It could be there's a lot nonprofits can learn from open-source projects!

Open source projects are amazing models for mass collaboration. Many an open source project bring together crazy amounts of developers, often from around the world, and together these developers collaborate to solve problems and build open software solutions that we all benefit from. Contributors are more members than volunteers and everyone takes on different roles that make a difference.

So what can nonprofits & social change organizations learn from the world of open source development that could help them engage their members on a deeper level and create a bigger impact?

Some lessons may be found in the inspiring open-source project, OpenMRS.

OpenMRS is a community-developed, open-source application for managing health information in developing countries.

One of the key approaches that OpenMRS takes to engage their community is to list active, available, and beginner projects that all are invited to work on. Examples of projects include:

• Help clinicians track drug resistant viruses
• Enable ultra-sound video upload via the Android platform
• Integrate FrontlineSMS

By listing projects (and inviting their community to list projects, too) OpenMRS openly partners with their community to accomplish their mission. OpenMRS also creates a comprehensive framework for their community of developers to go to town and get the jobs done. To support projects, OpenMRS matches mentors with project leads, hosts an open chat and mailing list for discussions, as well as shares a code of conduct that facilitates collaboration.
 
I'm excited for how we can learn to take a more open approach from open source projects like OpenMRS. Outside of building software, how can an open source approach be ported to issues - like climate change, poverty, and diabetes research. If the basic tenants of open source (engaging the community, distributing work-load, and being transparent) can drive more effective social change - What are the next steps to adopt this approach?

What internal projects could your organization open up and invite participation around? How might you share projects with your community? What tools would help you 'open source' your organization?

Let's open source this conversation: Please share your ideas, thoughts, and examples!