[freegeek-startup] new startup in Iowa

[Scott Merrill]

Eric Brown wrote:
> Hello all,

Aloha!

> My name is Eric Brown, and I'm looking to start a Free Geek in Iowa,
> Keokuk to be exact.  I had a wonderful visit at Free Geek in Portland
> this last Friday evening.  I'm currently in the process of informing
> potential board members to see if they think the endeavor is viable in
> our small town.  I'm hoping to get a board and paperwork for a 501c3
> started shortly after the holiday season.

Great!  Post here if you have any questions.  I think the IRS form 1023 
is mostly straightforward: it's usually clear what answer the IRS wants 
you to give if you want recognition of tax exempt status.  A few of the 
questions can be a bit vague, though, so don't hesitate to ask for 
clarification here.
(Although I must point out that I'm not an attorney, and I don't think 
anyone else on this list is; so any answers we provide will not be 
specific legal advice.)

> I'm wondering if anyone on the list might have some tips, or warnings,
> for such a project in a small town.  Our town is about 12k, but if you
> include all the little towns within 20 minutes, we're probably talking
> about a population of more like 50k.  I think I can include these
> people becuase most come here for the shopping (Wal Mart, grocery
> stores).

First, I recommend you try to find an attorney willing to help you pro 
bono.  That'll help with the IRS filing to begin with, and the attorney 
can likely help with lots of other details you might not be thinking about.

Second, I'd encourage you to work to find your "in" with the community. 
  What FreeGeek function will be most immediately useful in your 
community?  Recycling?  Free computers to volunteers?  Computer 
education?  I'd then use that as the primary focus of the fledgling 
FreeGeek Keokuk.

I'd expect that educating your neighbors on the importance of 
responsible computer disposal would be a good first step.  But maybe I'm 
wrong, and what folks really need are PCs that they can earn to take home.

Good luck!
Scott
FreeGeek Columbus