NGO-in-a-box Base Edition (BaseBox) OpenHubs Conference Alabel, Sarangani [email protected]
Transcript
NGO-in-a-box Base Edition (BaseBox) OpenHubs Conference Alabel,
Sarangani [email protected]
What is NGO-in-a-box ? It is a series of toolkits designed to
meet the specialised technology needs of non-profits. Each toolkit
contains a selection of Free and Open Source Software and
associated guides and tutorials.
Current editions Security Edition - information and
communication security tools for human rights activists and
journalists Audio/Video Edition - a host of tools for creating and
distributing audio and video content Open Publishing Edition - a
compilation of tools and materials for online and offline
publishing Mobile Phones Edition - a handbook and tool set for
using mobile phones and telephony Citizen Journalism Toolkit - a
participatory media toolkit for audio making and online and offline
publishing
Reason for being To demystify the use of technology for NGOs
and activists, cutting down on the overwhelming choices NGOs face
when trying to decide which software tools to use for which
purposes. When using Free and Open Source Software these problems
are amplified, often sending NGOs into un- tested and unfamiliar
ground.
What is the Base Edition of NGO-in-a-box? It is a collection of
essential tools for running a small-to-medium sized NGO. You can
use this toolkit to set up and coordinate your office, organise and
manage projects, collaborate online and support your campaigns. The
Box contains a set of peer- reviewed FOSS tools, with associated
guides and tutorials, which provides users the technical
foundations to build upon.
BaseBox (off-line edition) is targeted at users who have
limited internet access. 3-CD box set comprising a printed booklet
and CD with the contents of this website along with the profiled
tools and related documentation and tutorials available for
download is a copy of the Ubuntu GNU/Linux operating system and a
copy of the SME Server
Tools inside BaseBox Office Suites and Word Processing Finance
and Fundraising Project Management and Collaboration Volunteer and
Staff Management Web Browsers and Email Instant Messaging and
Telephony Website Creation and Management Basic Systems
Administration
Practical advantages to using FOSS Cost effectiveness Legality
issues Increased stability Changing licensing conditions No
technology lock-in Increased organisational flexibility Enhanced
cooperative culture Extending life span of hardware and reducing
waste Ability to attract high-level skills at low cost
Strategic value for NGOs and progressive social movements
Mission driven FOSS technology adoption processes help NGO staff
better understand the value technology brings to development
practice.
The predominant FOSS technology support approach to promote
autonomy among users inevitably raises the technical capabilities
of people working in and with progressive NGOs and social
movements. The range of FOSS choices and the fact that tools are
customisable demands a solid engagement by NGOs and social
movements around their technology needs, and leads to more informed
technology decision-making.
What it's not for (a.k.a. limitations, disclaimers or don't
blame me if your system crashes) lousy documentation and steep
learning curve for non-techies FOSS can often be a hard-sell
BaseBox makes good FOSS resource more accessible, but it does not
guarantee that users will automatically welcome migration.