[volunteers] SVLUG and teachers

[Edward Cherlin]

On 12/19/06, Paul Reiber <paul at reiber.org> wrote:
> Hello, Edward!
>
> I've CC'd Mark and Rick on this message so they're
> potentially implicated from day one. :-)
>
> Both of my parents are/were teachers, so your comments at
> the recent installfest regarding connecting with local schools
> resonated with me.
>
> SVLUG can become whatever we decide to make it, and I
> believe that adopting more of a focus on education would
> be quite beneficial, all around.  If you haven't yet seen Rick
> Moen's contribution along these lines, please review:
> http://www.penlug.org/twiki/bin/view/Main/SchoolContacts

Great! Thanks, Rick.

> I'm in a unique position; as President of the organization, I can
> make things happen.  However, I have neither an excess of
> time nor an excess of money to apply, so I must work smart
> and leverage the various resources at my disposal - volunteers,
> website, the good name of SVLUG, etc.

Precisely. If we work this right, we can increase our membership,
increase the number and variety of LUGs, and make many other good
things happen. The grand plan is several billion more Linux users
around the world, many millions of lives saved, and all that. Not all
right away, of course.

> Edward, If you're interested in helping SVLUG introduce a
> program such as this, I welcome you to join our volunteer
> team.  Your input regarding implementing an education
> program will be welcome.  The volunteers mailinglist can
> be found at: http://lists.svlug.org/lists/listinfo/volunteers

Done.

> My initial thoughts:
>
>  - we probably want to stay far, far away from any "help the
> school install new computers" type efforts (other than at a
> strategic level, supporting them in adopting Linux) - I've heard
> way too many horror stories (from both sides) regarding these
> sorts of projects.

Quite right.

>  - we may want to have distinctly different strategies for grade
> schools / high schools / colleges

Certainly, although we will be able to talk about Free educational
software, such as Squeak and Maxima, and Free textbook projects for
all levels. Also, we can talk to them all about linking up with
schools in other countries and such.

>  - I've already put some efforts into the idea of mentor/accolyte
> teams - which could very well work hand-in-glove with this.
>
> Although I'm sending this initial contact to you "offlist", if you're
> willing to take the ball and run with it, I encourage you to reply via
> the volunteers mailinglist.
>
> Thanks & I'm looking forward to your talk in January!

I'll have lots more to say then.

> Best regards,
> -Paul Reiber
> 650.906.4962


-- 
Edward Cherlin
OLPC4USA
End Poverty at a Profit
http://wiki.laptop.org/go/OLPC4USA