[FreeGeek] the question of affiliation & name

[ifny]

David, Simeon & Ifny sat around over moogie-cha & coffee & couldn't
stay away from the Geek discussion. Here's what we came up with.

We propose that we now undertake to determine our affiliation status
with Free Geek Portland. David will depart for his fact finding
mission on the 11th. How about we make a dedicated effort to arrive at
consensus on this question before his departure?

We would like to see an affilliation with Free Geek Portland as a full
organization (aka franchise). To do that, they require that we adhere
to these principles:

Free Geek Fair Use Principles
http://wiki.freegeek.org/index.php/Free_Geek_Principles

An organization that would be affiliated with Free Geek must:



   1. Have a mission that is similar to and does not contradict the
Free Geek Mission Statement.
http://wiki.freegeek.org/index.php/Mission_Statement
   2. Dispose of equipment in an ethical and environmentally responsible manner.
   3. Use Free/Open Source Software wherever possible and must promote
the Free Software philosophy in other ways, such as transparent
collaboration with others.
   4. Provide low- and no-cost computer technology and training to
their community.

An organization that would use the Free Geek name must additionally:

   1. Be democratically run in a non-hierarchical way that is open and
transparent to all participants in its programs.
   2. Be a non-profit business (as legally defined in their location)
and must follow honest business practices and have the stated goal of
advancing the common good.



If we can agree that these principles are in line with our collective
objectives, we can then proceed to partner with the Geek.

The name question can then take place. If we don't use the Free Geek
name, we would only be allowed to be an affiliate.

Therefore, please forumlate your responses to 2 questions:
1. Would you like to see us be a full franchise partner with Free
Geek, including using the name Free Geek Vancouver? Note: "Free Geek
Vancouver" follows the convention of the overwhelming majority of
extant FG franchise partners in the US. Feel free to include your
reasons for agreement.
2. If not, what alternative would you propose? Please describe the
basis of your objections.

Why the urgency? We need a name to begin filing the paperwork for
nonprofit status. For example, we need to register our name &
establish with the city that it's not being used already. Also, public
statements, info, & website materials need to be marshalled. We need
to begin to assemble a public face.

Go team!