Today we restored our network and Internet access. We thought we'd celebrate by posting a long-overdue update.
Our volunteer program continues to expand. We've been seeing a lot of new faces in the space every week-- a few weeks ago, we had a record 8 new volunteers, on top of the half dozen returning. We love to meet new people and can always use more help, so come down and get your hands dusty!
A group of marketing interns from DDB helped FreeGeek develop some marketing materials and ideas for a marketing campaign this summer. The centerpiece is a lovely video:
.. actually it was two tons!
On March 29, 2008, we recycled 80+ monitors and 3400 lbs. of general waste (PCs, components, and miscellaneous metal and plastic) at System Service International (SSI) in the Chicago suburbs. We rented an 18ft. truck and in a matter of a few hours, loaded it full.
This incredible effort of the FreeGeek Staff was assisted by Abraham Williams of Madison, WI and Kyle Drake of St. Paul, MN - friends of the environment and geeks alike.
So when we last left our valiant heroes at FreeGeek, they were struggling with unreliable and overloaded electrical circuits, a network cable callously cut during a bathroom renovation, and a dwindling stock of computers upon which to work their dusty magic. What's become of them, you ask? Read on!
FreeGeek Chicago held a public meeting on March 13th. These notes were taken by Jim Campbell, and edited for content and style by David Eads.
In attendance were Jim Campbell, David Eads, Jim Craner, Steve Mohr, Flor "Steve" Ramos, Myron Nash, Mike McCune, Jim (from Park Ridge), and Taylor Hales.
We discussed the need do another round of recycling waste items (i.e. bad or unuseable computers, monitors, drives, etc.), as many of these items are starting to pile up.
After serious discussion, we have decided to close FreeGeek Chicago's public programs during the month of April to regroup, reorganize, and build some new capacity. In the coming weeks, we'll be planning some public meetings to discuss what will happen during this time.
We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause some of you, but we believe this will only help us strengthen the organization as we head towards the summer.