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Tool for Assessing Startup Organizations

Grantmakers for Effective Organizations makes available a free Tool for Assessing Startup Organizations (39 page PDF). Prepared by the ubiquitous La Piana Associates in 2003, it focuses on identifying and assessing risks in six critical areas: Governance, Leadership, Development, Finances, Human Resources Management, and Communications. I have a few quibbles, such as the way they equate 'leadership' as the single person of the executive director, but it is by and large a superb document, valuable to nonprofits and grantmakers alike. And any startup organization should certainly be working with these issues in their own planning, of course. Posted: 4/9/06; 11:34:15 PM #

Big Easy May Face Showdown Over Internet

Telecommunication oligopolies want to prevent New Orleans from having free wireless. Right now, the Big Easy has the first and only city-wide, municipally supported free wireless service in the country. It's cleverly implemented, decent speed, and it's helping businesses and nonprofits get back on their feet. But the telecom companies don't like it. Years ago, I was a lobbyist (for consumer and environmental groups) in our state legislature, among other places. It shouldn't amaze me what wealthy people can coax out of them with a little well placed whining, but I guess I expected better for New Orleans. Posted: 4/9/06; 11:28:10 PM #

How to Recycle Your Computer
	Salon offers recommendations on How to Recycle your Computer (one day ad-support or subscription required). They pay particular attention to the usual pitfalls of computer recycling, including how to avoid having your computer end up in a landfill in Africa. Posted: 4/9/06; 11:21:54 PM #