Open Source Explorers
What is Open Source Explorers
Open Source Explorers is Distribute Aid’s open source outreach program. It uses contributions to Distribute Aid’s projects as a well-structured and impactful introduction to open source. The program is aimed at developers, designers, and other types of contributors. It lasts 3 months, is part-time, and a volunteer engagement.
Program participants will be paired with mentors and collaborate with each other in teams and with existing Distribute Aid team members.
- Apply for Open Source Explorers - Applications will be open through November 2023.
- Email explorers@distributeaid.org to volunteer as a mentor, inquire about corporate sponsorship, or ask questions and connect with the team.
Contributor Tracks
Based on the work that is currently needed on Distribute Aid’s various projects, we’re tentatively looking for participants (and mentors) to fit one or more of the following tracks. To make a track happen, we need at least one mentor and two participants.
If you don’t see yourself and your skills represented here, please get in touch and let us know to see if it makes sense for you to apply for the first cohort.
- Software Development (frontend web dev, backend, testing, data engineering, Salesforce engineering)
- Design (graphic design, UX/UI, branding)
- Translation, Localisation & Internationalisation
- Accessibility
- Cyber Security & Compliance
- Documentation & Content
- API development
Specific things you could be working on while in the Open Source Explorers program
- Distribute Aid Website
- Our Needs Assessment (frontend and backend)
- Visualisations like our Data Exporer
- Guides, digital pamphlets, booklets
- Internationalisation of our content, such as website, guides, needs assessment, etc.
- Form automation (Salesforce)
- Data modeling and data analysis
Who is this program for?
- Emerging developers who are at the beginning of their careers and have an interest in open source
- Get experience working on production code with a globally distributed team
- Work on projects that look good on your CV
- Grow your skill set and keep learning
- Experienced developers who have never gotten the chance to join open-source projects
- People who tried to get into open source but had a bad or unsupportive experience
- Neurodivergent people who require more support to find their way around new projects and communities
- People from marginalised groups who feel excluded or not welcome
- People from non-dev disciplines who want to work with people who value them as first-class contributors: designers, technical writers, writers, organisers, career changers, etc.
- People who have been looking for a way to contribute to open-source projects
- People who have varied skill sets and interests (Jacks of all trades)
- People who are keen on learning new skills
Our Stack
We’re currently using the following technologies and more. Don’t worry too much about whether you have extended familiarity with all of them. This is just so you know what to expect to work with.
- TypeScript
- React
- Static Site Generators
- Headless CMS
- GraphQL & REST
- Tailwind
- Jest
- Playwright
- Github
- Vite
- Salesforce
- Etc.
Application Process
Step 1: Fill out our application form The deadline is end of November 2023. Step 2: Interview This is a chance for us to get to know each other, figure out how much time you can commit to the program, and work out which contributor track or project you’d be the best fit. These will happen in November and December.
Step 3: Final decision and onboarding If you’re invited to join the the Open Source Explorers program, we’ll introduce you to your mentor and start onboarding you. We’ll make our final decision and inform participants by mid-December.
Step 4: Open Source Explorers program The program kicks off in week 2 of January and runs until mid-March
Any questions? Get in touch with our Program Lead Kai Katschthaler.
For Sponsors and Mentors
We are not only looking for participants but also for mentors for our first cohort. To see what areas we are hoping to cover, please check out our planned contributor tracks above.
Sponsoring Open Source Explorers is a fantastic opportunity for companies to support open-source software development. There are many ways to help out, from allowing employees to participate in Open Source Explorers or mentor participants on company time to contributing financially.
If you are interested in becoming a mentor or sponsor, please get in touch with Taylor