if you’re interested in talking about how the Giving Program can work with your organization, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

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In trying to advance these goals, I spoke at the Minnesota Community Action Professionals Conference in July, and I facilitated a conversation on advocating for change within organizations at the Young Nonprofit Professional Network’s Cafe Conversations in September. (For some background on my talk at MinnCAP and what I hoped to learn there, here’s my blog post from July.)

At each of these gatherings, I tried to offer my own knowledge and experience in the software industry, but I was primarily interested in learning from others about the problems that they face working within nonprofits. I went into these meetings wondering what are the biggest obstacles in their work, which of these issues can be addressed by technology, and what are the most common obstacles that prevent technology from advancing their mission.

At MinnCAP, conference participants work in the same or very similar roles in different organizations or localities, so their experiences were all quite similar. This allowed the discussion to quickly move past general brainstorming and into deeper analysis of obstacles and opportunities.

At YNPN’s Cafe Conversations, participants came from many different nonprofit organizations in the Twin Cities, which brought about more contrasting experiences, so the different perspectives complemented one another. In each group, participants were deeply engaged in learning from one another.

While I learned a ton at each of these gatherings, there were a few key points that stuck with me:

Across the board, the most common obstacle people reported as preventing nonprofits from incorporating technology was other people that resist change. There are other common problems, like securing funding for a new endeavor, or figuring out what new path is worth taking, but the most consistent obstacle was posed by other people. That resistance usually comes from some position of authority, like from a board of directors, an executive director, or the regulations and policies that those types of roles set. However, it can also come from coworkers or clients who don’t want to bother changing.

Fortunately, participants were able to offer practical suggestions on how to persuade others, such as identifying data or metrics of success that can help overcome resistance. Participants also talked about leveraging funding opportunities, as losing funding or transitions in funding cycles can help spur change.

Some participants had seen leadership changes at their organizations that brought heightened interest in innovation, like hiring a new director, but these trends were usually reliant on individual personalities. While a great leader can reinvigorate morale and hope for positive change, that hope can prove unsustainable when flexibility or innovation isn’t incorporated into the daily operations or policies of the organization. Promising new ideas can stall whenever roles change or when competing interests arise.

During the Cafe Conversation, there was also a brief discussion on how to avoid feeling burnt out or defeated in the face of resistance. Everyone was quite positive and encouraging about achieving positive change, despite the very real risks involved. Their positive feelings weren’t reliant on vague hopes for the future, but rather practical insights drawn from experience.

Many individuals had such a sophisticated understanding of how change occurs that they simply didn’t dwell on obstacles; they learned from them and quickly found a place to apply the learning. Rather than succumb to the frustration, they spent their time analyzing and strategizing around what steps they could take next. They seemed to find more determination to achieve their goals the more they analyzed the situation and consulted about a new path forward.

Overall, a lot of very practical and insightful information was shared at these gatherings. I look forward to joining more events like this in the future!

The post Advocating for Change: Nonprofits Share Their Challenges appeared first on Software for Good.

Right now, I got two kids. One’s less than a year old, the other’s almost three. They do weird stuff. Really weird. Usually it’s adorable, often it’s exhausting. It’s always ridiculous. It’s so ridiculous, I often hear myself say things out loud that make NO SENSE — unless you know I’m talking about my kids.

I’ve tried to make a habit of writing down some of the questions that I hear myself ask that I think are particularly funny out of context. Mostly as a way to make myself laugh, a coping mechanism to get through the hard parts. But also as a fun reminder of how drastically one’s life can change. I have very unique thoughts and feelings all day every day at this stage in my life, and in five years I will struggle to remember them.

I thought it would be fun to share some of the questions that arise, and I added the feeling I had at the time in parentheses, so you can have fun hollering these questions at no one in particular — just like I did!

1. Why is pretending to eat way more fun than eating? (exasperated, confused)

2. Why is she stuffing rice in her nose? How much did she already put in there? Maybe if we ignore it she’ll stop? But what if she really hurts herself? How do we get it out?  (I was whispering these to my wife, really confused, and a little anxious)

3. Why does she laugh harder when I get more angry? (resentful)

4. What happened to that big chunk of butter on the broccoli? She ate it? Did she like it? She’s still eating it! Is that gonna make her sick? Should we stop her? (first confused, than really grossed out, and finally a bit worried)

5. What’s so funny about the wrinkles in my forehead? (confused)

6. How are you not getting peed on? When was the last time you got peed on? I don’t get it. I get peed on every time. What am I doing wrong? (exasperated at like 3 a.m., and really, really angry)

7. Are you pooping right now? (matter-of-factly — I ask this question at least once a week)

8. What is more humiliating than cooking for over an hour, then placing the food you’re really proud of and excited to eat in front of your child, hoping that they’ll like it, and they immediately throw it on the floor? (I’m giving up)

9. Why is she naked? (almost panicked)

10. Clara, no. We don’t wash our hands with ketchup. (my wife said this as she dove between car seats)

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In my work at Software for Good, I frequently work with nonprofit directors and program managers. The vast majority of these clients describe themselves as “not tech savvy at all.” And I get it. The software development world is technical and always moving fast. Many aspects of this work can be intimidating or confusing.

