Check out Part 1 of this article for tips 1-5!

6 – Enlist Top Technology Bloggers

There are likely a few technology bloggers in your community that many local developers subscribe to and read on a regular basis. Because you have a social change mission, these bloggers may be willing to help you get the word out about your web idea. A featured post about your project could be a huge boost to your campaign to find developers!

If you don't already know, you're going to have to find out who the key technology bloggers are in your area. Use Google Blog Search or Technorati and type in technology or web 2.0 plus your city's name. Scan the blogs that come up and make sure that they're indeed blogs and cover your community. Then check to see that the author posts frequently and generates an average of 2-3+ comments per post. Once you've found a couple prospective blogs – check their blog rolls. Look for blogs that are repeated in numerous blog rolls - this is a clue that they're popular and well read within your community.

After you've conducted your blog research, choose three blogs which you think show the most promise. Then write each of the bloggers a personalized email loaded with links to your mock-up, youtube video, facebook fan page, and blog. (Bloggers love links & multimedia!) Also make sure to explain that your project is oriented around social change as that will help separate you from a lot of the other marketing spam the blogger receives in their inbox. If you don't get a response from a blogger after a few days, then send a short follow-up. Of course, you can also approach bloggers in-person at tech events.

(tips from the above section were selected from socialmediaready.com)

7 - Reach Out to MeetUp Mailing Lists

Perhaps the best secret in this top ten list is the fact that you can reach hundreds of local developers via MeetUp.com's mailing list and message board features. In order to be able to access MeetUp's lists – you first have to join the site.

The next thing you want to do is join MeetUps that bring together developers whose skill sets match your project's needs. So, if you just need a basic website – join a Web Design MeetUp in your area. If you're looking for Ruby developers – join a local Ruby group. In some cities, there are technology groups that bring web innovators together with a wide variety of skill sites (like San Francisco's SF Beta & SF New Tech). These are great, too!

Here are some links to get you started:

http://web.meetup.com/

http://netsquared.meetup.com/

http://newtech.meetup.com/

http://opensource.meetup.com/

Once you join a MeetUp you're interested in, you'll be able to see if it has a mailing list you can access. A quick way to determine this is to go the MeetUp Group's main page. Within the main description box, you should see Location, Date Founded, & Member Fee. If the group has a mailing list than you should see the specific Mailing List Address right below Member Fee. Note: You will only be able to view the mailing list after you have joined the group.

If the group you want to target doesn't have a mailing list enabled – you can either use the Messages feature or contact the organizer and see if he or she would be willing to blast the group with a summary of your project and your campaign to find developer support.

If your group does have a mailing list – great! Depending on how many people belong to the group, you're going to reach a lot of local developers – so make sure your pitch is solid! As with bloggers, make sure to provide a lot of links (especially to video or slideshows). Also, be as specific as possible in terms of what you're looking for. How many hours a week should a developer be willing to commit? Is there a deadline for an initial launch? What specific skill sets are you looking for? You may also want to mention that you'll be at the next meetup to answer any questions.

8 - Recruit Local College Students

College students who build websites as a hobby or as part of their studies are often in touch with the latest coding languages and methods. As a group, they are also more idealistic and interested in social change. Combined, these make them ideal candidates for your project!

The best method to get the word out on campus is to use the tried-and-true approach: fliers. Make your flier clear and catchy and stress that you're trying to make the world a better place. Of course, you should also include a brief description of your project, your mock-up, what kind of help you're looking for, and your contact info. Then hang it up in all the departments that are likely to have developers. Note: Don't just target the computer science wing, which likely focuses on software development way more than web development. Other departments, such as Applied Sciences and New Media Programs, may be more likely to have the kind of web developers you're looking for.

You can also try reaching out to the on-campus computer, technology, and activist clubs.

9 - Get The Word Out With Volunteer Websites & Social Change Newsletters

Volunteer websites can be great places to connect with people who are interested in finding positive projects to commit their time and energy to. Check out this list for volunteer websites you might want to consider listing your opportunity in.

While the popular volunteermatch.com requires you to actually be a nonprofit, a lot of other great volunteer sites don't. You can (and should) list your project in the Volunteer section on Craigslist.org as well as create a Group and post an opportunity on Idealist.org.

You might also consider including your project in newsletters. Sign up for e-newsletters that track the intersection of social change and technology and see if your project would be appropriate. If your project seems like a good match, write the newsletter editor and ask if your project could be highlighted in the next issue. NetSquared, for example, lists volunteer opportunities in their weekly newsletter. SocialEdge, SocialActions, & NTEN also have newsletters worth checking out.

10 - Win Contests & Competitions

It's not often that a contest comes around that embraces new ideas at the intersection of web 2.0 and social change. Especially a contest that rewards the people with the best ideas by connecting them with volunteer developers in their own community. One such contest that's happening right now is NetSquared's “Mashup Project Challenge.” If you have an idea for a web mashup that will “provide deeper insight into the social issues affecting communities around the globe” -- then this might be your best opportunity to find that much sought after developer! The top 20 winners will be matched with developers in your own community who will “help you bring your Mashup vision to life.” If this sounds like a contest created just for you, then submit your idea by March 14th 2008!

If March 14th has passed since you've read this post or if your idea doesn't raise deeper awareness into social issues – then there are still other contests out there! While the average social enterprise or technology innovation competitition doesn't reward winners with free developer support – you can earn credibility within the web development community and possibly even win a grant (which you can use to pay developers!). For some leads, check out SocialEdge's list of Opportunities. Also, check out Razoo's SpeedGranting application on Facebook. And sign up for NetSquared's newsletter, which sometimes contains contest announcements.

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Hopefully, you've found a few of these 10 tips helpful. The best piece of advice, though, is to be persistent and stay determined. Don't give up and eventually you'll find a way to bring your social change web project to life! Best of luck!

Also, please share your suggestions and experiences below!

(and check out Part 1 of this article for tips 1-5)