3 - 5 year plan

This is a draft of a new or in-progress document, and is likely to have a few people specifically working on it. You may wish to check in on the discussion page to see what the purpose of the document is and who's working on it; then feel free to give this article love and attention if have extra of those things.

This page will describe what Free Geek wants to be like 3-5 years from now. People contributing to this page should read through the Meta Question and its associated documents, especially the scenarios listed there. Contributers should also look at Free Geek's General Priorities page and have a cursory understanding of the program planning sheets that it points to.

If we can describe a common vision that has the rough consensus of the Free Geek community behind it, then we can move on to a strategy to get from here to there.

What does should our Vision Statement look like?

It should address the following points. (Add to the list.)

Current programs:
- shift coverage
- staffed positions
New programs
- description
- shift coverage
- staffed positions
- substantial education program
General
- hours open -- ten hours per day, six days per week (10-8, Mon-Sat)
- 60 hours open to the public + 12 meeting hours (after hours)
- work schedule
- communication issues
- decision making
- what committees will exist?
Staffing
- pay rate -- staff should be making a living wage, currently defined as twice the minimum wage. Currently that means an hourly wage of $15.60 per hour.
- hours worked -- staff will likely be working up to 40 hours per week. I'd like to see no one having to work extra unpaid hours just to get their jobs done, and I'd like to see options for people to work less if they so choose. I imagine staff members would work between 20 and 40 hours per week.
- benefits -- staff would get the same holidays as today, full health care (like today), the same PTO (sick and vacation) as today, but maybe as a reward to sticking around, those with greater seniority will get more PTO than new hires.
- size of staff -- maybe 20 collective members, a dozen interns, with a half dozen substitutes on call?
Volunteers
- numbers in each program
- variety of programs / opportunties
Space usage
- office space
- production dedicated space
- warehouse space
- receiving space
- thrift store
- common space and community use space
- classroom / educational space

Dollars and cents

Don't worry about inflation when writing your plans and predictions. We will use the current year's dollars when we project things. (But as we progress, we will adjust numbers for inflation.)

Goals Brainstorm

This is where we put ideas that people think we'd like to see happen. Once there are several up, we can combine, debate, etc. Nothing here is final or agreed upon. This is simply an organized list of ideas.

NOTE: There's some repetition here, because there have been so many brainstorms in the last year or so. This is an attempt to combine them into one coherent place for review at the Big Meeting.

Key to the goals: (X) The goal is largely already happening, and is not likely to be controversial.; (!) Consensus seems likely in theory, but we don't have the details worked out yet, so there remains a possibility that things will change as the goal develops.; (?) There is not consensus at this time. This goal may be controversial. More discussion is needed,

Propagation

more FG's intergalactic (X)
GAP program growth (X)
more community partnerships with non-profits, maybe adoption volunteers can volunteer elsewhere (X)
- this could be accomplished by sending out store spec boxes
more partnerships with businesses that donate large amounts of stuff (X)
better recognition of FG (X)

FG stamp of approval for other businesses (particularly e-waste biz) (?)
mobile, fly-by-night FG in a box (?)
more FG's locally (?)
more FG's that are sustainable, and more advice (Franchise Coordinator or Ambassador) (?)

Education

different and more classes that are integrated or enhance our program (!)
- supplemental adoption level classes (e.g. OpenOffice)
- supplemental advanced classes (e.g. System Admin)

make recycling more educational (what is this, where would it go if not recycled, etc?) (X)
- this would be very good for school kids (geeklets) to learn
more paid interns gaining actual job experience (can complement full floor staffing) within limits (X)
more variety of volunteer programs (especially real-life skills) (X)
- online sales
- tech support, etc.
certifications for what we do now (X)

added curicula with recognized certs (?)

Clarity

better clarity in FG's attitude towards free software (X)
- to ourselves
- to the public
clarify the 'community technology' aspect (X)
- to ourselves
- to the public
- are we a drop in internet cafe?
- can you fix your computer here?
- i.e. what people can do other than volunteer here and make that clear & welcoming (internet use)
- etc.

Facility

a facility we own (!)
open more hours per week (!)
better flow of gizmos (!)

cleaner, including clutter AND dirt (X)
low-tech solutions before high-tech solutions (X)
make store more accessible for non-geeks (X)

buy a different building if we can't buy this building (?)
buy this space if we can (?)
expanding into north upstairs space (?)
- we probably don't want to be landlords
- no current use for the space, maybe a couple years out?
central vacuuming for build & eval (?)
satellite thrift store(s) & drop-off locations (?)
partner with local second-hand stores (?)
FG branches in PDX-area (?)
- among other things as a possible hedge against losing this space someday
FG Thrift Store outlets in PDX-area (?)
stay small scale and spread faster (?)
moving to a "better" space (?)
- we could be forced out of here eventually
- we like it here -- GREAT LOCATION!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- the community knows where we are

Admin

outreach coordinator (!)
scheduling software (Richard/Dave quits if we don't get this within 5 years) (!)

we want staff to be paid a solid living wage, including retirement planning (ability to live the rest of your life on your FG income) (see General Administration Plan (X)
more coverage (X)
- more efficient FG (full floor staffing all the time)
- better administration coverage (facilities, systems admin, bookkeeping)

grant writer on staff (?)

