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I N S I D EGrantees Announced
"We’re one of the most wired cities in the world, but there’s still much we can do to bring the benefits of this technology revolution to all segments of our city." -Mayor Greg Nickels The celebrated new Central Library opens Sunday, May 23, 2004 at 1000 Fourth Ave. in downtown Seattle. The new civic icon will house more than 1.4 million books and materials, and is expected to draw more than 8,000 visitors per day during its first year of operation, doubling the previous capacity of 4,000 visitors per day in the old building. The new Central Library was designed to be user-friendly, featuring a mix of formal and informal spaces within a total of 362,987 square feet. There will be underground parking for about 143 vehicles, where the old building featured only 206,000 square feet and offered no public parking. More than 400 public computers will be available in the new building, where the old building had capacity for only 75. The new library boasts more than 50 databases and other electronic resources. It also features an advanced automated book check-in and sorting system. The new Central Library will also have wireless Internet access, so that patrons can use their wireless laptop computers to access the Internet at any location in the library.
The non-fiction section will be located in the Books Spiral, a series of flat tiers, connected by gentle ramps. A gradual slope of about two degrees winds through the four floors of book stacks. The spiral is an architectural organization that allows all patrons - disabled and able-bodied alike - the freedom to move throughout the entire collection without depending on stairs, escalators and elevators. Your opinion matters! CTCNet National Conference Web site The leading international community technology conference will be held June 10-13, 2004 in the Seattle area, and will feature nearly 50 sessions and a variety of special features, networking opportunities and other events, including a June 10 Pre-Conference Day of intensive workshops and activities. SCHOLARSHIPS VOLUNTEERS NEEDED For more information, visit www.psact.org, call (206) 850-1502; to RSVP, email sandra@psact.org.
It's not too late to get free cable Internet and modem for your local CTC. These free connections are currently only available in the Comcast service delivery area and within the Seattle city limits. For more information and to download a short form to make application, go to our tech web. If you have questions, email Derrick Hall or call (206) 233-5061.
l.i.n.k.a.g.eJoin the Community Technology Discussion Group Get Your Event Listed in Brainstorm Freeware: Keyboard Tweak t.e.c.h.t.i.pFilteringBefore choosing an Internet filter ask yourself the following questions:
Your answers will influence your choices. Read more at a great filtering software review site, www.internetfilterreview.com. sub/unsubTo subscribe or unsubscribe to Brainstorm, please email us, and we'll add you to our email notification list, or subtract you per your request. Tell your colleagues. We welcome your feedback and opinions. If you have ideas for future stories, please let us know and we'll try to accommodate them. We encourage you to visit the City of Seattle's Community Tech pages, seattle.gov/tech.
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 More than 400 public computers will be available in the new Central Library, due to open May 23.
thirteen community projects get bill wright tech matching fundsThe City of Seattle has approved funding for 13 community technology projects from the annual Bill Wright Technology Matching Fund (TMF) totaling $85,200 with a community matching contribution of approximately $170,000. With three of the awards, Seattle becomes the first city in the country to provide technology matching funds for electronic democracy projects. The Bill Wright Technology Matching Fund (TMF) projects will increase residents' access to the Internet and grow their technology skills for employment, education and civic participation. This year's projects will use a variety of technologies, including web-logging (blogging), wireless (Wi-Fi), digital photography, and PDAs (handheld computers). Each year the fund supports neighborhood groups and organizations with projects to increase technology literacy and access. The "electronic democracy" projects will use information and communications technology to raise awareness of issues and increase resident participation in community problem solving. These organizations understand the importance of applying technology to build economic opportunity and healthy, education families," said Mayor Greg Nickels. "These Technology Matching Fund projects will reach some of our neediest residents, providing training and electronic civic engagement projects for youth, seniors, families, immigrants and refugees." Recommendations for funding projects are made by the Citizens Telecommunications and Technology Advisory Board (CTTAB). CTTAB is a fifteen member volunteer board appointed by the Mayor and City Council. CTTAB’s purpose is to advise the Mayor and City Council on issues of communitywide interest relating to telecommunications and technology. The Technology Matching Fund was established in 1997 to support the community’s efforts to close the digital divide and encourage a technology-healthy city. The City renamed the matching fund in memory of Bill Wright, a Central District community leader who embodied the program’s goal of creating digital opportunity for all and using technology tools to build strong neighborhoods. Since the program began, the City has contributed over $1,061,000 to 77 projects with community contributions totaling over $2,386,000. For more information on the Bill Wright Technology Matching Fund, visit seattle.gov/tech. Following are the 13 projects approved for funding this year: American Lung Association Community Day School Association Emerald City Outreach Ministries Homewaters Project International District Housing Alliance Lighthouse for the Blind Literacy Source Metropolitan Improvement District Phinney Community Technology Center Sacajawea Elementary PTA Seattle Goodwill Industries Vietnamese Friendship Association of Seattle YMCA of Greater Seattle
student tech interns @ no cost
South Seattle Community College (SSCC) has a number of highly skilled computing technology student interns available to nonprofit organizations and also to businesses. Graduating students will provide the following skills to your org at no cost.
