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 # Contributing Guidelines
 
-Thank you for considering contributing to **Open Code Chicago**!
-We welcome contributions of all skill levels.  
+Thank you for considering contributing to **Open Code Chicago**!  
+We welcome contributions of all skill levels.
+
+---
+
+## Before You Start
+- Please read our [Code of Conduct](./CODE_OF_CONDUCT.md)
+- Check out the [Usage Guide](./docs/usage.md) to run the project locally
+- Look at [open issues](https://github.com/OpenCodeChicago/hacktoberfest-2025-infra/issues) to see where you can help
+- Review our [Project Board](https://github.com/orgs/OpenCodeChicago/projects/2) to see **available tasks**  
+  - Comment on the task you’d like to work on so a maintainer can assign it to you  
+  - This helps avoid duplicate work and keeps efforts coordinated 
+
+---
 
 ## How to Contribute
-- Fork the repository and create a new branch
-- Make your changes and commit with clear messages
-- Open a Pull Request (PR) to the `main` branch
-- Reference any related issues in your PR
+1. **Fork** the repository
+2. **Pick a task** from the [Project Board](https://github.com/orgs/OpenCodeChicago/projects/2) or from [open issues](https://github.com/OpenCodeChicago/hacktoberfest-2025-infra/issues)  
+   - Comment to claim it before starting work 
+3. **Create a branch** for your work (e.g. `feature/awesome-feature` or `fix/typo`)  
+4. **Make your changes** and commit with clear, descriptive messages  
+5. **Open a Pull Request (PR)** to the `main` branch  
+   - Reference any related issues (e.g. `Closes #123`)  
+   - Keep PRs small and focused — easier to review and merge  
+
+---
 
 ## Guidelines
-- Follow our [Code of Conduct](./CODE_OF_CONDUCT.md)
-- Use clear, descriptive commit messages
-- Keep PRs focused on a single change (small & clear)
-- Write clean, well-documented code
-- If possible, include tests for new features
+- Use clear, descriptive commit messages  
+- Keep your PR focused on a single change  
+- Follow code style (Prettier config is included in the project)
+- Run `npm run lint` before pushing 
+- Write clean, well-documented code  
+- Add/update tests if relevant  
+
+---
+
+## Dependencies & Packages
+- All dependencies are tracked in `package.json`.  
+- Please **do not install or commit new packages** without first discussing in an issue or PR.  
+- If you believe a new dependency is required:
+  1. Open or comment on an issue explaining why it’s needed.  
+  2. Wait for maintainer approval before adding it.  
+- The `node_modules` folder should **not** be committed — it is auto-generated by `npm install`.  
+- Always run `npm install` after cloning the repo to get the correct dependencies.  
+
+---
+
+## Get Recognized with the All-Contributors Bot
+We use the [All Contributors Bot](https://allcontributors.org/docs/en/bot/usage) to recognize and celebrate all types of contributions. 
+
+**How to add yourself:**
+1. After your Pull Request is merged, comment on the PR or in a new issue with:
+   ```
+   @all-contributors please add @your-github-username for code, doc, ideas
+   ```
+   - Replace `@your-github-username` with your GitHub handle.
+   - List your contribution types (e.g., `code`, `doc`, `ideas`, `bug`, `review`).
+   - [See all contribution types here.](https://allcontributors.org/docs/en/emoji-key)
+
+2. The bot will create a Pull Request to add you to the contributors table in the README.
+3. A maintainer will review and merge the bot’s PR.
+
+**Example:**
+```
+@all-contributors please add @Alexandrbig1 for code, doc, maintenance, projectManagement
+``` 
+
+If you have questions, ask in your PR or open an issue!
+
+---
 
 ## Issues
-- Use issues to report bugs, request features, or ask questions
-- Before opening a new issue, check if it already exists
-- Tag issues with labels (e.g., `bug`, `enhancement`, `good first issue`)
+- Use issues to report bugs, request features, or ask questions  
+- Before opening a new issue, check if it already exists  
+- Apply labels when possible (`bug`, `enhancement`, `good first issue`)  
+
+---
 
 ## Getting Help
-If you’re stuck or unsure, feel free to reach out via our [Email](mailto:info@opencodechicago.org).
+If you’re stuck or unsure:
+- Ask in our [GitHub Discussions](https://github.com/orgs/OpenCodeChicago/discussions/2)  
+- Join our [Discord](https://discord.gg/t6MGsCqdFX)  
+- Or email us at [info@opencodechicago.org](mailto:info@opencodechicago.org)  
+
+---
+
+## ⭐ Support the Project
+
+If you find this project helpful or enjoy contributing, please consider giving us a ⭐ on GitHub!  
+Starring the repo helps increase its visibility, attracts more contributors, and makes your contributions more visible and valuable for your portfolio or employer. Thank you for supporting open source!
+
+---
 
-Every contribution matters — big or small.
+Every contribution matters — big or small. ❤️  
+Thank you for helping make Open Code Chicago better!