Our purpose...
to bridge the digital divide, to provide an affordable technology education, and to remove technological wastes from the environment.
In short, we take computers and computer equipment, and either recycle or refurbish them. This work is done by volunteers in either the adaption program, or the build program. The Adaption program requires 30 hours of service, at the end of which the volunteer gets a free computer. The Build program volunteers agree to build 6 computers. We teach them how, and they get to keep the 6th machine.
Along with providing an education in computer hardware in the Build program, we also teach Adaption program volunteers how to setup, use, and maintain the free system they recieve. We also have various classes from the very basic skills, like how to use e-mail, to the more complicated, like how to design a website.
By providing the hardware, and showing people how to leverage the power of the internet, citizens are no longer bound by physical barriers to other things like an on-line education, or telecomuting. With the availability of a computer, a person can write a resume, or send them to anyone across the planet.
One of America's largest exports is electronic equipment headed towards third world landfills. We aim to greatly reduce this export by re-using equipment that's still viable, as well as selling scrap to recyclers who make sure that the waste is dealt with in an ethical, and Earth-friendly manner. Becuase of the costs of recycling, we do charge a $10 fee for all cathode-ray tube monitors.
As our organization grows, there are a number of other projects we plan to grow. we hope to be able to provide web and e-mail hosting to non-profits and churches. We hope to be able to eventually provide computer and networking hardware grants to these types of organizations as well. We will also have a thrift shop that has used computer systems and parts for sale, with a major discount for regular volunteers. In the long run, we hope to be able to provide the tri-states area with a community run technology center that anyone can work and learn.
At Tri-States Free Geek, we do not make use of commercial software, such as Microsoft Windows. We do not repair computers belonging to individuals. There are many fine local companies that preform these tasks, and we fully support their need to make a living.