OT: Call for Volunteers, donations

[Mark Szidik - MLC]

I am on the technology committee of a project called "Closing the Gap".  

The project is jointly run by the Capital Area District Library, The
Black Child & Family Institue, and the local Head Start program, and
some office(s) at MSU.

Most very low-income people (other than college students :-) have no
exposure to computing and the Internet.  Thus there is a growing "gap"
of skills between those with this knowledge and those without it.  This
gap puts these individuals at an ever greater disadvantage when trying
to get jobs.

The goal of the project is to give computers and training to individuals
that are disadvantaged.

By now you are probably asking yourself why is he telling me all of
this?

The answer: we are looking for volunteers to help with computer
classes.  We are holding training classes on Aug 14th thru Aug 18th from
9:30 AM to 12:00PM.

There is an instructor for the class, all the volunteers will need to do
is help individual students with their computer when they run into
trouble.  When the class is over the students get to take their PC home
with them.

If you are interested in volunteering your time please Email me
personally.


DONATIONS:

This program has no funding, and relies on volunteers and donations for
its success.  We are always looking for donations of computers, for
businesses or individuals.  We will accept any 486 50Mhz or higher
computer in working order.  Donations may be tax deductible.

If you want to make a donation, or know of a business or individual that
can make donations, please Email me privately.


Thanks,
-Mark


FAQ:
---
Q: What are the classes like?
A: The class will be an introduction to PC
   hardware and Windows 95.  We will send them home with
   StarOffice (may not be covered in class)

Q: Why not have them run Linux?
A: We VERY seriously considered Linux, but backed away due to M$
   dominance in the desktop workplace.  

Q: Why ask GLLUG for volunteers?
A: GLLUG is a great bunch of people who are always willing to help.

Q: What's in it for me?
A: The satisfaction of sharing your knowledge and helping others out.
   (see ESR's writings hacker motivation [1])





[1] Eric S. Raymond, Most notably his "Cathedral and the Bazaar"
    http://www.tuxedo.org/~esr/