FreeGeek Providence

Free Geek Providence Inventory

noreply@blogger.com (FreeGeek Providence) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 01:30:00 +0000

Deep inside a secret room in a well respected educational institution in Providence RI lies the inventory of Free Geek Providence.

Got Computers?

Free Geek Providence Commercial

noreply@blogger.com (FreeGeek Providence) — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 16:52:00 +0000

Help Free Geek Providence create their first commercial.

How can you help? It's simple: First get your web cam, digital cam, iphone, iclone, whatever .... then get one of your favorite gadgets, game system, keyboard, etc. Once you have everything get in front of the camera, start recording and have it go a little something like this:

"Hi, My name is John and I'm not going to kill anyone anymore" (hold up your gadget or what have you) "Because I'm not going to put this in the ground"

Make it original, and make sure it's not boring. If you want, substitute "I'm not going to kill anyone" with say "I'm not going to kill the birds". Or "I enjoy swimming with the fishes, so I'm not going to put this (hold up your gadget) in the ground".

That's all you need to do. If you'd like, add in "I'm going to help the needy get nerdy" at the end. And you're done. Save that clip and email to me: john@freegeekpvd.org, I'll take care of the rest. Once it's done it'll be on our YouTube page for everyone to see and help spread the Free Geek word.

The Big Install-A-Thon!

noreply@blogger.com (FreeGeek Providence) — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 14:00:00 +0000

Hi folks,

I do not have a set date yet, but we need to install xUbuntu on about 100 P4's that were just donated to Free Geek Providence today. These are all perfectly happy computers, most of which come with peripherals and FLAT SCREEN monitors (which all need to be tested, of course).

We can go to the location where they are being stored, install xUbuntu on them and then our donor will store them for us until NewBCamp on February 8th.

Here's what we need, please tell me specifically what you can assist us with:

6-10 volunteers to install xUbuntu, test systems, plug in and move computers around the storage area for about six to eight hours (1-2 hours a piece?).

10-15 volunteers to physically move the computers from their location to the NewBCamp site on February 8th or thereabouts.

(We might pack them all into a truck for the weekend and then move them into the Pepsi Forum on Sunday morning of the event depending on our access to them.)

A 14 foot rental truck for at least 3 days minimum (Friday 6th, Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th afternoon) donated to our cause (Including insurance).

(Note: If every single person on this list donated 3 dollars, we'd have the ability to pay for it up front. Every little bit helps!)

5 to 10 power strips

10 CD's of Randy's Latest distribution.

If you are interested in helping out, this is your shot. No experience necessary, we will teach you everything about installing the Operating System and testing it. It's a great opportunity to hang out with other organizers, get something great accomplished and help the needy get nerdy.

Thanks everyone.

- Nathan
Executive Director
Free Geek Providence
www.freegeekpvd.org

More Donations!

noreply@blogger.com (FreeGeek Providence) — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 20:56:00 +0000

Awesome work Kim & Loren!

This is one pickup:
12 boxes of misc computer parts
2-3 towers 2-3 printers

Following is what was actually received:

2 printers
1 monitor
1 mouse
3 pc towers
1 mac tower
1 sm box removable drives ,pwr supplies, ram
2 new in box keyboard cradles
1 sm booksize pc, mini laptop keyboard, laptop pwr adapter
1 video card for dell inspirion laptop
1 big box of 5-6 motherboards,3-4 pwr supplies ,misc parts
1 box of cable ribbon, 2 fans, 3 laptop hd, game controller
2 dell keyboards
1 mac keyboard
sm box cd roms,misc ethernet cables,espson stylus ink cartridge,video cards ethernet cards ,ect.....
1 dell desktop motherboard and tray
3 gallon size baggies of assorted ram (50-100pcs total)
1 misc box of pci &isa cards
1 medium box og cards, cables, floppies drives ect...
1 med box of mac related stuff
1 flat box powerstrip
box of micro processors:
celeron 333
celeron400
pIII 550
pII 400

HP lazerjet toner cartridge
3-4 assorted laptops
2 modems

Our 2nd Donation from Donald Powers Architects

2 computer towers Pentium 4
2 Keyboards
1 crt monitor

Donation Update

noreply@blogger.com (FreeGeek Providence) — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 13:44:00 +0000

An update on some donations we have either received or pending pickup:

From Kim:

"one third of this huge donation is in hand.
so far in hand............"

