Starting and Running a Computer Ministry

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Starting and Running a Computer Ministry

• Andrew Sears
• Liza Cagua
• TechMission Boston
• June 17, 2003

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What is a Christian Community Computer Center?

• Definition of Christian Community Computer
  Centers any ministry using computers as an
  outreach to serve the community
• There are over 5,000 community computer centers
  in the US and over 1,000 of these are Christian
  centers and the vast majority have developed in
  the last 5 years
• 700 of these centers have joined AC4
• Range from ministries with less than 5 computers
  to ministries with over 50 computers
• Computer centers have a physical space where they
  operate

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Outreach Computer Ministries

• Outreach Computer Ministry
• Defined Outreach Computer ministries are teams
  of volunteers or staff that support community
  computer centers
• Many churches can have Outreach Computer
  Ministries without having computer centers (good
  ratio is three computer ministries to one
  computer center)
• Establishing Computer Ministries within churches
  provides a great opportunity for teens and adults
  to volunteer
• Computer ministries do not require a physical
  space to operate in church (because they use
  other computer labs)
• Great partnership opportunity for suburban and
  urban churches
• Classes provide good opportunity for volunteers

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Different Levels of Tech Programs

• Computer Ministry
• organize teams of volunteers to help existing
  computer centers
• Level 1 Computer Center
• Provide Tech Time in an after school or teen
  program
• Need 5-10 computers and Internet access (modem)
• Level 2 Computer Center
• Provide limited classes or teen business or job
  placement
• Teens volunteer and/or work as tech staff
• Need 10-15 computers and Internet access (DSL or
  Cable)
• Level 3 Computer Center
• Provide full Community computer center which may
  include walk-in access and advanced classes to
  local community and adults
• Need full-time tech program staff

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Computer Ministry Organizational Ideas

• Ministry Leader (either staff or very committed
  volunteer)
• Leadership team/planning committee
• Need highly committed people who see the vision
• Need strategic thinkers who will lead
• Instructors (if you are teaching classes)
• Need significant expertise in subject matter
• Primary responsibility for class falls on
  instructor
• Tech Professional in subject area who volunteers
  (or staff instructor)
• Assistants who have demonstrated their commitment
  and expertise
• Assistants/Mentors
• Only need basic knowledge of subject matter
• Many student can return following semester to
  assist and continue learning
• Serve as instructor in training for new
  volunteers and provides ability to try it out to
  determine commitment level
• Help reduce the student-teacher ratio (need at
  least 15)

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Starting a Computer Ministry

• Pray and talk with your pastor about the
  possibility
• You can contact AC4 to provide initial assistance
• Make a low-key announcement in church, you are
  developing a planning committee for the ministry
• Meet with partners and planning committee to
  determine general scope of ministry
• Determine and plan details of ministry
• Details of program (classes, after school
  tutoring, etc.), dates, marketing plan, launch
  date and initial meeting/training date
• Make major announcement in church (get pastor to
  help sell it if possible) for the initial
  public meeting or training

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Starting a Computer Center Things You Need

• People staff support/volunteers
• Technical support is a must
• Can get work-study students from colleges for
  tech support
• Understanding of community needs and ability to
  work with the community
• Plan that includes a program focus
• Space to house computers
• Look for space in churches and Christian
  non-profits
• Equipment computers, network, Internet
  connection, software
• Advertising/marketing (unless only serving
  existing programs)
• Money varies depending on your goals
• Expertise and knowledge of computer centers
• Gods support

Computer Ministry
Computer Center
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Understanding Community Needs

• Relational
• Have close understanding of community needs
  because you are closely connected to the
  community relationally
• Primary Research
• Focus groups and surveys of community
• Often are hard to do right
• Secondary Research
• See what others are doing thats working well in
  communities similar to yours
• See what people are already doing in your
  community (some you may want to replicate and
  some you may try not to duplicate)
• Market Testing
• Market a range of services or classes and adjust
  program focus based on demand

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Sample Tech Program Mission

• To serve those in urban centers by providing
  community computer access and education needed
  for employment, spiritual development and to
  equip the Christian community to do the same.

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Determining Program Focus

• What are unique strengths of your ministry?
• See Things You Need slide
• What level and types of expertise and resources
  do you have?
• What strengths can you develop through
  partnerships?
• Urban/suburban partnerships
• What are the needs of the local community and
  those you are already serving?