Volunteer

better routing of people to appropriate places and activities (!)
Accessible space (!)

more programs for geeklets (kids) (X)
more volunteer rewards - fun stuff to retain volunteers (untraditional is better) (X)
FG more accessible / reach broader audience (X)
- other languages and cultures

Outreachy stuff

field trips to other related organizations for volunteers (!)
- recyclers
- open source groups

tours improve as a community and volunteer education tool (X)

Recycling

vendor verification (!)
BAN pledge if possible (!)

adjust processes to new types of gizmos (X)

Tech Support & Education

raising public's awareness of linux's usablity (!)
- GAP boxes that say "this is linux"
- classes or workshops for the public
- classes or workshops for nonprofit orgs
- public demonstration events
better integration of educational components of all programs (!)
better volunteer retention in tech support (!)
better volunteer retention in teaching (!)

keep expanding tech support hours (X)
keep adapting tech support to new hardware and software (X)

extending support to to paying customers that are using a distro similar to ours (?)

Other

an vehicles (!)

figure out what to do with, for, and/or to people who walk around the building wanting stuff (!)
- instygrants
- i wanna buy this and this and this and this and this
- thieves (five fingered instygrants)

scheduled neighborhood pickups (?)
be more embracing of software replacing tasks please clarify (?)
more detailed recycling (take apart more stuff) (?)
more artistic expression on boxes (i.e. FG stencil or paint option) (?)
money taking desk in receiving (?)

Trends to watch

Incomplete -- See Trends and Attributes for a more detailed list.

Free Geek is entering a period where uncertainty about our future is becoming a factor. This uncertainty is caused by primarily two external forces:

changes as a result of the eWaste legislation
changes in the neighborhood, especially longer term increases in property values

There are also external forces at work that we feel more confident in predicting, and these will play a larger and larger role in determining Free Geek's future:

more integrated devices will "dumb down" the educational potential of refurbishing systems (the build program)
more Free Geeks and more interest in eWaste recycling in general

Free Geek will need to plan to meet these challenges by making some changes:

an education program that becomes progressively more geared towards how to use the technology (coding, web design, best utilization of office type software, etc.)
more aggressive outreach to corporations for gizmo donations
- Corporate partnerships, requiring a more communication, complexity, etc.
- This will require more service to the partner (on business time not Free Geek time)
design our space to be more flexible so we can turn on a dime as needed

Work towards a move and/or building purchase at the end of the 3-5 year period.

assess our space needs
find funding
logistics / project management of potential move, etc.
if we're expanding, decide structural issues (which model? Sister Free Geek, Maximum Free Geek, Satellite Free Geek)
protect ourselves from overextension

Intergalactic

increase the amount of hand holding and helping of startups without overwhelming the mothership
establish a separate legal entity (umbrella organization)
- dependant on getting enough funding

More hours

develop a plan for staffing
- get a grant to get to the next step on this
volunteer recruitment (where do they come from?)
thorough impact study (space needs, volunteer needs, etc.)

List of goals

We believe there's consensus

In recap, here is a list of goals and milestones we hope to achieve in the future. There are other obvious goals not listed, mainly things we are already doing. There will also probably be new goals added in the future that do not yet have broad consensus.

different and more classes that are integrated or enhance our program

(Related details pulled from Education Program#Potential Projects For An Education Coordinator)

Improve our core curriculum. Most of the learning at Free Geek happens "on the job", while volunteers work in Build Workshops, Recycling, Advanced Testing, etc. These areas can be investigated, their tasks organized as a series of steps progressing towards learning objectives, and documentation can be updated or created.
Both staff and volunteers teach our more formal classes as well as our workshops. Teaching our teachers to teach would standardize our methods and encourage a more investigative, empowered learning environment.
Further develop the Advanced Linux classes to include things like LTSP (theory and installation) and the differences between distributions. This would require volunteer teachers, as there are not enough staff hours to offer the current advanced Linux classes on a regular basis.
Develop a series of classes on basic computer topics (like the ones outlined on the Classes page of the wiki), which could relieve some pressure on tech support and give people more confidence and basic literacy.
Search for ways of reimbursing teachers, whether with a stipend or other rewards, in order to assure consistent and professional teaching. Yes, write grants!

a facility we own: (Related details pulled from Facility Plan); Free Geek will continue to rent the 15,000 square feet that it currently rents. In the next 3 to 5 years we will have raised money through fund drives and securing grants so that we can purchase our own building. In the mean time Free Geek modularize our process in preparation in changes in technology, making it easer to move

open more hours per week: Free Geek will likely be open an extra day or two, or at least more hours per day in 3-5 years.

better flow of gizmos: Free Geek has put a lot of thought into where things should go. the current flow of gizmos zig-zags and crosses over many paths that its taken, to say the least - this is confusing.

outreach coordinator: An Outreach Coordinator would be a collective members responsible for overseeing and coordinating efforts among Fundraising, Grantwriting, and Media Outreach.