1-complete older computer system in box, 4 computer towers,
1- dell power edge 2200 tower
2 sm printers
3-monitors
2- samsung toner cartridges-new in box
1-dvd player
1-vcr player
1 box of cables,pwr cords, wires
1 box of 10 keyboards, 17 mice,15 trackballs
1 box with lcd monitor,speakers some type of computer component
2- flatbox pc components
2- processing system boxes

IBM Aptive computer tower, monitor,speakers,printer (extra ink cartridges) cables/wires.

Half of this donation is in hand (the rest is pending pickup)
In hand:
5 monitors
4 pc towers
3 printers
1 scanner
6 keyboards
1 set of computer speakers
1 cannon copier

From Dave G:

Three systems at his office: One PowerMac and two PCs. The PowerMac may need a drive. The PCs would need memory and drives.

Dave also has a lead on about 20 systems from a client. Almost all of them are in working order. Some may need memory or drives, but he thinks at least 15 of them are ready to go.

There is another pending donation in Warwick, about 10 pc's. Coordinating a pickup date & time.

Awesome job from everyone!

Free Geek PVD Xubuntu Update

noreply@blogger.com (FreeGeek Providence) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 13:25:00 +0000

Current version:

Xubuntu 8.04.1 (Hardy Heron)

FreeGeek version:

1.3

Customizations:

modified logo on the login screen to match Free Geek PVD logo;

default background image has been updated to reflect Free Geek PVD logo;

Applications:

have not installed or uninstalled application packages

----------------------------

customizations of login and default background have also been documented.

-Randy (@rmoy on twitter)

Recycle. It's Your Call!

noreply@blogger.com (FreeGeek Providence) — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 18:54:00 +0000

Hello everyone, Kim here

I just wanted to post a quick blog regarding our cellphone recycling fundraiser to kick off the new year with. Free Geek Providence is collecting used cell phones in our efforts to significantly increase fund raising. In conjunction with the GRC Wireless Recycling Program, a donation payment will be made to Free Geek Providence for each and every cell phone collected - regardless of age or condition.

GRC Wireless Recycling (GRC) based in Florida has been in business Since 2001. Their recycling programs have raised over $6,000,000 for thousands of organizations in 50 states & Canada. GRC offers zero landfill recycling, industry leading pricing, and friendly customer service. They provide us with shipping labels and full color customizable posters free of charge. We just collect the phones and ship them to GRC when we have at least 10 phones and then they cut Free Geek Providence a check. It's that simple.

This cellphone fundraiser will kick off on January 1st and will run until March 1st. Within that two month time period we have set a goal to collect 500 old cellphones projectively yielding us approx $500.

GRC pays for all phones regardless of age or condition between .50 cent to $35 per phone depending upon resale value of the phone, age, condition,ect.. but Regardless every cellphone will be paid on. They also take cellphone batteries and chargers but only pay you for the phone.

There are direct and indirect benefits of doing a cell phone collection fundraiser. The direct benefit is that free geek providence will raise money. The indirect benefits include, keeping toxic chemicals out of our water supply and out of landfills,it is environmentally friendly. You can encourage everyone to bring their old/unwanted cell phones to you and to spread the word to their friends, family and co-workers.
It's a win-win for everyone involved.

It is estimated that over 125 million wireless phones will be discarded this year! Wireless phones can be redistributed, refurbished or recycled - almost every part of a wireless phone is recyclable! Recycling your phone costs you nothing and contributes to the well-being of our planet.

Continued recycling and reuse of cell phones substantially reduces the number of phones manufactured each year. This also reduces the demand for precious metals collected through environmentally destructive mineral mining. The cell phones collected from our programs are refurbished, reused or smelted down for metals and plastics. All processing is handled in EPA regulated facilities in the United States.

For more information about the GRC Wireless Recycling Program, please visit www.grcrecycling.com.

How the fund raiser works:

- We set up various pick up locations throughout Providence.

- You bring your old, used, cracked or broken cellphones.

- We collect the cellphones from the drop-off locations.

