[6:00 AM] Volunteer Project To Bring Macs To Kids Needs Your Help
by Staff
We got a message from the organizer behind a very cool project. Josh, Technology Manager for the Just Think Foundation in San Francisco. Just Think is a project designed to help kids, and Josh's new project adds Mac to the equation. According to Just Think:
Apple is no longer beleaguered! Now it's time to turn that energy that helped save Apple to other good causes. For all of you die-hards that jumped in as the impromptu Mac salesman in CompUSA, the EvangeListas that volunteered for every Mac-related project posted, the system admins that had to fight to keep our Macs installed in the school/office, and everyone that believes in the Macway... I have one more project I need your help in. The project should be completed by March, and if I'm in charge... you KNOW we're keepin' it 100% Mac! I won't have it any other way.
I've recently stepped in as the technology manager for a nonprofit org here in San Francisco. The Just Think Foundation helps children all over the world understand the large and confusing institution we call "The Media." Our latest project is the Media Mobile [Editor's Note: Click on the image of the school bus], a donated school bus that I am tasked to upgrade into a cutting edge mobile web page, audio/video production and editing lab. We're starting in the Northern California region, with plans to expand in the near future. The Media Mobile brings the latest technologies to some of the schools and kids that might not be able to afford such equipment.
Although my background in Macs is fairly extensive, I still need the input and assistance of fellow Mac users and professionals for this worthy cause. Together, we can make this the ultimate computer lab for kids! Think of the positive international press this lab has the potential to generate for the Just Think Foundation, Apple, and Mac users! Currently, I need to know what all my available resources are. I need to make a list and check it twice before rolling up the sleeves and getting dirty. Let me know what your expertise/specialties are and how you think you can help. If you're with a Mac-oriented web site, let's all work out a way to make a grand launch of the program!
The best way to contact me is e-mail to: spoonfed@macconnect.com Put what you can offer/advise/assist with on the subject of the e-mail, and leave your phone number in the e-mail if you wish for me to call you. I'm just putting my feelers out right now. If there is enough interest, I am considering a get-together during Macworld Expo to visit the bus and discuss the program further. Heck, I might just have to park that puppy in front of Moscone Center! I'll have more information for those of you that respond. Thanks in advance!
If we build it, they will come...
Regards, Josh
The Shopping List:
6-12 iMac DV/SE (one or two of each flavor) 128MB Ram with Airport cards
possibly 2-6 iBooks
6-12 Firewire Cameras
6-12 scanners
1 Powerbook w/Firewire card
1 LCD projector
1 Airport Hub
1 OS X Server
1 networkable color inkjet
various internet, sound and video editing applications
What we need:
MONEY (any amount will be appreciated)
material donations and/or discounts of any kind
carpentry/metalworking/electrical skills
Mac networking knowledge
web site development (specifically: DNS, OS X Server, WebStar, NetCloak)
graphic artists
video production/editing
photographers and columnists
experience developing computer courses for kids (K-12)
PR/Marketing
connections to news organizations
connections to potential corporate sponsors/developers
connections to Apple (yes, I have Steve Jobs' e-mail, but I want to keep this grassroots for now)
bodies to help move to our new office, and set up the bus
any technical assistance, expertise, or ideas you think that can help
What you get:
a handshake and a "Thank you"
knowing you're helping two worthy causes: Macs and kids
the chance to play with a really cool one-of-a-kind mobile Mac lab
meeting fellow Mac professionals and enthusiasts
if you're a business/user group- good press, possible product placement, and tax deductions
if you're a news organization- a very photogenic schoolbus and an excellent feature article
if you're APPLE- showcasing of your ENTIRE PRODUCT LINE in its optimum implementation to hundreds of schools and THOUSANDS of students, parents, teachers, administrators, superintendents, press, etc. etc. etc...
Oh yeah, one last thing... if this goes well, I'll personally throw a party for all of you supporters. Not just any old party, but one in and around the bus.
You can find more information on the overall project as well as this special Mac-related effort at the foundation's web site.
The Mac Observer Spin: This sounds like a great project for the kids this group works with. It's also great exposure for Apple and we hope that they take notice. If any Observers out there can help out, please take the time to contact Josh.
