Giving Back 🤲

Hello makers,

Giving Tuesday just passed, but that doesn't mean it's too late to contribute to a worthy cause this year.

As makers, we're very fortunate to be able to do the thing we love, in a time when technology and craftsmanship are in hot demand.

Here are some ways to give back this year, to help our underserved community have the opportunity to achieve their dreams.
 

Code.org

Computer Science education is foundational for the ever-growing technical world that we live in, however, CS is not currently taught in the majority of our schools. Code.org is a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to computer science in schools and increasing participation by young women and students from other underrepresented groups. Their vision is that every student in every school has the opportunity to learn computer science as part of their core K-12 education.
 

Free Geek

27% of Americans do not own a computer. And 1 out of 10 families do not have internet at home. This lack of access is sharply stratified along lines of income, race, age and education. Low-income families, immigrants, seniors and children are digitally under-connected, many with mobile-only internet access, which often isn’t enough. This problem is known as the “digital divide”: the gulf between those who have ready access to computers and the internet, and those who do not. Free Geek’s mission is to sustainably reuse technology, enable digital access, and provide education to create a community that empowers people to realize their potential.
 

Geeks Rule

Geeks Rule promotes the study of and engagement with science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) among underserved youth. Their vision is to eliminate the racial, gender and socioeconomic gap in the STEM fields in order to meet the growing need of STEM professionals in the United States. Geeks Rule will help eliminate this gap through hands-on and mentoring programs in the major cities across the U.S.
 

Other Ways to Give Back

You don't need to donate money to help others. If you have the privilege of being able to work in the digital maker space, you're miles ahead of a large portion of the world's population. There are lots of ways to help others with lesser opportunities.

• Donate your time

• Buy artwork

• Teach

• Contribute to free open-source projects

• Write

• Build a tool for other makers

• Mentor someone

• Pay for software

• Share your process and inspire others

Keep making, and thanks for reading! 🙌

Hit reply to tell me what you're making. I'm looking for anyone interested in talking about their own side-projects and maker journey, so speak up if you'd like to appear in Serial Maker. I'd also love to know what you thought of this issue, and what you want to hear about in the future. Check out the past editions if you missed them, and don't forget to continue the conversation on Discord! 
 

Until next week,
Craig 👋