- We ship them to GRC Wireless Recycling and they pay us for every single cellphone we send them, from 50 Cents to $35 per unit.

So if you would like contribute by passing out flyers, being a collection center or collecting cellphones and bringing them to one of our collection centers, we'd really appreciate your assistance.

Please bring in your old cellphones to one of our collection centers:

Malachi's Fair Trade Coffee Shop
134 Ives Street
Providence, RI 02906

Thanks for your time,

Kim

12/08 Meeting Notes & NewBCamp Test Build 1.0

noreply@blogger.com (FreeGeek Providence) — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 15:43:00 +0000

12/08 Meeting Attendees:

Nathan, Sara, Forrest, Randy, Regina, Court, Maura, Fred, Kim

Moderated by: Nathan

Space:

We discussed the recent developments regarding finding space for a home for Free Geek. The target date of opening a location is June 2009.

Vehicle:

We placed an ad on craigslist to find a vehicle. We will need to have in our budget an amount available to insure and register the vehicle for business use, but we are looking.

Legal Advice:

We discussed that our Form 1023 and attachments have been sent to two attorneys, one working with the RI Bar association and another who is a contact of Sara's. Sara also called her contact this evening and Nathan will be in touch with that person in the next week or so.

Fiscal Agent:

It was brought up at the meeting that we may have a fiscal agent in order to apply for grants, that we should know by next week if we are approved. Nathan will write a proposal and work at this project.

Strategic Advice:

Nathan discussed the importance of having sound advice and the necessity to possibly pay for such advice, were we to have a budget to do so.

Board of Directors:

The group discussed speaking to others to help find other possible recruits for the Board of Directors.

Sara discussed NewBCamp, what it is and what her vision is for this February's session at Johnson and Wales University. She will write a new blog explaining NewBCamp in general terms for our community.

At the prompting of some questions regarding Linux from Maura, we discussed the benefits of open source software and the various types of Linux applications. We discussed how Free Geek's philosophy pertains to the use of open source software and why that is.

Randy brought up the idea of researching the digital divide we always talk about and suggested we find numbers to support our mission statement. Forrest discussed the use of surveys as a market research tool. The question of "How do we gauge the digital divide in Rhode Island?" was discussed and an idea Nathan brought up was to research what the big computer companies are showing as "typical household income" and using those figures as a benchmark.

It could be that persons with household incomes of less than a certain amount (statistics that we can find) might be people that wouldn't typically purchase computer equipment due to their financial situation (ie, people who's household income is less than the federal poverty level, etc).

Very good meeting, we had Fred and Maura join us for the first time this evening and both of them were invited to the site to participate.

Thanks.

NewBCamp Test Build 1.0 12/6

We arrived at Stenhouse Consulting's office space at 11:30 after gathering a few parts and pieces from our storage facility. David had a beautiful space setup on the second floor, lots of space, power, internet connections: everything we need to build and test computers on a small scale.

Attendees:

Nathan, David, John, Forrest, Kim, Renee, Jordan, Adam

Forrest was our teacher today and we discussed the curriculum and went through a hardware de-mystification module which explained all the parts of the motherboard, the various types of cards, etc and also explained how to test certain hardware through the BIOS. We discussed splitting this into two modules, hardware with no power and hardware with power.

Then we moved into the linux installation module, showing first the live mode and the actual install. We installed the latest version of Xubuntu that Randy created just for Free Geek Providence.

The whole meeting went well, everyone here learned something while putting together the curriculum with Forrest.

This was a very good first walk through.

- Nathan

Why do we partner with responsible recyclers?

noreply@blogger.com (FreeGeek Providence) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 19:28:00 +0000

After watching this video, you can see why it's extremely critical that we work only with responsible recyclers.

By Nathan

Recycling Introduction

noreply@blogger.com (FreeGeek Providence) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 19:23:00 +0000

Hi! My name is Megan. For those of you who I have yet to me I am the Recycling Coordinator for Free Geek Providence. Recycling is one of the fundamental aspects of Free Geek. If we weren't recycling could we still be doing what we do? Of course. But Free Geek PVD wouldn't have nearly the same impact on our community or environment.

