WTIA has previously explored the best ways for techies to get involved in the community, but we’ve also been wondering what makes people working in tech want to get involved in the first place. We frequently hear from nonprofits that they want to engage techies in volunteerism, and eventually philanthropy, but aren’t exactly sure how to do so. But we know that tech workers want to find ways to offer their skills and time to nonprofits.

We posed the question “What inspires techies to volunteer?” to three organizations that work with a large numbers of volunteers working in Seattle’s tech community. Seattle Works helps emerging community leaders get connected with volunteering opportunities.  United Way of King County (UWKC) helps nonprofits connect with volunteers for programs focused on ending homelessness, help students graduate, and building financial stability for those in poverty. The mission of Social Venture Partners (SVP) is to build a network of partners to help build thriving and sustainable communities.

Through these interviews, we learned that there are a lot of common themes behind why people working in tech like to volunteer.

Common Demographics

Ben Reuler, Executive Director at Seattle Works, pointed out many of the common demographics he’s seen in volunteers from tech. He said, “Seattle is one of the fastest growing cities in the United States. Millennials are coming in droves. Many people are new to this region; no roots, no networks, no real history to the community. Many are 35 and under. There is a deep motivation to act locally and connect with the community, and answer the yearning for human connection and sense of purpose.”

“Tech folk who have just moved to Seattle are frequently painted as new, not connected to their local community. I don’t necessarily see that.” said Liahann Bannerman, Volunteer Center Director at United Way of King County (UWKC). “I see a lot of people that are striving to connect with the community, and make this place somewhere to live beyond their first job.“

Politics might play a factor in tech workers deciding to move to Seattle, and Bannerman believes Seattle’s commitment social justice plays a central role. “People new to the Seattle community that are in tech are a certain age range, usually younger folks,” said Bannerman. “They have more of an affinity for social issues. Part of why they came to Seattle in the first place is because it’s a more progressive area. They are so happy to be here where their views are more in line.”

Enthusiasm to Give Back

It’s not surprising that lucrativeness can be a deciding factor for tech workers moving to Seattle. The longing to give back may follow having a higher salary. “People who move to the Seattle area with a newfound amount of wealth aren’t sure what to do with. Giving back is a great way to contribute to their new home,” said Rebecca Stephens, who leads Social Venture Partners Seattle’s partner engagement and fundraising efforts, helping individuals realize greater impact with their giving.

“We’ve found that in the tech sector, the motivation and desire to do something is always there,” says Reuler. ”What often is missing is that pathway to get started. It can be difficult to take that first step to volunteering and service. At Seattle Works we want to break down barriers with employers so people can act with that motivation.”

Everyday, more and more tech companies are making it easier for their employees to get involved with volunteer organizations, be it through dedicated hours to community service, or taking on company-wide projects. “We can’t ignore what employers are doing to support volunteerism. Smart companies are realizing why it’s a great idea,” Reuler says. “They know that job candidates want to work for companies that show that they are investing in their community. Providing the opportunity to do so is a win-win.”

Variety & Meaning

Bannerman has noticed that many tech volunteers like to use skills different from what they use during their day job. “If you’re coding all day, you might want to dig in the garden for a nonprofit,” said Bannerman. “Tech workers don’t want to keep doing tech things. They want to use some muscles that don’t require them to sit in a chair. A good variety can lead to being around other volunteers, meeting new people, and getting introduced to people outside of tech.”

The end results that can from volunteering are great reason to get involved as well. Bannerman says that at UWKC, their income tax program trains people to help with low income free tax credit preparation. Volunteers get to have a face-to-face interaction with people seeking the tax credit and help them understand it. This program results in many people being able to access an earned income tax credit.

Bannerman said, “These volunteers get to have a direct, personal experience. There’s that opportunity to see the result at the end, and for many nonprofits thats hard. The more that you can show the result, the stronger the connection to the volunteers. You’re dealing with human beings here.”

Stephens says that the opportunity to learn something new is also motivates techies to volunteer. “There’s a lot of educational opportunities when working with SVP,” said Stephens. “We’d prefer volunteers that have a sense of wanting to learn about new skills that can lead to helping others.”  

Usually they’ll have a strong personal calling requirement in their DNA. Finding a group of these people can create a sense of comradery, and get volunteers to stick with a project.”

Reuler thinks it’s clear cut why people from the the tech sector come back to lend their skills and time again and again. “These people form fostering relationships with other volunteers, organizations, and causes. That human connection is very important; doing something fulfilling that feels meaningful,” Reuler said. “The number one motivator is feeling that their work matters. That’s why we truly try to fill needs in communities that are going to be more rewarding for volunteers, when they feel like their work is meaningful.”

Doing It Their Own Way, When It’s Appropriate

Just like the systems they use for work, people in tech also frequently like to volunteer in a way that suits them the best. Stephens has noticed that volunteers from tech will typically look to provide solutions. “What we’ve found in tech employees is that they’re builders and problem-solvers,” she said. “They have a want to be engaged with an organization that will share the challenges that they are having. At SVP, we’re looking to work with somebody who is willing to give the time, and has the expertise to offer and collectively problem-solve. A lot of techies are great examples of this.”

Bannerman believes that techies like the challenge of having to help in difficult areas. She said, “Organizations just want a volunteer that can think through something with their technology, their system, and get the right kind of advice. But volunteers don’t just want projects that are the easiest tasks or something anyone with opposable thumbs can do. They really want to utilize their skills to the fullest.”

Many people in tech are natural innovators, looking to solve issues using innovation. But from time to time, it may get in the way of understanding why an organization operates in a way that they themselves may not see as ideal. “There’s a strong desire for tech employees to use innovative technology to disrupt the local market,” Stephens said. “To do this in a different better way, you need to understand the context that nonprofits operate in, the complexity of the sector. We encourage partners to use a systems lense; there’s a reason this system process exists to address issues.”

With such a large and increasing presence of tech employees in Seattle, nonprofits should try to tap into this talent pool as volunteers and future donors.