University to Host NWA GiveCamp: Free Tech Aid for Local NonProfits

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas and the NWA .NET User Group are sponsoring the first Northwest Arkansas GiveCamp, the weekend of Jan. 14-16, 2011, in the Arkansas Union Verizon Ballroom. The Friday to Sunday event is part of a national program that provides free computer and Internet support and applications for local nonprofit agencies.

The event will get underway Friday afternoon, with as many as 70 local web developers, designers, database administrators and other technology professionals – many from the University of Arkansas – volunteering their time to work with 10 nonprofit agencies. The volunteers will form teams to tackle the nonprofits’ Web and software wish lists. The work will continue nearly around the clock: the Friday session will knock off at 3 a.m. Saturday morning, with the Saturday session picking up again around 7 a.m. and continuing until 3 a.m. Sunday morning.

“Some of us in the NWA .NET User Group have taken part in GiveCamps in other cities,” said Jay Smith, chair of the local event. “We knew there was a need here at home, and we knew we had the talented people who could make this work in northwest Arkansas. We were very excited that the University of Arkansas and the Arkansas Union agreed to host our event and give us a place to operate. We are also looking forward to working with the talented technical people from the university and local area, many who have already volunteered for this weekend.”

The organizers of NWA GiveCamp are still looking for sponsors, volunteers and non-profit agencies that want to participate. More information and applications can be found at http://nwagivecamp.org.