To clarify, Free Geek Providence is not a recycler. My job is to find and closely work with recycling companies who can safely and effectively "dispose" of our e-waste. Ah, what is e-waste you might be wondering? By definition e-waste, or electronic waste, is any discarded electronic or electrical devices or their components. So what's the big deal? It's just trash, right? Wrong! Did you know that computers are virtually harmless when they are being actively used, however, once they are dumped in our landfills they become extremely hazardous. This is because computers and other electronics contain lead, cadmium, mercury, chromium, and polyvinyl chlorides. "All of these materials have known toxicological effects that range from brain damage to kidney disease to mutations, cancers," Allen Hershkowitz, a senior scientist and authority on waste management at the Natural Resources Defense Council, explained. And just where do you think these toxins are ending up? Computers tossed into landfills get smashed and broken and these pollutants seep into the soil and make their way into our drinking water! The same water is used to hydrate farm crops, crops that end up in the produce aisle of your local grocery store. That's the harsh reality and we should all be be concerned about our well-being and the welfare of future generations.

At Free Geek Providence we strive to intercept whatever e-waste we can. We act as the middle man between the public and the recycling companies. However, we only use recycling companies that are part of a environmental stewardship pledge. The stewardship is a pact that the recycling company must abide by if they want to remain in environmentally good standing. The e-Steward Pledge enforces adherence to strict guidelines that must be met and maintained including (but not limited to) the following:

1. hazardous e-waste may not, under any circumstance, be sent to a solid waste facility
2. hazardous e-waste may not be exported from developed countires to third world countries
3. e-waste may not be sent to prisons for recycling

To date, Free Geek Providence is using two recyclers: Green Tech Assets and Xstrata Recycling. Both fully comply with e-Steward standards.

For more information on the e-Steward Program please refer to www.ban.org .

* By Megan

12-03-08 Meeting Notes

noreply@blogger.com (FreeGeek Providence) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 17:59:00 +0000

This week has been pretty exciting thus far and we've made a lot of headway toward bringing our organization to the next level.

Free Geek Providence
Open Community Meeting
Tuesday, December 2nd, 2008
Location: Malachi's Cafe

Moderator: Nathan Hutnak

In Attendance:

Randy
Forrest
Kim
Renee
John
Megan

Nathan discussed several projects and lots of good news going on at Free Geek Providence.

- The computers being built for our test run are almost ready (Bob and Christian)
- Johnson & Wales has computer systems to give us, waiting on Christian for contact info.
- Averion still has dozens of systems we need to pick up. All we need is a rental truck and a few people to go pick them up.
- NewBCamp is February 8th and we are preparing our presentations for them.
- We should have an attorney looking at the 501c3 application very soon
- The new Drupal site is up and operational and has lots of goodies.
-The United Way is more than willing to add Free Geek to their 211 service, as well as forward an email package explaining who we are, etc, to other potential organizations who could provide temporary agent service for Free Geek.
-Will contact Dave at Stenhouse to make sure this Saturday is okay to test out our build program at his office.
-Nathan is meeting with Matt Fair and the property manager of The Plant at 10 am on Wednesday.

Randy discussed the need to tweak the curriculum, practice the delivery of the material to newbcamp participants. He also mentioned he has a server that will be available once we move into our space.

Forrest discussed the build program and is working with Randy on finishing the curriculum and he will be working on moving the blogs from the coop site to this site.

Kim discussed the need for an introductory phone call to new volunteers to welcome and introduce them to Free Geek Providence.

John discussed our current inventory in his basement, that he has 10-12 monitors and a server. He will also look into another hosting service which can provide php 5.2x so that we can run certain modules on our site.

News & Notes

noreply@blogger.com (FreeGeek Providence) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 14:48:00 +0000

Our new site is up! Check it out : http://freegeekpvd.org/fgpvd

There is a meeting Tuesday night at 7pm, and Wednesday morning at 9:30am.

NewBCamp is Sunday February 8, 2009, and it will be held at the University's Pepsi Forum.

Bob F has been working on building computers for sale and or donations. So far he has about 6 put together.

We are looking to raise $750 to submit our non-profit status paperwork to the IRS.

Kim picked up 4 KVM switches, 2 Cisco switches, 1 Cisco access point, & 6 HP 95a toners

John B picked up a Compaq desktop & Monitor

More news to follow!

