There are sweeping safety-net cuts happening in America. Just as the public sector loses funding, the private sector is leveraging AI to reduce headcount and cut costs such as philanthropy to the community. The secular nonprofit sector is struggling. Church groups and religious orgs are filling some gaps. Nonetheless, a massive increase in social malaise is forecasted.

Is it time to retire to a resort in Mexico or Asia? Maybe not yet. 🤣 Fortunately, volunteerism is on the rise and this can address immediate gaps in American society.

Attended an event hosted by Open Austin, a nonprofit providing pro-bono tech services to the City of Austin and local nonprofits. Open Austin is a great source of talent for local orgs needing support.

A good crowd showed up to learn about Open Austin and understand the work of Mark Janchar, a service designer employed by the City of Austin. Service Design is a widely adopted practice for problem solving. It’s now in the wheelhouse of most large orgs. I’ve helped organize events in this space including one in the Bay Area hosted by the CXPA.

Mark demonstrated how Austin’s Violet KeepSafe project was implemented using service design principles. The project is key to Austin’s effort to address homelessness — enabling constituents to have a safe space to store possessions.

Service Design at the City of Austin – event

If you are looking for skills-based volunteering opportunities, contact Open Austin: info@open-austin.org