[NTLUG:Discuss] Community Service

[Steve Litt]

On Wed, 14 Nov 2012 16:13:40 -0600, Dennis said:
> During the last meeting, I suggested that the NTLUG come up with some 
> sort of project to help the community to learn and use Linux.  What
> we gain out of this is a community project and potential growth in
> membership.
> 
> The general thoughts were that we should do some sort of general 
> training.  The strongest suggestion was for helping senior citizen 
> centers in allowing many to learn the usage of Linux and be able to
> save money.  What other areas might we be able to provide service to?
> 
> Would like to have your thoughts on this, particularly during our 
> meeting on Saturday.
> What other ideas do you think would be good?
> How might we approach this service?
> Who would be the best candidate for such a service?
> How can we support the service?
> Can you support the service with your time and effort?
> 
> Your comments both here and during the meeting are desired and
> welcome.
> 
> Dennis Rice

Hi Dennis,

I applaud your desire to help the community. What a wonderful world
we'd have if everyone thought like that.

Here in Orlando we have a LUG called LEAP (Linux Enthusiasts and
Professionals), who have been helping the community for along, long
time. What they did is formed a partnership with a church school. The
church contributed the room and the network connectivity, with LEAP
contributing the expertise to make charity computers into a full IT
infrastructure for the church and its school. LEAP uses the church for
its Installfest meeting place, and from what I hear these Installfests
attract 50 people every month. Win, win, win.

On another note, if you ever tweak this reachout to train people for IT
jobs without the need for crushing-debt college, I'll help out. I'm a
big fan of doing an end-run around college, which I consider little
more than an impediment to upward social mobility. One requirement for
such a program would be outreach to local businesses so that they hire
people who go through your program, degree or not.

Thanks, and keep up the good work.

SteveT

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