Tech sector lends a hand with new website

A newly launched website matches technically skilled volunteers with people who could use their services during the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond. Sarah Ortiz Shields, the executive director of Austin Tech Alliance, the nonprofit that created lendahandATX.org, said in a news release, “Stay-at-home tech workers have the desire and in-demand skills that our community needs. We’re asking them to step up in the fields of branding, content, design, hardware needs, strategy, social media, IT services, and tutoring to support nonprofits, community members and small businesses in Austin.” The website is extremely simple to use. First, you create an account; then, you make a request (“I need help building a website”) or offer your assistance (“I’m a math tutor”); then you get matched with a volunteer who can help you or a person who needs your particular skill. You can also browse the lists of volunteers and needs. Liz Coufal, an ATA advisory board member, explained, “We didn’t see an entity that was galvanizing stay-at-home tech workers for volunteer opportunities, so we created Lend a Hand ATX.”