Free Geek is almost entirely volunteer-based; in fact, we have over 400 volunteers. You don't need computer experience; we'll teach you everything you need to know. If you have skills, that's great too!

HOW DO I START?

All volunteers are required to complete an orientation before they start volunteering. Orientations happen at Free Geek Wednesday and Saturday at 4pm and take about 30 min. Please arrive at our phone desk by 4:00 so we can start on time. You don't need to phone ahead for an orientation; just show up.

WHEN CAN I VOLUNTEER?

Aside from the orientation, our volunteer hours are 1-6pm, Tues-Sat. You will be able to volunteer when it's convenient for you; just let us know so we can put you on the schedule. You don't have to volunteer the same day all the time, or a set number of hours per month. We're flexible, and just happy you want to help out.

HOW DO I GET A FREE COMPUTER?

If you need a computer, you can get into our Computer Adoption Program. Basically, after you accumulate 24 hours of time helping out at Free Geek, you get a free refurbished desktop computer (system, monitor, mouse, keyboard). We call this computer a GeekBox; it will be running Ubuntu Linux and come with all the programs you need to do most everything. We also give you a class on how to use it, as well as ongoing technical support. Just let us know at your orientation that you want to be enrolled in the Adoption Program.

Please note that you can't volunteer for parts. Adoption computers are standard desktop systems only; we are unable to customize them. If there are additional things you need (like a printer, or more RAM, etc) you will get a discount in the Computer Thrift Store. (Please note: laptops cannot be adopted as we don't get enough for everyone to have one.)

I WANT TO VOLUNTEER BUT I DON'T NEED A COMPUTER.

That's great! Just let us know at your orientation. We'll still keep track of your hours for our statistics.

WHAT DO VOLUNTEERS DO?

There are a wide variety of things we need help with. No computer experience is necessary. If you have computer skills we can certainly use your help as well.

Priorities change from day-to-day at Free Geek. But we need regular help testing, sorting, dismantling and refurbishing equipment, dealing with incoming gear, as well as some administrative work and organising. Believe it or not, many of these activities can be done by people new to computers, with a little support.

Most importantly, we need you to have fun while you're here! We have a wide variety of people at Free Geek, with different strengths, backgrounds and abilities. Please contact us if you have any questions regarding accessibility.

I STILL HAVE QUESTIONS!

Location(s)

So many folks have put in amazing effort and time at Free Geek over the past year. Once we finish moving, we'll have an empty warehouse, so let's fill it with friends, chairs + music and relaaax!

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::: FREE GEEK BREAD & LIBERTY HOLIDAY SOIREE :::

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DATE: Sat. Dec. 29

TIME: 7pm onwards

PLACE: Old Free Geek, 117 East 2nd Ave (between Main & Quebec)

COST: Free, as in bread! (Donations if you must)

WORTHY OF NOTE:

MUSIC --> Our house band the Creaking Planks will be playing live accordion greats
and hits of empires gone by!

BREAD --> Locally-baked free bread for all comers! You can bring sides to
share if you like, e.g. jam, artichoke dip, olives, juice, chips, peanut butter, cheese, honey...

PEOPLE --> This party is for friends of Free Geek; volunteers, their kids, dates,
friends and families; our current neighbours & new neighbours; friends of our friends' friends...oi...

TIES --> In traditional Japanese bonenkai style, you may wish to adorn your head with a tie.

Check back here for more details as they become available.

Questions? Want to help with setup
or door? Email ifny[at]freegeekvancouver[d0t]org

Location(s)

Our new space is bigger, warmer, and located 3 blocks NE of Commercial and Hastings, at 1820 Pandora.

Official moving day is Thurs. Dec. 27, and we are busy packing from now to Dec 22. Yes, we can use your help during this time! If you're not crazy about lifting stuff, you might help directing folks, sorting stuff, sweeping, doing errands etc. We have a 5-ton truck already, but an extra vehicle or so would be nice for moving people.

If you'd like to help over the next week, give us a call during operating hours or email ifny [at] freegeekvancouver [d0t] org. Please let us know when you're available to help and how to contact you. We'll be open again on Jan. 3, and could use extra hands getting everything sorted away in the new place too.

We look forward to seeing everyone in our new diggs in the New Year!

Free Geek receives donated used computers and refurbishes them with care. They are then "adopted out" to volunteers in exchange for 24 hours of service in our recycling facility. We call this the Computer Adoption Program, and anyone willing to come down and work is eligible to join us and adopt a machine. The computer systems we create, called GeekBoxes, are loaded with the GNU/Linux operating system, called Ubuntu, and other Free Software.

Our use of GNU/Linux enables our computers to run at speeds comparable with newer machines. GeekBox computers come with a wide range of software installed but are primarily designed for word processing and internet use. The GeekBox also comes with a basic class on how to use it. This is a very popular program.

 For more information about joining the Adoption Program, VISIT THIS PAGE.

Location(s)

Free Geek will have a booth at Surrey's Nature Matters SummerFest.

Saturday, July 14th, 2007
11am - 3pm

Location: Bear Creek Park (King George Hwy. & 88th Ave), City of Surrey

Thanks to a generous donation from the folks at Massive Events, Free Geek was able to have a booth at this year's Massive Technology Show.

We spent the day talking to people about Free Geek's aims, programs and ethical approach to computer recycling. We displayed a volunteer-built "GEEK BOX" demo computer running Ubuntu. Visitors were welcome to try it, and experience a typical example of a computer available for adoption by volunteers. Much of the imagery at our booth related to computer dumping sites in China and Nigeria. Many people were surprised to learn what happens to computer waste, and interested in getting involved with our organisation or donating hardware.

We were given six days to make a professional looking booth. It took no time for everyone to pull together and make it happen. Big thanks go to: Sarah S. for crafting our dramatic Free Geek banner; B.A.N. for permission to use their striking photos of overseas e-waste processing; Greenscape Silk Design for providing the apple blossom trees and greenery; Ian & DomBlue for assisting with printing; NAPA Auto Parts for donating our display board.

Free Geekers Joe, Gerald, Simeon, Ifny and David took care of the booth, and Rusty helped encourage people to visit us. It was truly a community effort!