Employee Orientation Resources
This page is designed to provide new staff members with the resources they need to succeed at Free Geek. There is a large amount of information on this page (and in all of the pages linked to on this page), and it is not intended to be digested all at once. Rather, use this page as a hub for navigating relevant wiki pages and finding the information you need to do your job during your first weeks and months at Free Geek. If you have any questions about what you find here, speak with your supervisor or designated trainer (or ask any staff member who has been around for a while).
Overview of the Organization
Organizational Structure
- Org Chart
- This document is the standard organizational chart of departments, areas, and workers at Free Geek. It is periodically updated as staff members and structures change. This chart will be helpful in understanding the overall structure of the organization, along with learning who works where.
- Definition of a non-profit
- Free Geek is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization according to the IRS. What does this mean? Learn more at: Free Geek's status as a nonprofit.
Decision-making
- Decision-making Process chart
- This document describes the general process for how decisions are made at Free Geek and outlines the basic relationships between the Board of Directors, staff, and all other stakeholders. Keep in mind that not all possible paths for information flow or decision-related actions are printed. Also, note that traditional nonprofits are governed more directly by an Executive Director instead of a Staff Collective; this collaborative management system has been an important aspect of Free Geek since its inception.
- Consensus process
- Decisions at Free Geek are made using the consensus process. It is a good idea to learn about how consensus works as you begin attending meetings and participating in decision-making groups. Consensus is a good page to look at as you start learning about this process; you also might check out the Staff Collective Decision Making Process.
Mission Statement
Free Geek's Mission Statement is: to recycle technology and provide access to computers, the Internet, education and job skills in exchange for community service. This statement serves as a basis for Free Geek programming and decision-making. Additionally, Free Geek and its affiliates (Free Geek Startups around North America) are guided by Free Geek Principles.