Free Geek - Volunteering to Close the Digital Divide
Building Hope
The world is constantly changing, and at an increasingly rapid pace, all thanks to the advancement of technology. There are many opportunities for people to uplift themselves, but due to the nature of marketing for new technology, many people are also left behind. A gap forms between technology haves and technology have-nots. This gap is called the digital divide, and it is as insidious a barrier as illiteracy.
There are several ways to counteract this, and in particular, Free Geek counteracts this through its outreach and education programs. Founded in 2000 by Oso Martin, Free Geek started as a recycling and reuse center for electronics that people weren't using anymore, and through its computer for volunteers program, helped both to combat technological illiteracy and draw community engagement. Originally, the Organization was democratically run by volunteers, but as Free Geek grew, it became clear that a change in operating model was needed. Eventually, in 2016, Free Geek followed a somewhat traditional non-profit model, and now has Executive Director Dan Bartholomew at the helm.
With the goal of assisting in lessening the technology gap, I set out as a volunteer at Free Geek. Volunteers show up generally 10-20 minutes before their shift begins, and generally mill around outside the door until it is unlocked. Then they check in with the front desk, and then make their way to their respective stations within the warehouse. Some go to the receiving area, where all donations are accepted and sorted in a very general fashion. From there, material moves further into the warehouse with the help of runners. First stop is at the general sorting table, where a small team of volunteers sort small electronic things like cables, graphics cards, RAM, and other small devices into finer categories. Further into the warehouse we have the dis-assemblers, working at two different tables to take apart computers of various shapes and sizes. In a cage to the left, one can see the hard drive wipers, who erase the memory of any device that comes through the door in order to protect any donors that need it. The list of jobs within Free Geek goes on and on, and each one contributes to narrowing the digital divide.
As an individual who has worked with computers all my life, I actually came into this position with enough background knowledge to take an assisting role to existing leadership. Anytime an individual needed assistance with a problem, and an official intern or supervising volunteer wasn't there, I would step in to assist. In this way, I actually became somewhat of a mentor to several high school students, which was rather surprising to me, since I never considered myself a role model.
After this summer, I plan to keep volunteering and helping with the organization. I believe that the first step to combating lethargy and paralysis in advocacy is to just do something, even if its small. One small organization making a difference in the local community is enough to help anyone's conscience. Don't be paralyzed by choice. Get out there and do something.
With the goal of assisting in lessening the technology gap, I set out as a volunteer at Free Geek. Volunteers show up generally 10-20 minutes before their shift begins, and generally mill around outside the door until it is unlocked. Then they check in with the front desk, and then make their way to their respective stations within the warehouse. Some go to the receiving area, where all donations are accepted and sorted in a very general fashion. From there, material moves further into the warehouse with the help of runners. First stop is at the general sorting table, where a small team of volunteers sort small electronic things like cables, graphics cards, RAM, and other small devices into finer categories. Further into the warehouse we have the dis-assemblers, working at two different tables to take apart computers of various shapes and sizes. In a cage to the left, one can see the hard drive wipers, who erase the memory of any device that comes through the door in order to protect any donors that need it. The list of jobs within Free Geek goes on and on, and each one contributes to narrowing the digital divide.
As an individual who has worked with computers all my life, I actually came into this position with enough background knowledge to take an assisting role to existing leadership. Anytime an individual needed assistance with a problem, and an official intern or supervising volunteer wasn't there, I would step in to assist. In this way, I actually became somewhat of a mentor to several high school students, which was rather surprising to me, since I never considered myself a role model.
After this summer, I plan to keep volunteering and helping with the organization. I believe that the first step to combating lethargy and paralysis in advocacy is to just do something, even if its small. One small organization making a difference in the local community is enough to help anyone's conscience. Don't be paralyzed by choice. Get out there and do something.