> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.kc7cyber.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.kc7cyber.com/volunteering/coming-soon.md).

# Volunteer with KC7

KC7 has been built by volunteers from day one. If you want to contribute real work to a cybersecurity education platform that thousands of people use, this page tells you how it works and what we expect.

**Trying to break into cybersecurity?** Play KC7 first. Volunteering is the next step. It's how you build advanced skills, contribute something real, and work alongside people already in the industry.

## What KC7 is

KC7 is a cybersecurity education platform built around a detective game. Players investigate realistic cyber incidents using real data, real tools, and real analytical thinking. The platform reaches thousands of people, from students starting out to working security professionals.

Volunteer-created content has been featured at **DEF CON**, **Black Hat**, and **SANS**. We're a non-profit that operates like a startup. Things move fast, we figure things out as we go, and we believe cybersecurity education should be more accessible and more fun than the industry typically makes it.

## Is this a fit?

We'd rather be honest upfront than waste your time.

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="You" %}

* Want to break into cybersecurity and build skills past playing the game
* Care about making cybersecurity education more accessible
* Can commit **4 to 8 hours a month**, consistently
* Communicate proactively, especially when plans slip
* Are comfortable working with limited resources and figuring things out
* Want real work, not a resume line
* Will play KC7 to understand what you're contributing to
  {% endtab %}

{% tab title="This isn" %}

* Want something passive and low-expectation
* Can disappear for weeks without warning
* Need a lot of hand-holding to start
* Are signing up for the credential, not the mission
  {% endtab %}
  {% endtabs %}

{% hint style="info" %}
What you get out of KC7 tracks directly with what you put in. Volunteers who engage, ask questions, and own their work come away with skills, connections, and a real portfolio. Volunteers who don't engage don't get much.
{% endhint %}

## Pick a track

Volunteers contribute across four tracks. You'll be matched to one when you apply.

| Track                                | What you'll do                                                                    |
| ------------------------------------ | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Content development**              | Write, review, and improve educational modules and learning materials             |
| **Game writing and scenario design** | Build investigation games. Storylines, clues, and realistic cyber scenarios       |
| **Administrative support**           | Research, coordination, documentation, and the operational work behind the scenes |
| **Community and Discord moderation** | Keep the KC7 community welcoming, helpful, and on-mission                         |

## What we ask

### Time

**4 to 8 hours per month** at minimum. How you spread those hours is up to you. We care about output and communication, not when you log on.

### A 30-day trial

Every volunteer starts with a scoped starter task matched to your track. It's a low-stakes way to confirm the fit before either of us commits further.

### Communication

* Tell us upfront what you can take on, not after a missed deadline.
* Reply to monthly check-ins within 5 business days.
* If life gets busy, send a quick message. That's all we need.

### Four core expectations

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

## Know the game

Play KC7. The more you understand what we're building, the better your contribution.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

## Communicate honestly

If you commit to something, do it. If you can't, say so early. Quiet missed commitments hurt the whole team.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

## Give real feedback

We've gotten this far by hearing hard things and acting on them. Tell us what we could do better, and help fix it.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

## Treat people well

Everyone here is a volunteer. Bring empathy and respect to every interaction.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## What you get

| Benefit                         | Details                                                                       |
| ------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| 🤝 **Community access**         | Direct Slack access to the KC7 team and volunteers from day one               |
| 🧠 **Real skill-building**      | Portfolio-worthy work in cybersecurity, useful if you're early in your career |
| 👕 **KC7 swag**                 | Sent after you complete your 30-day trial                                     |
| ✍️ **Contributor credits**      | Your name on any KC7 content or game you help create                          |
| 🌟 **LinkedIn recommendations** | Available from KC7 team members after 3+ months of consistent contribution    |

## How it works

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

## Apply

Tell us your background, availability, and which track interests you.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

## Get matched

To a track and a KC7 point of contact.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

## Read and sign

The Volunteer Expectations document.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

## Take your starter task

Scoped, clear, ready on day one.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

## 30-day check-in

We talk about how it went and what comes next.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

## You're in

Assigned to ongoing work and part of the volunteer community.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## A few honest answers

<details>

<summary>What if I need a break?</summary>

Pause for up to 60 days without losing your spot. Just tell us before you go quiet.

</details>

<details>

<summary>What if I want to leave?</summary>

A quick heads-up is all we ask. We'll wrap up open work together.

</details>

<details>

<summary>What if you don't hear from me?</summary>

After 3 weeks of silence or 3 missed check-ins, we'll reach out. If there's still no response, we'll close out your spot. You're always welcome to reapply.

</details>

## Apply

If you've read this and you're still in, that's the kind of self-awareness we look for. Whether you're already in industry or just starting, there's a place here if you'll show up and do the work.

{% hint style="success" %}
Applications are open. We review on a rolling basis and usually respond within 1 to 2 weeks.
{% endhint %}

<a href="https://kc7cyber.com/volunteer" class="button primary" data-icon="hand-holding-heart">Apply to volunteer with KC7</a>

Questions before applying? Email <code class="expression">space.vars.volunteer\_email</code>.

## Other ways to support KC7

Not ready to volunteer? You can still help.

* [Join the Discord community](/community/getting-help.md) and connect with hosts and players
* [Host a KC7 event](/getting-started/quick-start.md) to bring cybersecurity education to your group
* [Donate to KC7](https://givebutter.com/kc7) to support platform development
* [Shop KC7 swag](https://kc7.printful.me/) and support the project
* Tell other people about KC7

***

[Back to home](/readme.md)


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