Understanding the Scope

Before anything, we need to make an announcement concerning the Linux Against Poverty event on the first of August. May I add that looking at the list of those who volunteered, it reads like a who's who of Austin Tech Talent. That talent is asked to participate in a walk-through on Saturday, the 25th of July. We will meet at Union Park and brainstorm just how everything will be set up, and who will be doing what and where they will be doing it.

It shouldn't take but an hour of your time and it is necessary to the success of the event. We are only going to have a short time to set up on the first so knowing a bit about what will happen is important to the organization of this project. I want to personally thank each and every person who volunteered for this event. I also want to thank those who are coming from different ends of the country to be part of this. Please check http://www.linuxagainstpoverty.org for the details and times.

I've had a couple of conversations with some of the people who work for companies that may be donating to our project. The question they both asked:

"How many computers have you gotten already?"

The answer is about 60.

Both, either in a direct manner or indirectly stated that should be enough computers to keep you busy for a while...as in, we really don't need any more.

I don't think you understand the scope of what The HeliOS Project does.

This is no longer a guy puttering around in his workshop, casually piecing computers together for one or two kids a week. This has evolved into a full scale operation that takes 5-12 requests a day for computers. We have a staff of myself and 4 Directors coordinating this effort. Often, those involved have to pull money out of their own pockets to make sure it gets done.

It stopped being small a while ago.

We have School Teachers, Child Protective Services Counselors, City and School Bus Drivers, State Assistance Employees, Radio Station Managers, State and Government Union Members and private individuals from every walk of life, coming to us with the names of kids or families of kids who qualify for a HeliOS Project computer. 64 percent of those requested will be built and delivered.

Oh, and the 60 we've received?

Those all have names and places stuck on them. They are gone as soon as I regain my ability to lift a computer.

Spoken for - promised...

Out of here.

So don't quit on me now. If you work for a company and have decided that 60 computers is all we need...and you feel the need to report that back to your employer...

I'll ask you to answer our phone for the next month and explain to the folks that we just don't have a machine available for their kids.

Besides...Linux Against Poverty does not end in Austin...this is only the beginning. People on 4 continents are waiting for us to get this documented so they can hold their own event.

Do you think they want to go to this trouble and expense for 60 computers?

We're doing good work here...work that isn't ever easy...but it's work that I would be lost without. We can place 250 computers before this year comes to an end. Linux Against Poverty gives us the chance to do it. Please don't short change the effort.

All-Righty Then...