Checklist for Trademark Application

During the process of becoming a full Free Geek there are several points where we will want to review a general checklist to track whether the applicant is actually making progress towards being an actual Free Geek (and not something else). This is a stab at that type of checklist, based on issues already seen in the application process, and coming from a brainstorm in an IRC meeting sometime in 2008.

The checklist

• Knows what other community resources are available to them
• Has built relationships with other community organizations
• Gives away free computers
• Practices transparency (how?)
• Demonstrates an awareness of environmental issues surrounding ewaste
• Can install and configure free and open source software
• Can educate about and support free and open source software
• Has developed transparent processes
• Participates on email lists in a transparent way.
• Has transparent meeting minutes
• Has transparent documentation of operational procedures
• Has usable contact information
• Basic democracy in the organization
• Allows open participation.
• Demonstrates an understanding of non-hierarchical structures
• Practices good communication skills internally.
• Practices good communication skills with Intergalactic.
• Volunteer recruitment
• Has a pool of core volunteers with a demonstrated long term commitment
• Has enough volunteers
• Has a diversity of volunteer skill sets
• Seems generally cooperative with us and with each other.
• Basic competency in running a nonprofit
• Understands that organization does not "serve the shareholders" but rather the community
• Understands the process for gaining nonprofit status (as legally defined in their location)
• Mission statement and core activities support the common good
• Basic financial reports are available to other free geeks and/or the public
• Follows honest business practices
• Exercises due diligence in selecting vendors
• Keeps track of finances and can produce accurate reports