When FreeGeek/Chicago first opened in October, 2005, we hoped it would
fill an important role in the Chicago nonprofit technology world.
Since then, we have sold dozens of $50 computers, served over 150
volunteers, and responsibly recycled several tons of electronics.
Our doors are open to anyone who wants to get their hands dirty and
learn, regardless of race, class, gender, criminal record, geographic
location, or anything else. We emphasize re-appropriation and reuse of
old technology to help relieve the strain these technologies put on our
planet and on other human beings. Our staff consists of a group of
dedicated volunteers, governed by consensus. We insist on free and open
source software as a fundamental right of computer users, and govern
ourself in accordance with the principles of the free software movement.
Today, FreeGeek finds itself in a challenging position. Our volunteer
base is as strong and dedicated as ever. The staff continues to do great
work and thanks to a concerted effort, we are finally doing a
significant reorganization of our space. Thanks to a generous donation
of resources from interns at marketing firm DDB, we have a very good
video to help show the world what we do
(http://eads.blip.tv/file/1147809/) and some great ideas for a new
outreach campaign.
Despite our progress, if our hardware and monetary donations do not pick
up, FreeGeek/Chicago will have to consider calling it a day-maybe as
soon as this winter.
It's time to take action. We need your old computers. We need your
friends' old computers. We also need the ones being discarded by your
employer, your church, your community organization, your secret society.
FreeGeek/Chicago makes sure that no component's life is unnecessarily
cut short; if it can be used, we will use it. We minimize waste by
maximizing use.
If you would like to recycle an old computer, please drop by 3411 W.
Diversey any Sunday between 11am and 5pm, or contact us at
help@freegeekchicago.org to arrange a drop-off time or discuss a pickup.
Monetary support, while not as crucial to our continued operations,
would assist in covering our overhead, which consists primarily of
recycling and rent.
We also need your energies. We need assistance with a huge range of
tasks: running activities in the space, soliciting donations,
grantwriting, internal management, education and training, capturing
media of FreeGeek's operation, space organization, handling online
sales, and more. Even if all you can do is take two minutes out of your
week to tell a friend, relative, or colleague about us, it will help.
One of our newest staff members, Victor, often says that FreeGeek is on
the verge of growing up as an organization. If we are to see
FreeGeek/Chicago mature, we need your help.
--
Jim Craner
Managing Partner
Chicago Technology Cooperative
312-480-8051
www.chicagotech.org
jim@chicagotech.org
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