WHAT we do
Project Description:
The Bowling Green Area Microcomputer User Group, Inc. offers computer training for low income housing residents, both adults and children of all ages, at the Abel Court Apartments Computer Lab, which is a small converted tool shed with five computers.
With the help of the funds received for our 2002 Jerry Awards entry, along with other contributions, we obtain hardware and software for residents to build their own computer system with the assistance of our techie members.
See the newspaper article covering the launch of the partnership at:
http://www.bgdailynews.com/articles/stories/public/200408/01/0dU7_news.html
Also see the recap coverage on our website at:
http://www.bgamug.org/abelcourt.html
Currently we are offering instruction for new novice user - residents two evenings each week, supervision and assistance each weekday after school for children to do homework and expand their skills. On weekends we have open lab for everyone to enjoy access
Project Description:
How we will use award money:
Any funds received as a result of this submission will be 100% used to promote
this and other community service projects of our club.
Supporting Documentation:
HTML file (DOC file)
HOW we do what we do
- We first surveyed our membership to verify how many members would
participate and in what capacity prior to committing to the project.
- We then scheduled and funded a launch party, (cookout), inviting local
elected officials, the media, and the public, to officially announce our
partnership and give tours of the computer lab.
- Taking advantage of a service offered by our local television station for
non-profit organizations, we make appearances each month to announce our
upcoming events. This proved very helpful and prompted welcomed contributions
and public awareness for this new partnership.
- The five computers are running Windows 2000 with DSL Internet service
provided by bellsouth.net. Donated copies of MS Office 2002 are installed on
three computers, along with MS Magic School Bus.
We also have the OpenOffice 1.1.1 installed on all computers. It was downloaded
from http://www.openoffice.org/. This will enable residents that take advantage
of the «Build your own computer» program to learn and have access to the basic
productivity software.
As this community service mission is in its infancy, we are exploring the
benefits available for non-profit technology organizations at
http://www.techsoup.org/.
As always we will continue to benefit from our APCUG membership and its
supporting vendors to help fuel this and our other community service ventures.
Any funds received as a result of this submission will be used to promote this
and other community service projects.
Respectfully submitted by
Jerry Gillette, VP of Membership
BGAMUG - Abel Court Liaison
