Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to know how to code to participate?

No. We welcome contributors of all backgrounds. Non-technical roles include user research, design, project management, writing, community outreach, and event organizing.

How much time do I need to commit?

There’s no minimum commitment. Many volunteers start by attending our Monthly Meeting or joining a project’s Slack channel to see if it’s a good fit before diving in.

Can I participate remotely?

Yes. Our Slack workspace is active year-round, and some projects meet and collaborate fully online.

How do I submit a project idea?

Fill out our project exploration worksheet and submit it to the Steering Committee for review. See our Projects page for more details.

What is civic tech?

Civic tech is technology built to improve how communities interact with government and each other - tools that increase transparency, access, and participation in civic life.

How did OpenOakland start?

OpenOakland was founded in 2012 as part of the Code for America brigade network. We are now a member of the Alliance of Civic Technologists.

Is OpenOakland a paid organization?

No. OpenOakland is an all-volunteer collective. We do not charge for our services and volunteers are not compensated.

Still have questions? Contact us or join us on Slack.