About Free Geek (for prospective board members)
The Free Geek Guide for Prospective Board Members
Our Mission
The mission of Free Geek is to recycle technology and provide access to computers, the internet, education, and job skills in exchange for community service.
Who We Are
Free Geek is a vibrant, local nonprofit organization that focuses on improving the ability of the community to use and access technology. We believe strongly that having access to a computer is important for individuals to participate in a society that is increasingly being driven by technology. Accordingly, Free Geek offers a wide array of volunteer programs designed to help individuals increase their knowledge of computer-related technology, and encourage recycling to help protect the environment.
What We Do
At Free Geek, one of primary goals is promote the reuse of discarded technology. By refurbishing donated computers, our organization not only eliminates the environmental problems associated with electronic waste, but also promotes access to technology. By providing a free computer to every volunteer who completes one of our programs, we are able to help narrow the digital divide one person at a time. And, in addition to receiving a free machine, each volunteer will have the opportunity to learn how to use their computer. They will also have access to our technical support program, so that their access to technology will never become diminished.
While most of our donated computers go to individuals, Free Geek also has a thriving hardware grants program. By donating refurbished computers to other local nonprofits, Free Geek helps to ensure that our community partners will have the ability to succeed in their own missions as well. All computers donated by Free Geek run on open source software, which we feel is best way to encourage the democratization of technology.
How We Govern
In our organization, a priority is placed on democratic governance through a consensus based decision- making model. Our board of directors is selected by an open council of volunteers and community members every two years, and helps to ensure that Free Geek is operating in a strategic, democratic, and fiscally sustainable manner. This council also handles many of the strategic decision making functions of the organization. By opening our governance process to the public, Free Geek is able to maintain a fair, representative, and transparent decision-making processing.
Our staff also operates in a manner consistent with our democratic values. The staff collective comprises the majority of Free Geek’s employees, and operates on a non-hierarchal basis. Free Geek also has a group of non-collective staff, who are represented by a union to promote fair treatment for all of our employees.
How You Can Help
For 10 years, Free Geek has worked tirelessly to help improve our community by promoting environmental stewardship and open access to technology. But, as our organization continues to grow, we need your help now more than ever. As we look to the future, Free Geek is seeking individuals who will be able to help us operate in a sustainable, strategic manner. In an effort to increase our ability to serve the community, our organization is looking for enthusiastic board members who will be able to bring their experience to the organization. In particular, we are looking for candidates who have experience with accounting, fundraising, nonprofit law, or executive management. But, most importantly, we are seeking individuals who will be able to share our passion for technology, people, and the environment. If you are interested in talking with us more about how you can help, please contact us at (insert email here)