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To start your ministry, pick one or two areas to
focus on
Christian Community Computer Centers
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Media Ministry
Sound Team
Business Ministries
Technology Ministries
Computer Ministry (outreach)
Arts/Graphics Ministry
Computer Ministry (internal)
Technology/ Business Luncheons
Online Evangelism
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Student Development Plan
Program Areas
Goals
Student Advancement
Italics indicate a primarily youth-focused
activity
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Building a Spiritual Foundation

• Different models
• Some require Christian teaching material of all
  students
• Some use relational evangelism to develop
  relationships and encourage participation in
  spiritual development activities
• Some separate Christian part from computer part
  completely
• PREP uses a combination of the first two methods
  depending on which aspect of the program

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TechMission Boston
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What we offer, other stuff
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TechMission Boston
Suburban Churches (Computer Ministry)
Urban Churches (Computer Ministry)
Churches (Independent Volunteers)

• Resources
• Volunteers
• Tech Expertise

TechMission

• Community Connection
• Wealth of Experience
• Physical Location

CTCs (in urban churches)
CTCs (Christian non-profit)
Other CTCs
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Youth and Technology
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After School Technology Time

• Integrate computers with other activities in
  after school program
• Black History Month, Scan in Art, Themes
• Project based learning works best
• Teaching software does not work without a goal
• We split K-2nd grade and 3-7th grade
• We use Jumpstart software with kids
• Youth Tech Curriculum
• Youth curriculum and resources at www.ac4.org

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After School Tech Curriculum Ideas

• Greeting cards we use Microsoft Publisher
• Research on the Internet
• Searched for poets and their poetry
• History of Hip Hop on the Internet. Present
  findings using PowerPoint
• Poetry taught formatting in Microsoft Word by
  having students write their own poems and then
  type them into Word.
• Students often need to compose poems before
  coming to computer
• Encyclopedia Africana do a Scavenger Hunt
  through the time line portion
• Calendars students scan in photos
• Newsletter written, edited, and laid-out by the
  students
• E-mail accounts and their own web pages
• Lego Mindstorm Robotics with programmable legos
  (300 per set)
• Suggestions and curriculum ideas provided by Mary
  Pavan and Chris Tsang from PREP Computer Center

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Teens PREP Enterprises, Youth Staff Volunteers

• Youth Volunteers Duties
• Assist with classes
• Youth Staff Duties
• Supervise walk-in center and fix computers
• Assist with classes
• Work in PREP Enterprises
• Learn on the job and through self study
• Discipleship all youth staff have regular time
  of discipleship and leadership training

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Youth Run Web Design Business
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Other Ideas for Youth

• Computer Club
• Meet for tech projects or field trips
• Music Mixing
• Hip Hop eJay (www.voyetra.com)
• Acid Music (www.sonicfoundry.com)
• Youth Run Business
• Web Design, Graphics Design, T-Shirts, etc.
• www.prepenterprises.com

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Computer Classes
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Ideas for Classes

• Make a major effort initially to let the
  community know
• This is needed to have many applicants at start
  of semester
• We handed out 3,000 flyers table-tents on
  street, in schools, stores restaurants
• Got mailing list of our community from Bostons
  Voter Registration Records and mailed to 10,000
  residents
• Meals between classes can provide opportunities
  for relationship building
• Project based classes work well, especially with
  youth
• Teens and adults can work in same classes, but
  adults taking classes with younger children does
  not work
• See list of classes elsewhere

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Tips for Basic Computer Classes

• Classes can easily be taught by volunteers
• Get more advanced students to assist in classes
• One instructor, 3-4 assistants and 20 students
• LCD projector is very helpful can get for 1,100
  from lightware.com
• Classes can be as little as once a week (good for
  most volunteers) with homework they do during
  walk-in lab period
• Typing can be taught with minimal instruction
  using supervised, scheduled time with Mavis
  Beacon Teaches Typing
• Curriculum/lesson plans available at www.ac4.org

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Office Track
Basics
Intro to Computers
Intro to the Internet
Overview of Computers
1. An arrow indicates a prerequisite of either
taking the class or good subject
knowledge. 2. Students are encouraged to take
other classes on this track in future semesters.
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Multimedia/Advanced Track
Basics
Digital Music Studio
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Computer Lab
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Walk In Computer Center