However, I have a hunch that “non-technical” people actually have the best app ideas. Drawing from years of experience and deep expertise in public service-oriented fields (things like public housing, immigration law, organizing against climate change, etc.), community action partners have the most insight on how technology can advance those causes.

My goal is that participants in this group discussion will walk away feeling confident in identifying opportunities in their own work for technology to help, and can begin strategizing on how to convey their vision to colleagues, supervisors, funders, and boards. I hope that people will walk out of the discussion feeling empowered by technology, and ready to take the lead in weaving technology into their respective fields.

Join me in St. Cloud: Visit the MinnCAP website to register for the event, July 30-August 2.

And if you can’t make the conference, but are a community action expert who’s curious about technology’s potential for your work, I and the rest of the team would love to hear your insights. Share your ideas and your “wish list” for making your work easier here.

The post Dream Big: Customizing Software for Community Action appeared first on Software for Good.

But web and mobile applications don’t have to be flashy, trendy, or even public-facing to expand a nonprofit’s impact. Here’s how you might be able to use custom software:

Turn one of your programs into an interactive self-service tool.

The Arc Minnesota serves people with developmental and intellectual disabilities, and its programs include Transition Vision workshops for young people who are transitioning into adult life and planning for their futures. Get Set! makes that process fun and accessible with an online quiz that engages users in questions about their interests and goals. Young adults can fill out the quiz on their own or with an advocate or family member.

Could you reach more people by offering a self-service tool?

Simplify a complicated process and make it accessible for the people you serve.

Applying for project-based Section 8 housing is a complicated, time-consuming, and frustrating process for people in urgent need of housing. The nonprofit HousingLink wants to simplify it. Housing Hub uses accessible, user-friendly functionality, inspired by services like TurboTax, to walk people through the application process and keep them updated about their place on waitlists. Currently in development, the empathy-driven platform aims to help people find homes more quickly and efficiently.

Do you manage a complicated, paperwork-heavy process? What if you could simplify it for your team as well as the people you serve?

Manage volunteers and schedule their shifts.

TC Food Justice is an entirely volunteer-run organization that rescues food from being wasted and brings it to shelters and community centers. To schedule their food rescues and volunteer shifts, they were using an open-source platform created by Colorado-based Boulder Food Rescue, but it didn’t meet all of their needs. Software for Good’s interns updated and customized the application, allowing TC Food Justice to work more efficiently and expand their efforts.

Could an easy-to-use application make it easier to manage and schedule volunteers?

Help people navigate a major event.

Mobile apps can guide attendees through events like the Twin Cities Pride Festival, which encompasses live music, vendors, and a parade. The app we built for Pride allows visitors to plan their itineraries and access information about vendors and parade participants. Similarly, Art-A-Whirl helps attendees navigate art and music across Northeast Minneapolis with their mobile app, built by local firm VON91.

Does your organization host a festival or other major gathering? Could you make it a better experience by making information easily accessible by smartphone?

Offer a solution to an urgent social problem.

Tech entrepreneur Mondo Davison was motivated to build SafeSpace after seeing people of color killed by police across the country, including his fellow St. Paul Central graduate Philando Castile. He partnered with Software for Good to build this mobile app, which allows users to alert their contacts and nearby allies during encounters with police. After reporting an incident, the user can fill out a survey about the officer’s conduct, collecting data to inform conversations and fuel solutions to police brutality.

What could an app do to help your organization respond to critical issues and situations?

In our experience, custom software can make nonprofit programs more efficient, accessible, and empathetic, leading to greater impact. What could a web or mobile application do for your organization?

The post How Could Your Nonprofit Use an App? appeared first on Software for Good.

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One fact that’s always been clear: There is no shortage of talented young developers ready to use their skills to create lasting change. We want this program to keep growing, and to see other companies adopting similar models. With that in mind, and in the spirit of open source, here are a few of the lessons about working with interns I shared with the rest of the team as we welcome Spring 2018’s cohort:

Broad, big-picture knowledge is awesome: In working with interns, our team frequently shares technical knowledge and resources — maybe a quick answer to a question about code, or a link to find something in Github. But I’ve seen interns really light up when an engineer takes the time to share broader insights and background knowledge. It’s easy to forget how much you’ve learned over the course of your career that can be valuable wisdom to pass along.

Filing cabinets versus sponges: An experienced developer’s technical knowledge is like a filing cabinet. When they learn something new, they’re able to identify where it fits in among all their other knowledge, and file it away in the right spot. A person just starting out is more like a sponge. They’re taking everything in, learning a lot but not always seeing how it all fits together. So when teaching an up-and-comer, explaining the context is a huge service — and helps them start assembling a filing cabinet of their own.

