Sources:
Volunteers & Technology Resources

The following is an annotated list of sources, many of them with "hot links," for potential volunteers, especially in communities in Texas. While many rural communities consider themselves "technology poor," you might be surprised to find support, help and expertise among community-spirited people in unlikely places.

These volunteers will become the backbone of your Community Network, and, if you show them appreciation and thanks, will provide thousands of hours of free labor and expertise every year!

This list initially was created by "Making The Net Work" consultant Terry Grunwald ( tgrunwald@mindspring.com). Consultant Steve Snow (shsnow@mindspring.com ) has augmented, annotated and adjusted this list.

Remember, also, that you might well have people in your community who are NOT on this list! Look EVERYWHERE! Many of these examples highlight organizations in the state of Texas.

Schools (K-12). (students as well as other personnel). Students can help develop web sites, maintain web sites, moderate youth discussions and pages, as well as help with technical issues!

4-H Clubs. These clubs often have technology "sections" or would like to undertake a technology project for their members.

Community Colleges, Universities, Private Colleges. Students! Instructors also can provide technical assistance, as well as help develop community content and help train new users. They can be especially helpful in developing teaching and training curriculum. This is about the most complete list anywhere.

Local PC Clubs. These folks have access to a wealth of information about computers and how they work. The can help maintain Public Access sites, run a computer repair shop for you if you want to refurbish computers for citizens or other parts of your network, and can moderate online "chats" about computer issues. They also can serve as part of a "virtual help desk team" for your users.

Ham Radio Clubs. Ham radio operators, especially packet radio fans, have been using Internet Protocol (IP) for a long time and could be very good advisors regarding wireless projects, antenna siting, etc. This links to the Texas Packet Radio Society. And here is a link to the TPRS 1998 Talks and Presentations on Spread Spectrum, a very useful set of information -- and possible source of volunteer help -- for projects interested in wireless applications.

Libraries (Public and other). These folks can provide excellent organizational skills for your web site content, as well as providing Public Access outlets for citizens. They also can be excellent trainers.

Texas Cooperative Extension offices. Along with helping to identify Public Access sites and needs, they can provide excellent content for your web site and can serve as potential Public Access partners.

Community networks or networking projects. Nothing beats communicating with others who are doing what you are doing. Through membership in the US Association For Community Networking (www.afcn.net) you can gain valuable knowledge and support for your work! Also consider joining the free mailing list for community networking called "COMMUNET". To join, send a blank message to: listserv@list.uvm.edu and put in the body of the message:

subscribe yourfirstname yourlastname

Community Learning Centers. If there is a community technology or community learning center in your community, make it a partner!

Local and state government agencies. Branches of state agencies and local government often have a lot of in-house technology expertise and have access to great content of value for citizens. They also can be outlets for Public Access sites.

Councils of Government and Economic Development agencies. These can be excellent resource partners and can provide assistance with such things as using mapping software, as well as providing access to their members as potential volunteers.

Military bases and National Guard units. The military has spent a great deal of money on technology for local bases and National Guard units. They can be excellent technical volunteers.

Local businesses (large and small) / Chamber of Commerce. Not only do these have good content to share and make excellent local partners, they might also have expertise to share, provide sites for Public Access computers and provide space and sta ff for training support.

Banks/insurance companies/accountants/Attorneys. These are excellent sources of used computers, as well as having their own technical expertise to offer.

Technology, phone companies/Internet Service Providers. These are an excellent source of technical expertise.

Online newsgroups and listservs. Along with computer user groups, these online sources of volunteer help can provide you with answers to many, many questions and access to immense web-based resources.

Local volunteer centers/ United Ways. These organizations often can provide you with a wealth of volunteer talent if you have them in yoour community.

Larger community-based organizations with technical staff. A very good source of technical assistance.

Health Facilities with technical staff. Another great technical assistance resource, as well as an excellent content source.

Volunteer Fire Departments. These can be good outlets for Public Access, and they also can be a source of technical knowledge.

Family and friends of staff members. Never underestimate the value of good friends and family!

Employment or job training offices. Employment and job training offices often use technology extensively today; they can have technical skill to help you and also provide a Public Access outlet, a site for training and excellent content.

Department of Social Services offices. These offices are excellent sources for Public Access sites, as well as providing content and having in-house technical expertise.

Tourism site. An excellent place for Public Access because the site’s volunteers can be trained to operate your computers and thereby become your volunteers, as well!

Virtual volunteers. Some people who are shut in or disabled or otherwise unable to participate on-site or in a face-to-face manner make excellent "virtual buddies," helpdesk and volunteer support.

Retired Senior citizens/ RSVP program. Often the best trainers are people who have lived a while; they have more patience and often have lots of technical skill, as well.

Police and sheriff’s departments. Local law enforcement is increasingly getting wired and knowledgeable. Also, with the rise of "community policing," these people can become active volunteers, mentors, technical resources and even fund ing partners!

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