Congratulations are in order for HandsOn Tech Boston! Providing pro bono technology assistance to local nonprofits, the organization has successfully endured its first year in operation. Now on to year two! But first, a year-end celebration is in order and what better place to celebrate technology than at the NERD Center.
Last Thursday, August 15, HandsOn Tech brought together 170 people including a variety of nonprofits, HandsOn Tech volunteers, and community partners (Microsoft included) to recognize their collaborative efforts. Microsoft is thrilled to be a community partner and help HandsOn Tech fulfill their mission of improving the nonprofit sector’s use of technology. By assessing each nonprofit’s technology challenges, providing free technology trainings and tools, and implementing a sustainable solution, HandsOn Tech is able to transform the way in which nonprofits use technology and function overall.
Enjoying tasty appetizers from Whole Foods Fresh Pond, event goers networked in Microsoft’s modern space and listened to several speakers comment on volunteerism, philanthropy, and the intersection between tech and nonprofit communities. Microsoft’s Jim O’Neil was among the speakers, which also included James Magerman from Common Impact, Travis McCready from The Boston Foundation, Matt Dunne (Founder of HandsOn Tech), and Sam New and Erick Olson from HandsOn Tech.
O’Neil, in particular, commented on Microsoft’s continued support of nonprofits and their importance in our community. He exemplified GiveCamp New England, a weekend-long program where developers camp out at the NERD Center and build web tools for nonprofits. The post-event buzz on Twitter was that these speakers were all phenomenal and the celebration itself was fun and engaging.
What will HandsOn Tech have in store for the community next year? Stay tuned and in the meantime follow them on Twitter @HandsOnTechBOS!
