Ready to strut your geek skillz to the world?
Amanda Luker, local Linux and Drupal developer has successfully launched a local chapter of Free Geek (http://freegeek.org). This awesome program gives people the opportunity to learn essential computer skills and earn a computer as they help to recycle donated computer systems.
They will open their doors October 1st (http://freegeektwincities.org) and are kicking things off with a “Geekathalon” where you can win prizes and gift certificates from local and national businesses!
I am excited to be a part of this because the one work I associate with technology is empowerment! I still remember my first computer, the first time I got onto the internet and even my first html page I created with the help of my friend Jesse. We all have to start from where we’re at.
Prize List Update
Folks, the prize list continues to grow!
- Snagit screenshot software from Techsmith
- Dinner certificates from Triple Rock Social Club
- Pet microchipping from Midway Animal Hospital
- Coffee from Peace Coffee
- Oil change from Bona Bros
- and more!
How You Can Help
Free Geek Twin Cities needs your support and participation. They have their 501(c) nonprofit status, sponsored by the Twin Cities Media Alliance so let’s help them hit the ground running!
What they need are chairs, tables and equipment for the new space they’ve secured. Amanda and the Free Geek Twin Cities team hare hosting a “Geek-athalon” Contest at Grumpy’s bar and Grill in Downtown Minneapolis - RSVP via Facebook
Can you read l33t speak? Identify geeks through history? Name that video game tune? Name pi out really far? If so, you will want to come to Free Geek’s Geekathlon. This quiz bowl will feature ten intense rounds of questions focusing on the history of computers and the internet, with fabulous prizes from local sponsors including the Seward Cafe, Bedlam Theater and Triple Rock Social Club — all for a good cause: helping the needy get nerdy!
What: Get your geek on and win prizes with l33t speak, Pi countdown, Matrix meltdowns and Star Trek Easter Eggs!
When: Saturday, September 26th, 2009 from 7pm – 10pm
Where: Grumpy’s Bar and Grill, 1111 Washington Ave S, Minneapolis, mn 55415
Cost: $5
Who: Geeks, Nerds, Nonprofit folks and happy people
Why: To raise money for the local chapter of Free Geek
So you’ve got 3 ways to help:
- Donate gift certificates or geeky items for the upcoming Geekathalon
- Attend the Geekathalon to win great geeky prizes
- Spread the word about Free Geek Twin Cities
Comapanies that donate will receive prominent mention at the event, on the website and in the press releases.
Have Questions? Contact Amanda Luker amanda@pinkslipmedia.org
How Free Geek Works
Free Geek program works is that we accept computer donations, and volunteers can learn to take apart computers and build working computers and in doing so earn a free computer.
That means if you want to help, you’ll end up learning about computer technology, how to run a business AND get a computer to boot!
Free Geek Twin Cities is based on a very successful organization in Portland, OR called Free Geek, which accepts donations of old computers, trains volunteers on how to identify and sort hardware, and teach them to build refurbished computers using open source software. Once volunteers have completed 20 hours of volunteer hours or have built five working computers, they get to take a computer home with them for free.
The organization aims to help repurpose used electronics that might otherwise go to landfills, as well as empowering people with an understanding of computers (both how to work with them, and how they actually work) so that they can actively contribute to our increasingly connected world.
After several years in the making, FGTC will finally be opening their doors in mid-October at 3405 Chicago Ave. S. The organization will have open hours to accept computer donations, and, beginning in November, work hours, during which volunteers can come in a take apart and build computers.
The Free Geek Twin Cities is going to be located at 34th and Chicago in South Minneapolis so I know I’ll be over there geeking out and helping!
Photo Credit Boab24, Extra Ketchup
