[freegeek-startup] RE: Making new Free Geeks outside of PDX

Tue Aug 29 09:30:30 PDT 2006

Good Morning:

I had to respond to this because it sounds so familiar. Getting the space to operate out of and achieving a positive cash flow with a mostly volunteer labor force is a huge obstacle for new FreeGeek wannabees. It seems like the advantage of being in a larger organization such as FreeGeek would be assistance from the larger organization in overcoming these obstacles, getting an IRS 501(c)(3) designation and then guidance in staying on the right course. Tacoma, http://www.FreeGeekTacoma.org and Olympia, http://mwiki.greenputer.net/index.php/Main_Page , are trying to solve the same issues and have already had joint meetings. 

Would it be better to have an affiliated sub organization within each State to deal with the issues of that State and report back to FreeGeek Central? For example, in Washington State we have the Take It Back Network to deal with which doesn't exist in other States. Other States are having similar problems. We need a system that helps us get properly started and then keeps us on the right track. 

Sincerely,

Joel Carlson
http://www.CarlsonCo.net

------ Original Message --------
> Subject: Re: [freegeek-startup] 'Virtual' Free Geek - Implementation,
> Facilitation, Education...
> From: "Cole Moeller" <cole at holotone.net>
> Date: Tue, August 29, 2006 8:30 am
> To: "Making new Free Geeks outside of PDX" <startup at lists.freegeek.org>
> 
> 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