We don’t know what we don’t know: People just starting out in a field don’t know what they don’t know — or even if they do, they may be afraid to ask or have trouble articulating a question. So just tell them. Give them all the information they need, and don’t be afraid to repeat yourself.

As Eloá, Obinna, and Ilhan join the team for Spring 2018, we’re sure to keep learning and finding new ways to make the program successful. We’re also continuing to add opportunities for interns to hear from the whole team, including Fireside Chats and Lunch and Learns.

Learn more here about the program and how you can get involved for Summer 2018!

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Dads stereotypically look forward to teaching kids to throw footballs or something. As I approached fatherhood, I tended to look forward to building stuff with my kids. Like, I first showed my daughter how to use a drill when she was probably about 1 and a half. She was too scared to actually touch the drill herself, but I’d like to think it made a good impression. Power tools are definitely somewhere in her future. In the meantime, she’s having a lot of fun with duplos, which is awesome. And a couple of times she laid a long row of blocks down on the floor and declared she’d made a “choo choo train.” Probably a couple of my proudest moments.

But, babies are really born helpless. My son is literally still trying to gain control of his neck. The best thing I can do for him is carefully hold his head in a direction where he can see me smiling and talking at him. Or just keep him comfortable while he sleeps. The actual paternity leave time with him could only be spent cuddling. I didn’t love it any less than building stuff. Just different. And I didn’t think about it much as fatherhood approached. That may have more to do with gender roles and socialization than my personality or interests as a father. Now, if I’m understanding and supporting my son, in all of his different stages of development, cuddle time is essential right now. Just as awesome as power tools and choo choo trains out of blocks. So I’ve since learned to embrace cuddle time (pun intended).

So, the theme for this week, is specifically about cuddling — #embracecuddletime.  With your kids or nieces/nephews or pets or partners or whatever. But, more broadly, I guess it’s about the unique needs of any stage of development that you’re in. Figure out what’s needed most, then figure out how to have fun with it.

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Since I made the career switch from lawyer to programmer, it’s been really helpful to read Jhumpa’s thoughts on starting over. In one of her reflections she says,

“I’m not at the starting point. I’m in another dimension, where I have no references. No armor. Where I’ve never felt so stupid.”

In a similarly frustrated state, she described the task of editing one of her Italian essays by saying, “I find that my project is so arduous that it seems sadistic.” But, Jhumpa’s book doesn’t deliver a cliche message of struggle through the pain because “it’s all worthwhile in the end.” Rather, the struggle itself is great. She loves language so much that the day-to-day struggle of picking up a new one is actually really great! Every Italian word she tries to learn feels like a lighthearted game. Learning to think and express herself in a whole new language is a meditative and revelatory journey. For someone who loves language so much, what greater discovery could there be?

Reading this book has helped me consider how devoting countless hours to doing something that you really suck at can be rewarding. Starting from the bottom allows you more freedom to fail (shout out to Jenessa for her theme on this topic), and to develop emotional and mental strength to know when to persevere or ask for help. I try to use some of my skills from previous work to complement my learning, but not as a crutch that prevents me from learning the new stuff. I also like dwelling a bit in the vulnerability of exposing my weakness. After writing more memos and legal briefs than I care to remember in my previous career, learning to create with code is also pretty sadistic, but that makes the journey more meditative and revelatory for me.

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Our first intern cohort, which concluded in May, worked on a project for iMatter Youth—a youth-led nonprofit that helps young adults across the country petition their local governments to take action against climate change. The inaugural team of interns—Rachana, Nikayla, Ayoub, and David—jumped right in, learning a new programming language and framework while upgrading iMatter’s web application. They redesigned the application’s signup form, created a more elegant and intuitive experience for new users, and modified the database to support these changes.

This summer, Ayoub and David stuck around to extend the aesthetic redesign of iMatter’s signup to other parts of the website. They redesigned the site to better coordinate students at multiple schools working toward shared goals and integrated Salesforce into the application, strengthening the site administrator’s ability to monitor and communicate with all of the organization’s members.

When Annie and Kathryn joined the team in May, the new cohort began building a web application for Goodfolio, a nonprofit that allows users to automatically donate to effective charities working on their favorite causes.

Annie, Ayoub, Kathryn, and David have been working in partnership with Software for Good staff to build the database and underlying structure of the application. Kathryn and Ayoub integrated Stripe, creating a seamless experience for users who want to donate by credit card. David and Annie have built up the overall user experience of the application, assisting users in choosing causes that they are most passionate about and in determining how much they want to donate to each cause. They’re also refining the aesthetics of the web app, making sure each page looks and functions beautifully on a variety of screen sizes.

The broader Software for Good team has loved collaborating with the interns and helping them succeed in building professional-grade web applications for worthy causes.

Do you have an idea for a website or software application that could positively impact people or the planet? Take a look at our giving program client application—our next intern cohort would love to work with you to make your idea a reality! (And if you know a student who would enjoy a semester-long software engineering internship at Software for Good, point them to our intern cohort application. We’re accepting applications through July 30!)

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