Geeks Without Bounds

Geeks Without Bounds is an international coalition of technologists, first responders, and policymakers, focused on improving access to communication and technology. They focus on work in communities with limited infrastructure thanks to violence, neglect, or catastrophe. They are known for organizing hackathons for humanitarian technology, and help prototype projects turn into long-term initiatives through their Accelerator for Humanitarian Initiatives.[1]

History

Geeks Without Bounds is based in Seattle, Washington in the United States. Geeks Without Bounds was announced by Johnny Diggz on August 19, 2010 at Gnomedex 10 in Seattle, Washington and formally launched on October 10, 2010.[2]

They have organized hackathons and networks of supportive hacker spaces in a variety of cities since 2010, and are a sustainability partner of the Random Hacks of Kindness project.[3] They are a primarily volunteer organization, with an active board of advisors, mentor network, and one-person staff.[4]

The group has focused on humanitarian aid in areas recovering from disasters and similar crises, working with STAR-TIDES and Crisis Commons. They have an annual application cycle for projects that want to join the Accelerator for Humanitarian Initiatives.[5]

Support and sponsors

Geeks Without Bounds is supported by organizational sponsors such as Tropo and RHoK, as well as individual donations. Their books and budget are transparent and published online.[6]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Geeks Without Bounds: The First RHoK Sustainability Partner, Random Hacks of Kindness website. March 5, 2012; retrieved July 25, 2012.
  2. ↑ New Europe Magazine Interview with Johnny Diggz via New Europe
  3. ↑ Open Source Hackathon awards, 2010 via Case Organic
  4. ↑ Boards and staff lists, GWOB.org
  5. ↑ Accelerator applications and mentorship cycle, GWOB.org
  6. ↑ Sponsorship and budget, GWOB.org