Re: Grant Application - A grant to Moe Menshed (about to start)

On Saturday, 25 March 2017 10:16:49 AM AEDT James Purser wrote:
> I'm more than happy for Linux Australia to find a grant for equipment if
> it's related to educating people in the use of FOSS and what FOSS is about.

I agree.  I go even further, I support hackerspaces/makerspaces even if they 
don't have a FOSS focus.  While some hackerspaces tend towards a Linux focus 
because the people who want to control their hardware tend to want to control 
their software, I've seen more than a few Windows systems at hackerspaces in 
the past.  I don't think that LA should be opposed to non-profit artistic and 
engineering persuits that just happen to involve Windows (LA isn't a Linux 
specific organisation).

> The discussion about whether a "men's shed" is a valid recipient?
> Absolutely. While their focus may be for men, they provide a vital
> connection for men over a certain age, who are statistically much more at
> risk of suicide and social isolation.

The hackerspaces and makerspaces in Australia appear to be significantly 
greater than 90% male (based on who I've observed attending) and they have a 
good portion of grey-haired men who attend.

If the Moe Menshed is going to be another name for a hackerspace and have the 
same 90%+ male membership as the other hackerspaces then I think it's OK to 
fund equipment in a cost effective manner such as arranging transport from 
Melbourne where lots of good stuff (including i7 PCs, large switches, rack-
mount servers, and more) is available for free.  As I said before I'm happy to 
help arrange free hardware.

If it's going to be a specifically male venue then I won't support sponsorship 
unless there is evidence that there is a social benefit that can't be achieved 
by a multi-gender organisation.

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