• Hours
• 3-6 pm Monday and 3-7 Tuesday-Thursday
• Lab Monitors for Assistance

• What Can I Do?
• Access the Internet
• Homework
• Use E-mail
• Practice Typing

• Mix Music
• Work on Resume
• Schedule One-to-one Training

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Software Available

• Encyclopedia Africana
• Hip Hop eJay (music mixing)
• Essence Virtual Makeover
• Jumpstart Software
• Visual Basic 6.0 (programming)
• Photoshop 5.5 (graphics editing)
• Illustrator 8.0 (computer art)
• Access 97 2000 (database)
• PowerPoint 97 2000 (Presentations)
• Publisher 97 2000 (desktop publishing)

• Outlook 97 2000 (E-mail scheduling)
• FrontPage 2000 (web page editor)
• Windows 95 98
• Internet Explorer (web)
• Microsoft Word 97 2000 (word processing)
• Microsoft Excel 97 2000 (spreadsheets)
• WS_FTP (FTP)
• English Pro (ESL)

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Software Available

• Encyclopedia Africana
• Hip Hop eJay (music mixing)
• Essence Virtual Makeover
• Jumpstart Software
• Visual Basic 6.0 (programming)
• Photoshop 5.5 (graphics editing)
• Illustrator 8.0 (computer art)
• Access 97 2000 (database)
• PowerPoint 97 2000 (Presentations)
• Publisher 97 2000 (desktop publishing)

• Outlook 97 2000 (E-mail scheduling)
• FrontPage 2000 (web page editor)
• Windows 95 98
• Internet Explorer (web)
• Microsoft Word 97 2000 (word processing)
• Microsoft Excel 97 2000 (spreadsheets)
• WS_FTP (FTP)
• English Pro (ESL)

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Web Site Filtering Software

• Filtering Service by Promise Keepers
  (pkfamily.com)
• 5.95 per month for existing DSL or cable modem
  connection
• Filtered dial-up Internet access for 15.95
• Filtering Server or Client Software
• CleanWeb (www.cleanweb.net)
• CyberPatrol (www.microsys.com)
• Cybersitter (www.solidoak.com)
• CyberSnoop (www.pearlsw.com)
• Net Nanny (www.netnanny.com)
• Net Shepherd (www.netshepherd.com)
• Safesurf (www.safesurf.com)
• Watchdog (www.sarna.com)
• We Blocker (free at www.we-blocker.com)
• X-Stop (www.xstop.com)

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Resources, Grants and Donations
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Researching Grants

• Associated Grantmakers of Massachusetts Grant
  Library
• Provides free access to thousands of dollars of
  grant research materials and databases of grants
• By far the best resource available in Boston for
  researching grants
• www.agmconnect.org (get directions on website)

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Other Grants

• CTCNET AmeriCorps/VISTA Grant
• Provides full time staff positions for a year for
  3,000
• To apply must first pay 100 to join CTCNet
  (www.ctcnet.org)
• Have some restrictions on these staff leading
  religious services during paid time, but one of
  the most open govt programs toward faith-based
  groups, and you select the staff
• Should open application process around Feb, 2001
• Contact Peter Miller of CTCNet at peterm_at_igc.org
  or 617.287.7371 or visit www.cpcs.umb.edu/newvista
  /
• Get list of technology grants
• Directory of Computer and High Technology Grants
  (53) from Research Grant Guides, Inc. (order on
  Amazon.com)
• HUD Neighborhood Networks Initiative will fund
  centers in housing projects (which Christian
  groups could run)

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General Discounted Software

• AC4 Discounted Software Info Page
• www.ac4.org/resources/software.html
• Software to Serve Participants and Community
• Get 30 most Microsoft, Adobe, Symantec products
• At www.computmentor.org and at www.giftsinkind.org
  
• Software for staff
• Get copies of Microsoft Office XP Professional
  for 65
• Order at www.CCBNonprofits.com

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Getting Equipment

• Make announcements in churches that you are
  looking for computer donations from individuals
  and companies
• relational method works best
• Suburban churches may have many people in
  companies with computers to donate
• Specify minimum requirements and types of
  computers
• TechMission Boston has some used computers
  available
• Beaumont Grant becoming available in Fall

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Getting Equipment Softwarethrough
Gifts-in-Kind Compumentor

• Register with Gifts in Kind International
  (www.giftsinkind.com)
• Cost 125 and must be Non profit 501(c)(3) and
  use software for service to community
• Cost 225 for 5 used computers 486 above
  laptops/desktops
• Network hubs for 50
• Get copies of most major software for 30
  (Windows, Office 2000, Adobe products, etc)
• Provide great discounts (90 off) on office
  products, projectors, clothes, etc.
• Use Compumentor for software discounts
  (www.compumentor.com)
• Most major software for only 30 and no
  registration fee