Small Donation Picked Up Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (FreeGeek Providence) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:24:00 +0000

Kim picked up an old Compaq Aarmada laptop (which might be doa), a desktop tower and some software related books.

Thanks Kim!

The week in Geek!

noreply@blogger.com (FreeGeek Providence) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 21:45:00 +0000

As everyone knows by now, we are at the final stages of our setup phase. We are getting all the legal paperwork together, putting together systems for fund raising as well as organizing NewBCamp and micro build programs. We've got about 50 volunteers and 10 organizers to make a good ratio of organizer to volunteer here at Free Geek. We've got a board of directors, a bank account, a po box, a phone number and someone is starting the grant application process.

We are raising funds for a lot of things. We need to pay fees in order to apply for status as a non-profit. We need to raise funding for rent and utilities. We need funding to make an impact on our community. We've already taken steps by taking in donations and getting them all situated in a local storage facility. We've been distributing systems to people who are putting them together and testing them out for us.

This past weekend, a small group of us got together at the storage facility to rip apart a few things to help people build computers easier. Christian and Bob are going to start putting together systems and testing them with Linux. The sale from these systems will go toward our general fund. The general fund is for fees and expenses.

So if you would like to buy a nice fancy (hardly ever been used) Free Geek Providence computer system, now is your chance! Put in your order now! Tell a friend: Free Geek Computers are coming. We haven't specified an exact price, but an entire system will be in the realm of about $50.

Each computer system we sell will include a PIII, at least 375-512 MG RAM, 20 Gig hard drive, Ethernet card, a 15" or greater CRT monitor, keyboard and mouse. Some might have sound and video cards as well, but all motherboards have integrated sound and video. These specs are more than enough to surf the web, create office documents, pictures and watch movies/dvd's.

We need mice and keyboards! If you have a mouse or keyboard that you aren't using, we ask you donate it to Free Geek Providence. Maybe you know a company that just upgraded to laser mice or upgraded all their keyboards. Please point them in our direction!

Be one of the first people ever to get a Free Geek PVD system and support our cause in the meantime!

We have created a new site which is easier to use and navigate and once we have all the information migrated (well, as much as we possibly can, that is) we'll open it up for everyone to use.

In addition, our domain name (Keep your fingers crossed) will be changing to www.freegeekpvd.org very soon. We are in the process of transferring our domain fgri.org and all it's emails etc to freegeekpvd.org.

Thanks for all your support,

Nathan
Executive Director
FREE GEEK PROVIDENCE

Our First Check!

noreply@blogger.com (FreeGeek Providence) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 16:54:00 +0000

We received our first recycling check from Green Tech Assets today. This was for the last Move-A-Palooza where we brought several hundred pounds of recycling junk and scrap to their facility.

Our fearless leader Nathan

November 11th Meeting Minutes

noreply@blogger.com (FreeGeek Providence) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 13:23:00 +0000

Attendees:
Nathan, Sara, Kim, John, Mark, Bob
David, Adam, Christian, Matt, Yang, Andrew, Brian

It was a FreeGeek/NewBCamp mashup with a total of 13 attendees spread out over three tables. I think that was a FreeGeek meeting first!

This week was atypical in the sense that Nathan had not created a specific agenda for the meeting. Rather, the floor was open to some expected new people to ask questions and give people the chance to show an initiative with their ideas.

Sara & Nathan's meeting minutes break down:

NewBCamp meeting 6-7pm

* increased involvement of SofT ICE and student participation (and special thanks to Christian for representing SofT ICE tonight)
* increased focus on making NewBCamp an event manageable by students - less focus on necessarily making it an "unconference"
* change of date - Johnson & Wales' NewBCamp will be earlier so as to allow students to attend and volunteer
* change of location * Pepsi Forum (a single large event room with tables that can accommodate about 100*120 people)
* change of format * break out sessions at each table, less emphasis on stand*up presentations and more on interactive learning
* morning event from 9am-2pm with flexibility so people can come and go to some extent, brown bag it or meet up at AS220 afterwards
* save money by offering coffee and muffin type food but not lunch
* raise money for SofT ICE and Free Geek

