| layout |
|---|
page |
Ruby for Good is an annual event based out of the DC-metro area where Ruby programmers from all over the globe get together over a long weekend to build projects that help our communities. Think hanging out in communal space for a weekend with a bunch of developers and designers to build something useful. Participants stay in on-site dorms; hacking and socializing takes place in communal areas. Join us just for the fun of giving back! Questions? Check out the FAQ below or drop us a note.
Lots of organizations need the sort of technical help we can provide but are unable to afford it. We want to be the do-gooders that volunteer to solve non-profit business/technical problems. Very little effort on our part can make a huge difference to a non-profit. We want to help!
All experience levels are definitely welcome! We have a wide variety of skill levels ranging from those who have next to no experience, all the way up to very senior people who work at places like Github and LivingSocial. The event is as much about learning as it is about building great things. Groups are very collaborative and you'll definitely have the opportunity to work closely with others and push a lot of code. :)
We need both developers and designers at Ruby for Good.
You don't HAVE to be a Ruby programmer but it does help. We're more than happy to welcome programmers of other languages, especially if you're interested in learning some Ruby. :)
A lot of cold-calling/emailing individuals and organizations, soliciting suggestions from people we know, and from YOU in the community. We go through a process of vetting possible projects and select based on viability of completion, need, open-source status, and general impact on business functions.
Good projects can be completed in about a weekend, help improve the efficiency of a non-profit, and are open-source so we can help give back to the community. Have the beginnings of an idea? Suggest a project!
Have a project you're jonesing to work on? Suggest a project!
This year projects are focused around issues facing our local communities and we have some great organizations lined up! We'll announce project details, including available teams to join, around the beginning of May after registration closes.
During registration we'll ask if you'd like to lead a team - say yes! We'll be in touch in mid-to-late March with potential projects. We'll brief you on expectations and put you in touch with your non-profit so you can work with them in advance of the event to set up project requirements, milestones and initial set up so you can hit the ground running with your team at Ruby for Good. Setup includes creating a github repo under the Ruby for Good github, filing issues and making some technology suggestions. You can read about the team lead process here.
In general, leading a team entails connecting with stakeholders, initial architecting, planning out project milestones, and keeping your team moving forward. Here's more information about leading a team from Brandon Rice, a team lead in 2015 (who was SUPER awesome. Just sayin'.). Still not sure and want to talk about it with an organizer? Drop us a note.
Unfortunately we're unable to accomodate remote teams this time around. We'd be open to discussing that as an option in 2019 for very enterprising and motivated individuals. Drop us a note.
- Suggest a project - We always need worthy projects! We've compiled a google doc to help you figure out a project. Suggest a project!
- Lead a team - a great way to up your skills, especially if you've been programming for a while and are eager for the experience of leading a team.
- Donations/Sponsors - we need lots of help with fundraising. Ruby for Good is expensive and we'd like to offer tickets to the wonderful folks who volunteer for as little as possible. This is only possible with donations and sponsors! Reach out to your employers to see if they would be willing to help us give back to our community. :)
- Attendees - we need both developer and designer expertise!
No. This is definitely not a hackathon. Sean cringes everytime someone mentions 'hackathon' and 'Ruby for Good' in the same sentence. (Try it.)
By May 1st or when we sell out, whichever comes first!
After March 10th we will be unable to offer refunds but we will happily help coordinate exchanges until May 10th. Drop us a note.
Welcome! We’d love to have any out-of-towners arrive early. If you want to be a tourist for a few days, we’ll find you somewhere to stay while you are here! If you are a local and have some extra space in your house for a Gooder to cozy up, either ping Kalimar or join the #housing channel on slack.
The best airport is probably Reagan National (closer to our venue) but if you are coming early we suggest coordinating with your host—they may live closer to a different airport.
We’re still working with the venue and will let everyone know as soon as we do.
Regardless of DC laws, Georgetown University prohibits the possession/use/distribution on their premises.
Fermented beverages are A-okay with Georgetown University—they are not a dry campus. Assuming you are of age, you are welcome to partake of fermented beverages. We do encourage moderation.
We’ll be staying in Arrupe hall.
We love helping organizations that do good, but another significant part of our mission is to grow the community and provide opportunities for Gooders to connect face-to-face—dancing, karaoke, werewolf, meditation, you name it. We want to build a strong, healthy, inclusive community and need your help to do that. AMAZING connections happen when people are around each other. Indeed, I’ve heard tell of an infamous karaoke duet partner that landed their fellow duet-singer a job by calling their manager at Ruby for Good—after midnight!—and had said duet-singer hired on the spot. Amazing things, I’m tellin’ ya. So please plan to be there, mentally and physically present, for the entirety of the event. <3 On the pragmatic side, the contracts we signed with Georgetown also require attendees stay on site or it invalidates our insurance!
Anyone who has attended in the past knows that we do some really fun stuff when we’re not working hard helping the nonprofits; hikes, meditation sessions, dance class, and more. We’ve volun-told Casey (begged) to teach dancing again this year and in reverting back to childhood, Aaron is planning on doing some fun adult coloring and we’ve heard that there may even be some fun Ruby for Good themed coloring books too! If you have an idea for something you’d like to do or lead, jump into the #evening-fun channel on slack! Don’t worry, we’ll still have plenty of time for karaoke, werewolf, and secret hitler!
The event costs money to put on. We try to raise as much as possible through sponsorships and donations but so far this amount has been unable to cover the cost of venue, food, shirts, transportation, and other minutia. By charging a little, we're able to break even for the event.
Feb 8, 2018!
Yeah, you really do. Teams will be chosen right around that time and you'll spend dinner meeting with your team, chatting about your projects, and getting your environments aligned. We've found the event is most successful, with the most buy-in, when teams are a cohesive bunch from the beginning.
Most of the organizing team is planning on arriving at 10am but feel free to beat us there!
All food is provided, you just need to bring yourself! We'll even provide snacks in the evenings when we're all socializing/playing games/werewolf!
Absolutely.
So glad you asked! For expert insight, here are a couple of blog posts written up by past attendees:
- http://alwaysbelearning.co/2014/08/05/ruby-for-good/
- http://www.blrice.net/blog/2014/08/09/lessons-learned-at-ruby-for-good/
- http://rolentle.com/ruby-for-good/
We have a limited number of scholarship tickets but are unable to provide transportation funds. Criteria for selection includes the ability to get to the DC-area on your own, a documented financial need, and a short essay. Apply for a scholarship here.
Bring yourself, your laptop, a powersource, some clothes and your favorite boardgames. Maybe some sunscreen if the weather's nice. If you anticipate skipping group meals, bring some munchies. If you're a light sleeper, bring earplugs. All the basics are provided (linens, pillows, beds, towels, etc.) We have a fun outdoor activity planned for one evening so camping chairs, a sweater and maybe some bug spray are highly recommended.
We are collecting information about carpooling here. Please fill out the form if you need a ride or can offer a ride and Kalimar will do his best to match people up! Contact Kalimar at [email protected]. Hop into the #carpool channel in slack for more info!
During registration we ask if there's anything else you'd like us to know - indicate in this section who you'd like to room with and we'll make it happen.
Rooms contain two single beds and a bathroom. After registration closes (May 1), we will create random, same-gender room assignments (unless specifically requested otherwise via the registration form). We are tentatively planning to introduce you and your roomie via email so you know who you're staying with ahead of time. If you've neglected to indicate your roommate preference in the registration form, please drop us a note.
We are proud to have a code of conduct.
We've moved to Washington D.C. and have a couple other surprises too!
A big bear hug from all the organizers!