Almost 30 days to the Austin install fest. We already have a healthy supply of computers, and about 30 volunteers on Tom's team. Tom and Ken are in the process of designing the assembly line -- because we intend to donate at least 200 computers at the end of the day. As we get more of the pieces in place, we'll be able to utilize more volunteers. More details are on the Volunteers page.

We are now starting to solicit sponsors. Some of the items we will need to rent for the install fest are work tables and chairs, extension cables and network cables. We'd also like to provide beverages and snacks for the volunteers. If you or your company would like to be a sponsor for LinuxAgainstPoverty, send me a note at lynnbender@geekaustin.org

A few people have asked where the computers are going. I'm surprised that more people haven't. As some of you know, the main reason I put LAP on the shelf last year was that none of the organizations in town who provide for children in need -- at least the ones I was aware of -- wanted anything to do with Linux. When I met Ken, he had already been donating computers for several years, and in that time has built a network of teachers, CPS counselors, service representatives from various state and private entities, and other individuals working for community assistance programs across Austin. Ken has also been known to visit homes to make determinations and get a physical idea of where the computer will be set up and any special needs the child may have. You can get more details about Ken and the Helios folks on the Helios mission page. Some of Helios recent benefactors have been Space 12 and The Settlement Home. If you know of recipients who would benefit from a computer in the house, send Ken a note at helios@fixedbylinux.org

Although the first installfest will be an Austin only event, we are already assembling a team of translators to render the Linux Against Poverty docs in to other languages. If you are a native or near-native speaker of Spanish, French, German, or Dutch, and would be interested in assisting with the translation, please send me a note at lynnbender@geekaustin.org

After the install fest, there will be a party. Everyone knows how I like parties, and I'm looking to make this one double plus good. Having a volunteer badge at the party will most likely have some benefits. wink wink.

See you all on August 1st!

-Lynn