Who We Are
Free Geek Twin Cities is a community of technology enthusiasts dedicated to digital inclusion, reuse, and responsible recycling. We accomplish this by providing affordable electronics, offering education and experience, and repurposing technology.
OUR MISSION
Free Geek Twin Cities is a 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to sustainably reuse technology, enable digital access, and provide education to create a community that empowers people to realize their potential.
The Digital Divide and e-Waste are two issues that can result from progression in the fields of science and technology. At Free Geek, we aim to combat these issues by pointing them at one another!
WHAT IS FREE GEEK TWIN CITIES?
The Digital Divide and Education
There are still many people in our community that do not have access to computers and the Internet, or do not possess the skills to adequately leverage these technologies. There are many reasons for this gap in our population, but one of our main goals is alleviate this problem through work and education. Volunteers work in programs where they gain skills on how to use, build, and understand computers.
As technology continues to evolve rapidly, our community generates increasing amounts of electronic waste. At Free Geek Twin Cities, we accept this e-waste with the primary goal of giving it a second life through reuse and refurbishment. When reuse isn’t possible, we ensure that all remaining materials are recycled responsibly—with a strong commitment to both environmental sustainability and social responsibility.
Electronic Waste and Reuse
History
Free Geek Twin Cities (FGTC) is inspired by the original Free Geek Portland, founded in 1999 to tackle the growing e-waste problem. While Free Geek Portland has grown into a massive operation, Free Geek Twin Cities is still relatively young. Free Geek Twin Cities has been founded in 2010.
There are a few Free Geeks across the country, but all operate independently of one another.
We’ve been all over south Minneapolis, from all sorts of buildings (including a firehouse!) to our current location in Seward next to Memory Lanes.
In 2020, we redesigned our thrift store. We are grateful for the continued support of computer geeks close and far, and excited for the road ahead!
For more videos about FGTC click here
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Meet the Board
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I found out about Free Geek when I was looking for volunteer opportunities that I could do with my teenage children. They were both very interested in technology so this seemed like a great fit.
I love Free Geek because they are helpful to so many different people in different ways. If you cannot afford technology that is necessary today, they can help. If you want to find something unique, they receive unique donations every week that will be process and put in the thrift store. There are so many different volunteer opportunities that you can learn something new each time you come.
In my day job, I am an audit partner with KPMG LLP. I try to use the skills that I have learned at KPMG to always look for ways to make Free Geek even better.
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My connection to Free Geek Twin Cities was created serendipitously through the most perfect alignment of stars in my personal life and career.
I’m a 22 year career technology nerd with an intense passion for IT Asset Management - the world in which IT hardware and software are nurtured and cared for from cradle to grave.
I strive to focus every aspect of my personal life and career on minimizing waste and encouraging reuse. I am an outdoor enthusiast adventurer, traveler, weight lifter, mountain biker, hiker, gardener, baker, avid reader, and hockey mom of one.