Free Geek meeting 7-8:30pm

* need space - actively looking for a space for a six month period, and also a weekly place to hold micro*build program
* $700 filing fee for federal nonprofit status, looking to raise that through the refurbishing of computers we have now
* PO Box, bank account, state nonprofit status have been obtained
* free geek providence website is built in Drupal - needs to be developed further, newbcamp site will merge with that
* storage space has been secured in Pawtucket, looking to take in more donations as it's only a quarter full
* vision for outreach to schools - develop a micro-teach curriculum to accompany the micro-build
* have a presence at Providence Geeks next week, Free Geek organizers will attend
* connect with RI Nexus and Jack Templin
* raise money for the general fund by selling refurbished computers at thrift store prices
* certain skilled individuals can aid in the refurbishing effort and help raise money for immediate expenses
* Completing 501c3 application
* Working out the kinks of our micro build program

Our priorities next week are

* Donate computers!
* Give away Technology!
* Build revenue.
* Find Big Happy space.

Our priorities next month are

* Move into big happy place
* Take in lots of donations
* Give away technology!

Build this and people will be lined up down whatever street we find to participate!

- John, Nathan, Sara

What is NewBCamp?

noreply@blogger.com (FreeGeek Providence) — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 16:18:00 +0000

NewBCamp is an event based on the unconference model where participants learn about technology by interacting with others in small group break-out sessions that emphasize learning by doing.

Topics from the first NewBCamp included: Marketing, Podcasting/Blogging (intro to putting out content in interactive forums, RSS), Social Media, and Web Development.

At the next NewBCamp SofT ICE will be partnering with Free Geek Providence (that's us!). NewBCamp will be a fundraiser for both with half of proceeds from ticket sales and donations going to each organization. This time around topics will be Web Development /Social Media, Graphic Design / Artistic, and Software/Hardware How-To's.

More details will be available soon on the upcoming NewBCamp!

FreeGeek Providence is a non-profit group that puts technology in the hands of those that can't afford it. We aim to provide job training, certification and experience to help people get better jobs. Any computers/electronics/etc that can not be re-used will be recycled properly through one of our recycling partners.

SofT ICE (the School of Technology Industry Career Explorers) is a student organization within Johnson & Wales University and promotes career development for technology students.

NewBCamp was featured in the Providence Journal on February 21st 2008

- John B & Sara S

Meeting Info from Nov. 4th

noreply@blogger.com (FreeGeek Providence) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 16:35:00 +0000

Here are the basic ideas that were discussed.

Nathan discussed the current state of the 501(c)(3) status as well as showcased the new Drupal website (testing). All in attendance were in agreement that this new site looks and feels better than the coop. He also discussed the banking issues and Randy will fill out the form and bring it to the bank to sign the signature card as will Nathan. Kim has opted not to be a "signer" on the account.

Randy and Nathan discussed a hardware grant to a small non-profit organization. All in attendance agreed we should facilitate this request as soon as we can get the hardware put together. He also mentioned picking up the rest of the donation from Southborough, MA (about 30-60 more computers) and we all agreed we should coordinate this once we have a storage space available in the Providence area.

Megan discussed reaching out to other recyclers and dropping the CMS Administrator title from her responsibilities. She also discussed various options for providing a storage facility in Rhode Island. All in attendance agreed to setup a storage facility and coordinate with John to remove all of the items from his basement at his earliest convenience.

Sara discussed the NewBCamp proposal. All in attendance agreed that this proposal is worthwhile and we should all work together to build the newbcamp program. She will be taking responsibility to propagate this idea into all the Colleges in Rhode Island starting with Johnson and Wales. She also discussed social networking opportunities and requested all of the information in regard to all social networking as far as userid/passwords for each site. She will post something for the staff members to share info with everyone else.

Kim discussed donations that she's been receiving and the volunteer process. She clarified her role as "processing new recruits for distribution to all councils/projects." All in attendance agreed with her discussion points. She also put the motion on the floor to discontinue taking donations until we have secured a local storage facility. All in attendance agreed.

Going forward.