scheduling software (Richard/Dave quits if we don't get this within 5 years): Better staff work shift scheduling software would allow us to be more flexible in our work schedule and would save on administrative time.

better routing of people to appropriate places and activities: When volunteers arrive at Free Geek, some are not matched to the proper program. Others have skill sets that don't match our standard two programs. In 3-5 years, we should have a noticeably better way to route these volunteers to their best fit. Additionally, Free Geek has many "faces". Some people come here to volunteer, others to recycle or shop. In 3-5 years it should be much more intuitive to end up in the right place.

accessible space: In the next 3-5 years Free Geek will make accessible as much of its space as possible. As we look into options for moving, expanding, or purchasing this or another space, we will rank accessibility as one of our highest priorities.

field trips to other related organizations for volunteers: Free Geek will arrange for volunteer field trips to its recycling partners and other organizations that would be of interest or educational value to our community.

vendor verification: We will require that our recycling partners verify what happens to the hazardous materials we give them. We will prioritize using vendors that have a higher level of verification.

BAN pledge if possible: If we can actually meet the BAN pledge requirements without an unreasonable negative impact on our income, 3-5 years from now we will have signed the BAN pledge and will be in compliance with it.

raising public's awareness of Linux's usability: We will strive to make the general public more comfortable with using Linux and open source software through simple FAQs on the computers we distribute and by providing more educational opportunities.

better integration of educational components of all programs: We provide a lot of hands on educational opportunities as it is, but we will create systems that enhance the existing options, making them more accessible to a wide range of volunteers of differing abilities. Our documentation will be more consistent and up to date.

better volunteer retention in tech support
better volunteer retention in teaching: More volunteers will be involved in tech support and teaching. There will be a small community of people who encourage each other in both these areas. Teaching and tech support will seem like "programs" for the volunteers, similar to how the build programs currently operate.

a vehicle or vehicles: the Vehicle (PPS) page has the bulk of the info. In short, we could pick up and drop off goods, making us more flexible(desirable) to our customers and clients.

figure out what to do with, for, and/or to people who walk around the building wanting stuff: yeah, we'll do that too.

Goals currently being met

Most of these things we currently do pretty well. We will continue to do them, likely in much the same way. Most of these will need further clarification and some may move to the above list if we expect major changes in the future.

more intergalactic Free Geeks: If we can get funding, we should have for a paid position that coordinates communication between all the startups and develops a more formal organizational structure.; travel expenses for pdx staff to go help; travel expenses for other freegeeks' staff to come train

GAP program growth (X): software to advertise our work and free software; personal telco team-up; active placement and administration with a paid position

more community partnerships with non-profits, maybe adoption volunteers can volunteer elsewhere (X): team up with the city for some of their projects to get more computers in people's hands; offer ways for other non-profits to attract/reward their volunteers

more partnerships with businesses that donate large amounts of stuff (X)
better recognition of FG (X)
make recycling more educational (what is this, where would it go if not recycled, etc?) (X)
more paid interns gaining actual job experience (can complement full floor staffing) within limits (X)
more variety of volunteer programs (especially real-life skills) (X)
certifications for what we do now (X)
better clarity in FG's attitude towards free software (X)
clarify the 'community technology' aspect (X)
cleaner, including clutter AND dirt (X)
low-tech solutions before high-tech solutions (X)
make store more accessible for non-geeks (X)
we want staff to be paid a solid living wage, including retirement planning (ability to live the rest of your life on your FG income) (see General Administration Plan (X)
more coverage (X)
more programs for geeklets (kids) (X)
more volunteer rewards - fun stuff to retain volunteers (untraditional is better) (X)
FG more accessible / reach broader audience (X)
tours improve as a community and volunteer education tool (X)
adjust processes to new types of gizmos (X)
keep expanding tech support hours (X)
keep adapting tech support to new hardware and software (X)

Areas needing more discussion

These are ideas with varying amounts of support for them. We will begin to assess those which have the most agreement behind them and attempt to clarify them, modify them as necessary, and build towards consensus on as many as possible.

FG stamp of approval for other businesses (particularly e-waste biz) (?)
mobile, fly-by-night FG in a box (?)
more FG's locally (?)
more FG's that are sustainable, and more advice (Franchise Coordinator or Ambassador) (?)
added curicula with recognized certs (?)
buy a different building if we can't buy this building (?)
buy this space if we can (?)
expanding into north upstairs space (?)
central vacuuming for build & eval (?)
satellite thrift store(s) & drop-off locations (?)
partner with local second-hand stores (?)
FG branches in PDX-area (?)
FG Thrift Store outlets in PDX-area (?)
stay small scale and spread faster (?)
moving to a "better" space (?)
grant writer on staff (?)
extending support to to paying customers that are using a distro similar to ours (?)
scheduled neighborhood pickups (?)
be more embracing of software replacing tasks please clarify (?)
more detailed recycling (take apart more stuff) (?)
more artistic expression on boxes (i.e. FG stencil or paint option) (?)
money taking desk in receiving (?)