[freegeek-startup] 'Virtual' Free Geek - Implementation, Facilitation, Education...

[Kent Tenney]

Howdy,

Good approach, rent costs shut us down here in
Northern Wisconsin.

There is a possibility that a inkjet cart refilling/basic supplies
store will be opening in town, they may want to
also offer recycling/used parts as a related service.

A problem we had here is that people didn't bring in equipment
until it had been in the closet/garage for a few years (just in case)
This makes it harder to get further use from the hardware.

It seems that some kind of initiative to get stuff as soon as it goes
out of use would be of great benefit. Possibly an arrangement with
a retailer to facilitate them taking in old computers when they sell
a new one, possibly some kind of 'house cleaning' service.
Most businesses and organizations have computers piling up.
A service which took them away, providing a detailed inventory of
what was taken, and a garauntee of data destruction ... Seems like
it might provide some income in addition to newer discarded equipment.

Thanks,
Kent

On 8/29/06, Cole Moeller <cole at holotone.net> wrote:
> Interesting concept! I would love to hear how this works out for you, as
> finding a good space has been the single largest bottleneck in getting FG
> Missoula up and rolling. Keep us up to date!
>
>
> --
> ~cole
>  cole at freegeekmissoula.com
>
>
> On 8/29/06, Iain (FreeGeek) Davidson <iain at freegeek.org> wrote:
> >
>
> ok,
>   Here's a really strange question about a start up Free Geek .... (eerrr...
> ok, Iain...  stop talking in the 3rd person... ! )....
>
>    It's all about Free Geek in Bellingham....  :)
>
> I've applied and been tentatively accepted as a 'affiliate' (i.e. not using
> the Free Geek name and some principles).
>
> I'm volunteering in (Bellingham, WA)  5 to 15 hours a week at two different
> business/non-profit implementations of a 'Free Geek' type organizations.
>
> They receive equipment donations, ask for recycle cost recovery fees, save
> 'good' components, tear down the rest, ship to plastic/metal/copper/gold
> recyclers, and try to manage volunteers.
>
> Each is running the operation with limited budget, limited skills, different
> personalities/organizational styles, and limited amount of incoming systems
> (er, because they don't advertise!).   For both, it's been months, and still
> at same levels of volunteers and income, volunteers, and $$$ return.  And
> they won't even work together in creating a bigger solution !  And guess who
> is caught in the middle ! (me).
>
> I see so much potential, so many partnerships could be formed, so many
> collection events can be done, so many volunteers could be managed better...
>  Argh.  it's frustrating to see the potential, have the strength and
> knowledge on how to fix it, but being un-able to help the course in the
> right direction.
>
> For the past few weeks,
>    I've been mulling over my own personal values and long term goals, and
> what I'd like to do in the way of eWaste Management.
>
> I would really like to stick closer and use the Free Geek goals and values,
> be part of the Franchise, and be partners in the growing network across the
> country.  Working with the network of recycling businesses, starting with
> Washington State I-5 corridor area, and figuring out a way to provide
> services to most of the counties of Washington State.  [1]
>
> I've worked out what I want to do.. . I want to be a 'Implementor,
> Facilitator, and Educator' on eWaste management.
>
> Bringing the players, volunteers, businesses, and recyclers TOGETHER... not
> in competition, but in cooperative partnerships.. in a common goal..
> keeping that dang eWaste out of the landfills and responsibility taken care
> of.
>
> I (and of course, many others who would like be part of this), would like to
> form a franchise officially called.
>                      "FREE GEEK BELLINGHAM"
>
> But it would be a group of volunteers to help implement, facilitate, and
> educate the community on getting it done NOW, and done in a cooperative
> manner.
>
> We would have no set permanent location,  but our members would choose which
> business offers us the best value for our volunteer efforts.  Website would
> do the scheduling, and tracking of who's available when, and location to
> work.  That saves us a significant expense.. renting space to work. Periodic
> monthly/weekly meetings at a particular chosen spot in Town. (either
> sponsored or not).
>
> We would supply equipment, staff, tools, and volunteers to work WITH
> businesses at their location, in making the recycling happen. (Well, most
> likely, the business with the best working environment and "perks" and
> ability to pay staff... :)  The goal would be to work efficiently and
> effectively with the time and resources available.
>
> This group also has the future opportunity to create  'finite contracts' for
> specific tasks or projects....  i.e. pick up equipment here, drop it there,
> take it apart, arrange for recycler pickup and removal, etc...
>
> So in a way, we have no space..  but counting the businesses which want to
> partner with us, and offer space to work.... 15,000 to 20,000 square feet ..
> or more !
>
> I've complete the first level of the website for this concept (2nd level
> pages are NOT smoothed out yet, wait a week or so :)
>
> http://wiki.freegeek.org/index.php/Free_Geek_Bellingham
>
> What would be some concerns or thoughts about this approach, in compared
> with a 'traditional' Free Geek group ?
>
> Weird huh! -----  Let's do it! :)
> -Iain
>
> [1] This is intentional for the new Washington State legislation coming up.
> If we can get on the 'official partners list' and partner with some of the
> top manufacturers and cover most counties,  100,000's PC's a year will come
> our way !
>
> http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/swfa/eproductrecycle/adminFee.html
>
> http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=70.95N&full=true
>
>
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