Nathan sent Randy the pertinent info regarding the hardware donation to the small non-profit we are making as well as information regarding newbcamp. Nathan referred Michael from "Met" school to Sara and Randy for his various requests. He also will be setting up the Drupal website and will temporarily take on the duties of CMS Admin/Designer until a more suitable replacement can be found. All in attendance agreed. Nathan suggested that all Organizers put in 2 hours a week in our regular meeting as well as 2 hours a week doing projects and listing these projects on our calendar or on a google calendar (for ease of use). All in attendance agreed that this was a good idea and will follow through with it over the course of the next week or two. He will also continue working on the 501(c)(3) status application process.

Sara will have Johnson and Wales students from the SoftICE club at our next meeting on November 11th. She will work out all the details going forward with newbcamp as well as assist in migrating some of the databases from the coop to the new site, if possible.

Kim will continue working out a strategy that is amicable for the volunteer recruitment process to flow smoother and test out the new Drupal site once it's up and running with all the modules we would like to use.

Megan will setup the storage facility and she has also agreed to pay for a new domain "fgpvd.org" which will be tacked onto our current domain seamlessly by the hosting service. Megan requested that we reimburse her for her expenses in these two endeavors and all in attendance agreed that this should be done immediately upon funds available in our general fund.

Randy will work on the hardware grant request, the donation and the newbcamp curriculum.

If I have mis-stated anything or forgotten anything or you would like to add something that I missed, please send me a PM and I will update this as quickly as I can.

Thanks!

- Nathan.

Tonight's Meeting Agenda

noreply@blogger.com (FreeGeek Providence) — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 23:22:00 +0000

- NewBCamp proposal
- Needed positions in Outreach Council
- Update on new recruits
- Post explicit meeting info on craigslist?
- Content needed for public blog!
- Selling items on Ebay, etc.
- Update on 501(c)(3) Status
- Drupal CMS site
- new freegeekpvd/fgpvd Domain registration, etc.
- Extended storage ideas
- Any new recycling news

More notes tomorrow!

Meeting Notes from 10/28/08

noreply@blogger.com (FreeGeek Providence) — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 12:28:00 +0000

More detailed notes to follow as I get them:

Meeting 10

Moderated by: Natey

The following topics were discussed:

- The continuation of our 501c3 application and our progress thus far.
- Sara's role as Outreach Coordinator
- GPLI update
- Looking for Location: Sara referred Nate to Matt, a real estate agent.
- Kim taking over entire volunteer recruitment process
- Branding, new logo: Logo Contest: Giveaway a system
- Fund raising: Raffle off systems
- The GTA Micro Build

Going Forward

Micro Build Curriculum and NewBCamp Curriculum needs to be created.
Organizational Narrative needs to be finished
Sara will begin working her outreach strategies
Randy will work with GPLI, getting that all on the server
Kim will place ads every day and process all new recruits.
New Logo contest. Give away a really nice computer.
Build several computers for a raffle.
Natey will work with GTA to get Micro Build Program working.
FG can provide some hardware needs for Michael's org.

Thanks.

- Natey

What's on the agenda for tonight?

noreply@blogger.com (FreeGeek Providence) — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 19:17:00 +0000

Neat and simple:

- Update on 501c3 application
- Craigslist Advertising
- Branding
- Outreach
- Location, Location, Location (as in we need one!)
- GPLI update
- Fund raising ideas
>Possible Raffle
>NewBCamp

Plus any other agenda items that are appropriate.

Natey

Meeting Notes

noreply@blogger.com (FreeGeek Providence) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 15:54:00 +0000

Our last meeting was pretty exciting, wasn't it? We had a lot of great information shared, everyone got to input their ideas and we saw some changes that will positively affect Free Geek Providence!!

Here are the highlights of the meeting:

- Free Geek Providence is officially incorporated as a Domestic Non-Profit under the state of Rhode Island as of October 20th!

- We announced our Board of Directors, Executive Director and Council Coordinators!

- Green Tech Assets showed up and explained what they do and how their for -profit company can help our non-profit organization. They are going to do a lot and we are also going to do a lot for them in return!

- A mini-build program curriculum is going to be created just for times where we have access to other people's places while we look for our own place.

- Randy displayed a laptop showing a virtual server running an asset tracking database that he will work to get on our hosting service.

- We provided 700 pounds of materials to our recycler!

