Alt Build (PPS)

Program Basics

• Program Name: Alternative Build
• Program Description: Basically, it's the same process as regular Build, but with Macs, Server & Legacy equipment. This program would include hardware identification, system evaluation, assembly and quality control. Perhaps it would include some hardware testing, if that became feasible. As for servers in particular, taken from the Enterprise Build PPS: The program would include a working knowledge of Networking and Systems Engineering. This would also prepare them for Network Plus certification. The teaching would be peer based with class assignments focused on working as a team. Currently there are no programs specifically to deal with Servers and high end network equipment.

• What best describes this program?

Primarily mission related, with regards to the education and reuse aspects. It should quickly develop a sustaining income.

• Why does Free Geek need this program?

Volunteers are willing and interested in learning about Macs & Servers and their experience working with them carries real-world relevance (particularly in the job-training realm). The regular Build program is already very successful and many return builders are ready to move onto something new. Additionally, FG is dedicated to prioritizing reuse over simply recycling and this program enables an increase in reuse in areas we are currently not very prolific in.

Job Position Basics

• Would there be a dedicated staff position associated with this program?

sure.

• Position Title

Alternate Build Coordinator (?)

• Job Description

coordinate builders and teachers in the alternative areas

maintain alternative programs, their relevant documentation and tools, their interactions with the rest of freegeek

teaching when necessary

Financial costs

• What are the expected financial staffing costs of the program?

1 part-time coordinator

• What other costs are associated with the program?

space to work

• If there will be a dedicated staff position, how much time would be needed for training?
  • How much time would existing staff need to put in initially? ______50_____ hours
  • How time would existing volunteers need to put in initially? ______40-50______ hours
• Once the program is up and running how many staff hours per week would it take?
  • In paid staff time? _____10-20____ hours/week
  • In volunteer time? ______30-40______ hours/week (as many as volunteers wanted, really)

Note: With the upcoming staffing changes (i.e. removal of Build Coordinator & addition of Co-Production Coordinator), it's hard to predict staffing of this program. I believe that after the program is up & running on volunteer leadership, the Production duo would mostly oversee the process.

Drawbacks

• Outline the intangible costs for the position and program:

None

• Are there any possible negative impacts on Free Geek's mission, and if so what?

not every volunteer will have the opportunity to participate at first - this would change as the program grew (which undoubtedly it will)

• How will this program affect other programs and staff positions currently in effect?

it will positively affect Build volunteers who wish to continue volunteering after building their 6th system. It will require staff hours to keep the program running well.

• How will this program affect other programs and staff positions being considered?

this is closely tied to the production and build coordinator positions, will need to be integrated with prebuild, and will be useful for building occasional infrastructure and grant systems.

Benefits

• Would the program generate income? YES
  • If yes, how much income would be expected once the program is up and running? no estimates
  • If yes, how long would it take for the program to get to that point?
• How does the program support the mission of Free Geek?
  • Reuse of computer equipment
  • Providing education/job skills training
  • Provide Non-profits with affordable working server hardware (Servers)

Measuring Success

• How can the success of the program be measured?

happy, return volunteers. Increased Mac/Server/Legacy sales, an increase in hardware grants of Macs/Servers, and less stuff being recycled.

• How long until it is expected to break even?

It's already generating income because of Loren's dedication to refurbishing Macs. Paying for a position would cut into this, but increased productivity should have a positive monetary flow within the first few months.

• Outline a plan for implementing the program:

It's already happening in a makeshift way. All that remains to be done is committed documentation, staff oversight, and volunteer training. Then start making things available to more volunteers and watch things grow.