Free Geek Startup Trademark Use Application

This is a page concerning a policy or procedure in development.
Once fleshed out, we'll consider it for adoption as official policy at Free Geek.

Why are we doing this?

We need some way to ensure that new Free Geeks actually understand what "Free Geek" means, and that they're involved in the larger Free Geek community. We also want to help ensure that new startups have a feasible startup plan.

Introduction

This list of questions can be overwhelming to consider, but it's not as overwhelming as actually starting up a new Free Geek. When allowing a new startup to affiliate or use the Free Geek name, we don't require that every last thing is ready. That could stifle a startup right off the bat, which is not what we're trying to do. But we do want to know that new folks have at least thought about it all and have an idea of what they're getting into.

We are in the process of breaking this application into a two part process. Here's the basic outline of the process:

Step One

Make sure you understand what a Free Geek is and establish communication with the mothership:

• Read the Free Geek Principles
• Decide: are you applying to be an affiliate or use the Free Geek name?
• Familiarize yourself with the basic documentation:
  • Free Geek Startups
  • Getting Your Own Free Geek Started
  • Mission Statement
  • Free Geek Bylaws
  • Site Analysis Guidelines
  • E-Waste Best Practices
  • Free Geek Definitions
• Join the Free Geek Startups mailing list
  • Introduce yourselves to the rest of us
• Copy the basic application for preliminary status (below) into an email, answer the questions, and mail to franchise@freegeek.org
• We will review the basic application and make a determination about your application for preliminary status as a Free Geek or affiliate

Step Two

Once you've achieved preliminary status a more thorough application process starts. In this stage we'll help the applicant through the processes of:

• Incorporation
• Setting up your decision making bodies
• Getting your bylaws together
• Learning how to run your business in a democratic and inclusive way without bogging down in too much process
• Researching the recycling industry in your area
• Building up your infrastructure
• Recruiting volunteers to help out
• When ready, submit a much more lengthy application for ongoing status as a Free Geek or affiliate

Basic Application for Preliminary Status

Read the instructions above, and mail this application with answers to franchise@freegeek.org. We will then consider your application for preliminary status.

Contact Information

• Person filing application:
  • Name:
  • Email:
  • Street address:
  • Phone number:
  • Your role in the organization:
• Organization:
  • Proposed name:
  • General contact email:
  • Street address (if you have a space):
  • Phone number (if you have one):
  • Web site:

Other Basic Information

• Are you applying to be an affiliate or use the Free Geek name?
• Have you reviewed the documentation?
• What geographic area do you intend to serve?
• Do you agree to abide by the Free Geek Principles?
• Do you agree to work towards fulfilling the Free Geek Mission Statement?
• How does your volunteer group make decisions? (i.e. Will you be using formal consensus or majority rule?)
• How will decisions recorded?
• Please explain the difference between a for-profit recycling and reuse company and a Free Geek style organization?
• How any people are already in your group?
  • What kinds of skills do your volunteers have?
  • What kinds of skills do you need to recruit?
  • How much time do you estimate your volunteers be spending on making Free Geek work?
• Communication with other Free Geeks:
  • Have you joined the Free Geek Startups mailing list?
  • Do you know how to contact us via IRC?
  • Do you know how to contact us via phone?
  • Do you know how to contact us via snail mail?

Final Application for Ongoing Status

The Final Application for Ongoing Status as a Free Geek Franchise can be a little daunting. Our aim is to make sure you understand the scope of the work needed to start up a Free Geek. We will assist groups with preliminary status in working through their application and developing their startup plans.