To learn more on how to obtain one or more SSCC computing technology student intern(s), please contact: Pamm Hubbard, SSCC Internship Coordinator, (206) 764-7935. phinney gives good programFour years ago, the Phinney Neighborhood Association received a Technology Matching Fund matching grant from the City of Seattle to develop a new Community Technology Center for residents of Seattle's north end neighborhoods. The resultant center offers nine teaching stations and two community access stations, plus printer and scanner available for public use. The public access stations are available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Phinney CTC has been up and running for more than two years, offering new classes each quarter. The lab has developed a wide curriculum. The usual basics classes, such as word processing, spreadsheets, the Internet and email are perennial, however they also offer next-level classes on how to use auction sites, make online reservations, and generally how to safely shop online. In addition, on most Tuesdays and Thursdays, the Phinney CTC is open for free informal help. They'll even try to help fix a broken computer. On Saturday mornings, informal workshops include sessions on how to buy a computer, computer protection and maintenance, hardware, researching, cd-burning and more. One class, "New Lives for Old Computers," allows a student to "bring your computer to class and go home with your computer running Linux." Certain stipulations apply, so interested parties should call (206) 783-2244 for more information. A comprehensive list of classes is available at the Phinney CTC web site. Tuition varies, but is kept affordable. Phinney Center members get a discount. For more information, check out their web site. The Phinney CTC is located at 6532 Phinney Ave. N. in Seattle. hosting a vista? get pro-active!Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) will soon assign their volunteers for the upcoming 2004-2005 term. Organizations that have been approved to host a VISTA this year may be able to recruit a local person who possesses specific desired skills. Individuals interested in spending a year in national service and who possess the skills listed in the following blurbs are encouraged to contact the organizations directly for further information. The Washington Assistive Technology Foundation helps people with disabilities to access assistive and adaptive technologies through low interest loans and other services. They are seeking a VISTA volunteer to help with fundraising, outreach and program development. They would prefer to find an assistive technology user who is interested in learning about community development and microenterprise lending. Applicants should email a resume and cover letter with a summary of relevant experience to Frances Pennell, executive director, WATF, 3670 Stone Way North, Seattle, WA 98103; (206) 826-1038. The Intel Computer Clubhouse after school program in Tacoma needs a volunteer to help coordinate activities and mentor the kids. Location: 1209 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Tacoma, WA; (253) 627-3175. Ask for Sharon Freeman. Puget Sound Alliance for Community Technology (PSACT) is seeking applications. Their ideal VISTA will possess knowledge and comfort with technology and the ability to learn quickly, communicate and coordinate effectively with multiple stakeholders, i.e., staff, board members, members, and outside agencies. Cultural sensitivity and awareness is a must for working in diverse communities. Experience in database, web design and software applications preferred. Program management experience helpful. Email a resume to Sandra Mears, executive director, PSACT, or snail-mail a hard copy to PSACT, 157 Roy Street, Seattle, WA 98109. Note: If you know of any current VISTAs who need work to complete their 2003-2004 terms, Rainier Beach Community Center CTC is seeking help with sustainability planning, marketing, networking and partnerships with other community-based organizations. They have often hired previous volunteers, so this could become a win/win situation for all involved. Contact Young Pham, (206) 722-1390, or call Anita Adams at (206) 386-1925. teens & modern artWhat is—or isn’t—considered “art” these days? What does it take for someone to be become an architect, artist, or filmmaker? Who decides how a museum collects and displays art. To field these questions, the Museum of Modern Art has recently launched Red Studio, a new MoMA site for teens. Right now, they're featuring youDESIGN, an online contest for teens. The deadline for submissions is June 30, 2004. Red Studio was developed by MoMA in collaboration with high school students and explores issues and questions raised by teens about modern art and today's working artists. d.o.l.l.a.r.sFederal Education Community Technology Centers Grants Deadline: June 1 These grants are earmarked to create or expand community technology centers that use instructional strategies to improve the academic performance of low-achieving students. Because this grant employs the "novice applicant priority," community organizations are strongly encouraged to apply. PeopleSoft Community Relations Program Deadline: June 1 PeopleSoft's Community Relations Program targets community service projects that focus on technology. The program supports efforts that provide underserved populations with computer technology training and education; support creative and beneficial uses of the Internet in communities; use computer technology to improve the quality of life for underserved populations; educate the community about the benefits of technology; and promote mathematics and science education. The company primarily directs support to geographic areas where employees live and work, including international locations; however, compelling projects outside of these areas will be reviewed. Nonprofit organizations throughout the United States, and select international locations are eligible to apply. archivesBack issues of Brainstorm are now available in our online archives. Click to revisit all previous issues. |
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