Date:          Fri, 05 Jul 1996 21:36:12 -0700 
From:          John Zelson  
Organization:  Corporation for National Service 
To:            neighbors-online@libertynet.org 
Subject:       Getting Computers into Communities 
 
Hi, 
 
I'm writing this note hoping that some folks may want to  
collaborate or brainstorm on project we've been exploring here at the  
Corporation for National Service (CNS).  (We administer and support  
volunteer programs, like VISTA, AmeriCorps, etc.  You may know that  
LibertyNet has a couple nice and wonderful VISTAs!) 
 
Here's a quick overview: 
 
For the past year I've been getting old computer equipment, doing minor  
repair, and giving them away to folks/agencies involved in our programs  
-- like Mayors Commission on Literacy, Good Shepherd Mediation,  
Philadelphia Foodbank, etc.  We bought a bunch of 14.4 modems and give  
those away, too.   
 
While there have been occasional setbacks, the computers aren't the best,  
and it's just plain work... it has been worth the effort.  We've given  
away up to 80 computers and almost as many modems.  (Lots of those have  
gone outside the philly area, too.)  While they are old, lately we've  
been finding, on average, 386s, 4M RAM, and just barely enough hard drive  
space.  In many cases, I was surprised to see that these were much better  
than what lots of agencies were using.  I can get more of these computers  
than I have the time to fix or place to store. 
 
At first, the Philadelphia Foodbank graciously stored computers in their  
big warehouse, now we are using some space at St. Ritas Church in S.  
Philly. In short, it's just a small part of my job, but I've been running  
around, "re-inventing the wheel" at each step... I'd love to work with  
some folks and do a better job of getting computers "recycled" to places  
where they have "community impact." 
 
I'm writing hoping that some folks on this list could collaborate, or  
just throw in ideas.  Here's what I'm looking: 
1.  Capable volunteer(s) to help with details.  Anyone want to help? 
2.  Warehouse space.  Wouldn't be incredible if we had a huge warehouse 
to collect lots of computers, repair, and distribute.   
3.  Info:  Is there any such computer recycling happening in philly? 
    Are there any tech-computer schools that I should know about  
to approach for help fixing the computers? 
 
The Dream: 
...a system where businesses and regulars folks know that when they  
upgrade they just take the old computer to our recycling warehouse.  A  
group volunteers, tech students, and national service participants repair  
equipment with the help of instructors.  We could supply nonprofits,  
literacy sites, etc, with equipment and, ultimately, a connection to  
Internet. 
 
Any ideas? 
 
John  
 
John Zelson, Technology Outreach Specialist 
Corporation for National Service 
zelson@libertynet.org 
215-597-2782 

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