- We took in almost $4000 in donations just in the past four weeks!

- Current donations/equipment were discussed. See the Donations So Far post below

All this means that we are now starting to get to the point where we can actually give computers away, train people, take in donations (to a small extent) and give back to our community.

People interested in Free Geek should be getting their friends, coworkers and neighbors involved in Free Geek.

To be successful, to be able to help others have access to relatively new technology, we still have a lot of work to do. Here are some current projects:

Natey's main focus is applying for 501(c)(3) status and organizing corporate donations.

John has started an online social networking campaign. From everything to twitter, to blogger to myspace, he's going to make our online branding more consistent and get it out there.

Randy is working on getting GPLI asset tracker onto the hosting service and he's also going to work on a mini-build program curriculum with Forrest and Adam.

Forrest is helping with the mini-curriculum and is working on getting all the paperwork filled out with Natey for the 501(c)(3) status.

Kim added some questions for people for the new volunteer recruitment process which has been integrated into our community portal. She'll be monitoring the site and approving people to have access to it.

Megan is going to continue liaising with Green Tech Assets and New England Ink. She will also be approving members of our portal. Megan also will be taking in small donations from friends and family.

Sara is going to propose a Free Geek Mini-teaching module. She runs a NewBCamp with Johnson & Wales and she'd like to propagate this into the community as a whole through Free Geek.

Erren from New England Ink will continue working with Green Tech Assets. When ink cartridges come to GTA, NEI will take them for recycling and pay Free Geek Providence any revenue.

Annette from Green Tech Assets will put us in touch with Emily at Keep Blackstone Valley Beautiful (a chapter of Keep America Beautiful), she'll provide marketing and advertising for any program we'd like to include them in and will provide recycling for anything we have that's technology related.

Adam and Casey will work with the IS Council in whatever way they can.

Everyone in the group:

We will all evangelize Free Geek, strive to attract our friends and family and neighbors to participate, look for space or people that have empty space in Providence and take hardware donations to make it all possible.

Another great meeting with a great attendance (13 people!). Thanks folks!

-Natey

FreeGeek Xubuntu Desktop

noreply@blogger.com (FreeGeek Providence) — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 18:19:00 +0000

Randy, our IT Council Coordinator has created a custom xubuntu live cd for FreeGeek Providence. We will be installing xubuntu/ubuntu on all of our computers. We will be Windows free!

I'm a linux newbie myself, but was able to install xubuntu in no time. It's easier and faster than installing Windows. Click the picture below and check out the slide show I put together that'll give you an idea of just how fast and easy it is.

RI NEXUS Shout Out

noreply@blogger.com (FreeGeek Providence) — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 12:36:00 +0000

Thanks Sara! :)

Definitely Awesome

by John B.

Our Donations So Far

noreply@blogger.com (FreeGeek Providence) — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 18:57:00 +0000

Since the beginning of September we've gathered quite the assortment of desktops, laptops, monitors, and everything in between. We had the first ever digital camera with an insane 850K resolution, and the old school ultra trendy cell phones that had their own carrying BAGS built around them. We decided they'd all be better off at Green Tech Assets instead of with FreeGeek Providence.

As of this writing we have about 50 desktops. They range from a Pentium 2 to a Pentium 4, and a few Celerons thrown in just for fun. We have close to 20 monitors, most 17 inches and up. There is not much in the way of networking equipment yet, but we do have a small Netgear switch, 4 stackable hubs, and one 16 port hub. And finally, there is the miscellaneous stuff: Network cards, memory, computer mice, external cd-roms, keyboards, etc. On Saturday October 18th we had a mini Inventorypallooza, loaded up a few cars of "stuff" we just can't re-use and sent it off to our friends at Green Tech Assets. 1700 pounds of electronics!

The donations have come from people that we work with, Craigslist posts, friends & family, and a former employer of one of our members. We'll take just about anything. If we can't re-use it, we recycle it. And it gets done properly. No land fill for our electronics. We've teamed up with Green Tech Assets and New England Ink to recycle all our computers & computer related equipment along with any ink/toner cartridges that find their way to FreeGeek Providence.

Check out some of our gear : http://picasaweb.google.com/fgri.org/DonationsSoFar

Written by John B