More volunteer and project ideas

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CTC hopping fair – city council members?
Community Technology Fair
Computer Buyers Fair – a day (in a park? inside?) where visitors would go around and learn how to buy a computer for their home and/or home office use
· Computer walk: What are the parts of a computer
· What are the important components of a new computer and what is a good minimum requirement (i.e. hard drive space, processing speed, RAM)
· Low-cost computers set up on display for use *invite computer sales companies like Best Buy and CompUSA to display their machines and explain to visitors how they work and do prelim tutorials on them
· An exhibit of things and materials you can make on a home computer/resources you can have access to
o business cards
o pamphlets
o greeting cards
o videos
o graphic art and design
o email
o the local Minneapolis wireless portals
o school research
o typing programs
o library website
o video chat/IM with family and friends in other countries
· Ways to connect to the internet and an explanation of dial-up vs. broadband and the pros and cons of different service plans and different companies *invite USIW and Qwest and others to showcase their services and how to get them, registration, etc.
· Maybe get ahold of Ken Nelson to have some giveaway computers
· Submission forms available for the Digital Inclusion fund
· An exhibit on no-cost and open source software that is available for installation online
· Resource packets about resources
· Raffle off computers and computer equipment!!

Ways to find civic engagement opportunitie

Online Calendars:

WAMM (women against military madness)
Minnesota Alliance of Peacemakers
Twin Cities Daily Planet

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2006-2007 Hand off document

What we did
Hosted 2 corps days
- Philadelphia Farm Day – One day and overnight optional. We drove out to the farm in Osceola, WI in the morning. We spent the day planting, weeding and touring the natural areas of the farm. Then we all made dinner together and some people stayed the night. Suggestion: Prepare short training on community supported agriculture and sustainable food issues and how it relates to our work for the day.
- Midtown Global Market Day – We had training in the morning on small businesses issues, we decorated the market for the holiday season, and we heard from some small business owners about their experience.

Updated the CTEP Underground Calendar with civic engagement opportunities

Set in motion the process of adopting a section of the Midtown Greenway

Found and listed individual volunteering opportunities – on the blog (Nov. 3rd post) and in the resources section of the Underground site.

Advice
-Meet as a committee before hosting a corps day
-Have fun corps days outside since no one else can
-The farm was a big hit, you should go back!

Challenges
-Members don’t utilize the Underground Calendar (don’t check it) as often as they should for ideas
-CTEP needs to clarify if it’s okay and facilitate members doing long-term service projects (example: volunteer once a week for an hour for Pride Alive)

Ideas
-Host a civic engagement opportunity outside of corps day (example: invite people over to watch a documentary and discuss it)