Talk:Programs and Activities

From the old Mission and Programs page.

This is an attempt to formally classify Free Geek's staff and volunteer activities by program type.

Free Geek's mission statement offers a formal description of the organization's activities:

FREE GEEK is a 501(c)(3) not for profit community organization that recycles used technology to provide computers, education, internet access and job skills training to those in need in exchange for community service.

• Note the word "recycles" includes re-use and refurbishment as well as the preparation of materials for maximum recovery.
• Also note that "recycles used technology to provide" and "to those in need in exchange for community service" apply to the each of the following terms:
  • computers
  • education
  • internet access
  • job skills training

To meet this mission, we group our many program activities into some broad categories. These categories are practical groupings, determined by similarity of function and the the amounts and types of resources that go into each specific activity. This helps us whenever we need to formally describe what we do and report what resources are used for what. (For instance, in reporting to the IRS or asking for a grant.)

Adoption

(recycle, computers, education, internet access, job skills training)

• adoption -- providing the means for volunteers to earn computers and skills to bridge the digital divide
• recycling -- an eWaste hands-on education
• printers -- hands-on eWaste refurbishment & recycling education option

Build

(recycle, computers, education, internet access, job skills training)

• prebuild -- hands on education in identifying and evaluating computers and computer components
• build -- hands-on education in computer refurbishment to ultimately build your own machine
• laptops -- post-build option to hone specific advanced computer evaluation & repair skills

Advanced Build

(recycle, computers, education, internet access, job skills training)

• macs -- post-build option specializing in mac refurbishment
• testing -- post build option using advanced skills to troubleshoot
• servers -- post-build option specializing in enterprise class components
• A/V -- reuse, refurbishment & recycling of audio-visual electronics

Reuse and E-Waste Diversion

(responsible recycling through maximizing the life of technology)

• thrift store -- active reuse of recycled & refurbished items, offering steep discounts for volunteer work
• hardware grants -- granting non-profits the tools to keep up with a digital society

Internet Access

(providing internet access to the community)

• drop in access -- providing on site Internet access resources to the public
• Geek Access Point -- providing Internet access resources in community spaces

Job Training, Education, and Related Resources

(education and job skills training)

• library -- educational materials accessible to all volunteer
• classes -- training and job skills to increase computer aptitude
• support -- ongoing support for new computer owners as they work with their new tools & skills
• tours -- educating the public & potential volunteers about FG, opportunities to earn tools & access resources
• internships -- job skills training & experience

Overhead

There are also activities that are not tied to any specific program, but are necessary parts of the operation.

• fundraising -- activities (such as grant writing) that may raise funds to support the activities above
• administration -- other general overhead activities such as hiring, bookkeeping, and the like