Adoption Program Information
Welcome to the Adoption Program at Free Geek! The Adoption Program is our longest-standing program. Anyone may participate in this program as long as they are able to make it to our facility to volunteer. Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. In exchange for 24 hours of service, adopters may receive a computer with monitor, speakers, keyboard, and mouse.
When you have completed your 24 hours, please sign up for an Adoption Class (see below). The class teaches you how to set up and use your computer. Additionally, you will receive 1 year of tech support after completing the class.
Where will I work in the Adoption Program?
There are lifting, standing, and sitting jobs available in this program. Instructors will be mae available to show you the ropes. Adopters may work in any of the following areas:
- Receiving: Carrying items into Free Geek and putting them away, sitting down and sorting items, sitting down and testing equipment.
- Recycling Bench: Standing up and disassembling PC systems.
- Recycling Table: Sitting down and disassembling smaller electronics.
- Printerland: Standing up and disassembling systems.
- Basic Testing: where you'll test mice, keyboards, and speakers.
Occasionally we have different volunteer opportunities available. Please inquire at the front desk if interested!
What Kind of Computer Will I Receive?
We've named the computers we give away to volunteers FreekBoxes. The current specifications are as follows:
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Adoption Policy, "Members of the adoption program can get their first computer after 24 hours of volunteer work. Subsequent computers can be obtained only once per year. Only the hours logged since the most recent computer adopted will count towards any subsequent computer."
Remember, in order to receive one year of free tech support, you MUST sign up for the Adoption class. This 3-hour class is in addition to your 24 hours of volunteer work and is well worth it!
What About This Class That I Keep Hearing About?
The Adoption Class is an introduction to computers and to using Ubuntu Linux, the operating system we install on FreekBoxes. You will receive your computer at the conclusion of the class, so it is important to arrange for transportation.
We strongly encourage you to take the class whether you are familiar with computers or not. Even if you have previous experience, taking the class will provide an opportunity to fix any errors that may be present and to ensure your year of free tech support. Occasional problems may occur as a result of using refurbished equipment. If you install another operating system on your computer, such as Windows, you will no longer be able to receive tech support.
Please be aware that the classes are often booked far in advance, so it may take a while for you to get into one. Also, if you can't make it, please call us at least 24 hours in advance to cancel so another volunteer can take your place.
Recording Hours, Parking Your Car and Checking Your Bags
When you come in for your shift, you are required to check in and check your bag at the front desk. Please leave your valuables at home.
At the end of each of your shifts, you'll need to log your hours and sign up for your next shift at the front desk. If you won't be able to make it to Free Geek for your shift, please call us ahead of time. As an additional thank-you, active volunteers receive a discount in our Thrift Store! Also, you are eligible to become a member of the First Tech Credit Union. For more information, visit http://firsttechcu.com/.
If you have a car, there are plenty of places for you to park it around Free Geek. However, we ask that you do not park on 10th Ave.nor in the parking lot. These are not our parking spaces and your car might be towed!
Taking breaks
For each volunteer work period of 6 to 8 hours you should take a half an hour break. During this break time you will earn hours toward adopting a computer. We also encourage you to take a 15 minute break in every 3 ½ to 4 hour shift, this time is also not deducted from your hours. Take breaks!
Health and Safety, Rah Rah Rah!
Please stay safe. There are lots of pointy things and tall piles of computer stuff at Free Geek. We ask the following of you while you're here:
- Be careful, wear shoes, dress appropriately for your task, and alert a staff member if you see an unsafe situation that needs attention.
- If anything starts hurting while you're volunteering, let us know and we'll have you do a different task.
- We highly suggest wearing gloves if you are disassembling computers.
- If you are living with a blood-borne disease (like Hepatitis C or HIV), you are welcome here, but, for everyone's safety, please let a staff member know. Also, if you are cut at Free Geek and spill blood, let the closest staff member know so that he or she may act and give directions to others accordingly. Although we are invested in guarding your privacy, we request that you allow us to inform other staff members of the situation.
- If you need any special consideration at all, let a staff member know so that we can work with you and help you get the most from your volunteer term.
- Free Geek is a safe, respectful place. We don't allow harassment, violence, theft, arson, or other destructive behaviors here. Sexist, racist, homophobic, or other threatening language, clothing or behaviors will not be tolerated. Help keep our organization fun and inviting for all!
Parting Information
For reference, here's Free Geek's contact info. Thanks for volunteering at Free Geek!
Free Geek Community Technology Center
1731 SE 10th Avenue
Portland, OR 97214
Tel (503) 232-9350
Fax (503)230-8815
http://freegeek.org
If you need to reschedule your shift please call 503 232-9350.