afraidofthemoon

Is there something like a HN discord or less anonymous social media group where you can casually talk to others interested in the same things you are? You know.. hacker news type stuff. My platonic social life has been almost non-existent since 2020. I'm not looking for a date. Are zoom events still a thing in 2024? I am on twitter already. I have no idea how long I have been reading this website, at least 5 or 6 years. I live in the North East U.S. and I am in my early 30s. This might sound weird but I would love to meet other people who feel like they are a failure in life or are unsuccessful career wise but who haven't given up and want to do creative interesting things. I am interested in a lot of different topics in tech, science, and culture. I have tried to join a few different non-profit projects or public domain related things but nothing has worked out. I would love to work on a project with other people if I could find something that was a good fit. I am way less pessimistic than I am making myself sound.

What are some projects or non-profit organizations that are looking for volunteer coders or similar positions? I'm new to the tech world. My experience is with python and running my own websites.

Who are young people today doing important work, and are not primarily motivated by money?

People who are passionate about social causes, data science, science or engineering, biology, internet activism, political reform, open access to information, and are NOT primarily motivated by making money. You have to earn a living obviously, I mean their primary motivation doesen't seem to be getting rich or making investors happy but the work itself or social cause. They don't have to be young people or know how to code. I feel like younger people tend to be more idealistic and less jaded, thats why I said that.

Two people that come to mind are Rebekah Jones And William Padilla-Brown

"Rebekah Jones is a data scientist who formerly worked for the Florida Department of Health. She gained national attention in 2020 when she accused Florida officials of manipulating COVID-19 data to minimize the extent of the pandemic. She was fired from her position shortly after, and defied Florida Governor Ron DeSantis by setting up her own COVID-19 dashboard to provide more transparent and accurate information to the public.

"William Padilla-Brown is a mycologist, community organizer, and advocate for sustainable practices such as permaculture and regenerative agriculture. He is known for his work on fungi cultivation and the intersection of social justice and ecological sustainability."

Is there a free VPN or proxy you would recommend?