Re: Getting Rotary support - giving support to Rotary

Allan Samaroo wrote:

<snip/>

> I want to propose a similar and also significantly larger project where the
> rotary mobilise companies to sponsor a computer lab at community centres in
> the rural areas.  The lab would receive technical support from the
> CIS/TTLUG.

There has to be a mechanism to provide this support. right now there 
isn't. We can't commit to offering support unless it is there. If 
anything comes of the recent flurry of activity over on TTLUG we may be 
in a stronger position, but my suggestions here for the same thing have 
fallen on deaf ears.

It *will* happen. Just not sure when, these things are always slow to 
materialise.

Having said that, if we create a full project and I get money that means 
we can pay someone to do it. RHS is ready for a change so there is at 
least one person willing to consider a move as long as there is a job in it.

>  I know BP is doing something like this in Mayaro.

Can you get us info on this?

<snip/>

> The CIS would provide training to
> community centre staff.

There we go commitming resources we don't have yet! Again, with the 
funding we can get the resources but until then we need to be careful 
what we plan. I don't mean to discourage you, but we *must* build the 
infrastructure first. Right now we don't have it, it's just you and me 
and a bunch of interested folk waiting for the right opportunity to jump in.

> Also, something we need to investigate, and the rotary might have
> information on this, is the tax benefits companies get here when they
> contribute to charities, community development projects etc, so when we go
> to ask for funds we can remind them of these benefits.

I can answer that one, they get 100%^ tac relief on all charitable 
donations.

> Okay so that's as much as I have so far.  It's still in the concept stages
> and very ambitious I think so maybe you guys could jump in now and help
> massage and flesh out the details.  

Essentially what you are suggesting is exactly what CIS is about. That 
is a support structure for people doing local projects. To date we have 
installed a couple of labs under the name of CIS and provided a small 
number of machines to other projects (which incidentally have never 
credited or aknowledged CIS for their contribution which is a little 
disturbing, I think we need to insist on a credit for all contributions 
by all people, whether it be too or from CIS. In the case of two 
machines donated to a community project we have not even been contacted 
to tell us how things turned out, or to let us know it will happen on X 
date - I'm not sure how CIS are supposed to motivate people if they 
don't get recognition for their work, however small the contribution).

Anyway, back to the point...

I think we should get the infrastructure in place before we try and do 
such a grand and ambitious project. What you are talking about is 
coordinating all the 17 Rotary clubs in T&T, a number of sponsor 
companies, people to provide training, people to install machines, 
transport, community leaders and many other people. This is way to 
ambitious at this stage.

Lets keep a focus on what we can achieve. Install in the odd school, 
community centre other public institution and focus on providing a 
support infrastructure. When the infrastructure is in place we can get 
on with doing the all encompassing project you suggest.

On a positive note. On March 26th a decision will be made as to the next 
lot of funding I am awaiting. Part of this funding will require us to 
install a software system in a number of schools, libraries and 
community centres across the Caribbean (multiple languages) as a pilot 
project. If we get this money then we will really have something to do 
and the support of Rotary will be invaluable.

I would see this project being the pilot to what you propose above.

In the meantime I suggest we focus on getting the infrastructure sorted 
out. We should all help out over at TTLUG to capitalise on the momemtum 
there at this time.

Ross