1. Get on IRC, people hang out there all day waiting to help people for free.
2. Here's a volunteer hotline to call for help: http://rails.pockethotline.com/
2. Here's a volunteer hotline to call for help: http://rails.pockethotline.com/
Not only will you learn things by trying to help, but you'll demonstrate value as a community member which will improve the quality of the help you receive as well.