What is a Free Geek?

Free Geek is a trademark of Free Geek, Inc., in Portland, Oregon. An organization that wants to be a Free Geek needs to (at least) do these things:

• Agree with the Free Geek Principles
• Understand our Mission Statement
• Do similar activities to us. These are broadly described in the mission statement. Such activities include:
  • Reusing computers and technology by giving them away in exchange for community service
  • Recycling computers that do not get reused in an environmentally responsible way.
  • Providing education and training in the use of computers and technology.

What a Free Geek Is Not

• Free Geek is not a LUG (linux user group), even though we use free and open source software throughout our operation. LUGs are our friends. They do their job. We do ours.
• Free Geek is not (just) a computer recycling center. We try to reuse computers wherever possible. Since many computers are unusable for a variety of reasons, many need to be responsibly recycled instead. (And we are serious about how they get recycled.)
• Free Geek is not a (just) group of techno-loving geeks. Sure they come here and help. (Who wouldn't?) But we're more than that. People from all walks of life participate.