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Computer Donations

• Gifts in Kind International (www.giftsinkind.com)
  
• Cost 125 to register and must be Non profit
  501(c)(3) and use software for service to
  community
• Cost 225 for 5 used computers 486 above
  laptops/desktops
• Network hubs for 50
• Provide great discounts (90 off) on office
  products, projectors, clothes, etc.
• Computer Refurbishing
• Accept computers along with clothes other
  donations
• Have a minimal acceptance standard (I.e Pentium
  or above)
• Request written agreement they are transfering
  software license with computer

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Other Information Resources and Networks

• Association of Christian Community Computer
  Centers
• E-mail List www.ac4.org
• Community Technology Centers Network
  www.ctcnet.org
• Good E-mail list and go to national conference
  each June
• Provides Community Technology Center start up
  manual
• Youth Learn www.youthlearn.org
• Provides manual and E-mail list for youth and
  technology
• Compumentor www.compumentor.org
• Provides technology information to non-profits
• Visit HUDs Neighborhood Networks at
  www.neighborhoodnetworks.org
• Adult Literacy E-mail Lists literacy.nifl.gov/for
  ums.html
• NTIA Report Falling through the Net
• www.digitaldivide.gov/reports.htm

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Volunteers
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Recruiting Volunteers

• Announcements in Churches for Tech Volunteers
• Computer Ministries
• Computer ministries are teams of volunteers from
  churches or staff that support community computer
  centers
• Online volunteer recruitment
• Like online job posting for volunteers
• No way to limit inquiries to Christians only
• Register opportunities at volunteermatch.org,
  volunteersolutions.org, servenet.org and
  idealist.org

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Volunteer Training

• Happens each semester and is required for
  volunteers
• Three parts of training
• Program Overview and Vision Setting
• Explain what we do, and the motivation to build
  vision
• Details of program and expectations of
  volunteers
• Train the Trainer
• Provides basics needed for teaching
• Cross-Cultural Ministry Training
• Required each semester for all volunteers
• PREP/AC4 can provide volunteer training for other
  ministries

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Our Goals for Volunteers

• Enable professionals and students from various
  fields to use their skills to serve and find more
  balance and meaning in what they do
• Develop individuals who volunteer in the program
  by assisting their growth in computer skills,
  teaching skills, leadership skills and spiritual
  growth
• Create a community of people to assist each other
  in finding balance, healing, their callings and
  God
• Assist racial reconciliation by partnering with
  suburban an urban churches of different cultures
  races

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Role of Assistants

• Short description Assistants help show
  students where to point the mouse when they get
  stuck.
• As the instructor leads students through an
  exercise watch to see who needs help
• Help answer students questions as they are
  working through the class material and projects.
  
• Develop relationships with students and other
  volunteers to help form community.
• Encouraging students is as important or more
  important than teaching them

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Responsibilities for Assistants

• Assistants do not have to attend every class, but
  should work out a schedule with the instructor
  when they agree to be available.
• Call instructor at least a week in advance if you
  cannot make your scheduled time
• The goal is if at all possible that at least two
  or three assistants will be available each week
• Assistants should be available for class at least
  10 minutes before class
• Assistants should plan to stay at least 10
  minutes after class to discuss material for the
  next class

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Responsibilities for Assistants

• Assist Instructor with any duties as needed
• Assistants can help with follow-up with the
  students and their parents. They are also
  encouraged to develop relationships with the
  students.
• Assistants may prepare or assist in preparing
  some lessons as well as teaching lessons.
• Attend PREP Meetings
• Attend training once each semester
• Attend student orientation and graduation to get
  to know students better
• Help on a support team if interested

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Responsibilities for Instructors

• Responsible for all aspects of teaching and
  running a class including preparing most of the
  lessons.
• Responsible for setting schedule of which
  assistants and other instructors with attend and
  teach when
• Responsible for being at class at least 15-30
  minutes before start each week
• Provides time to set up for class and deal with
  unexpected traffic (i.e. I-93)
• If you must miss a class, instructors arrange for
  for another instructor or assistant to cover for
  them.
• This is important to provide a consistent person
  who relates to the students. Because of this we
  ask that instructors dont miss more than a
  maximum two classes.

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Responsibilities for Instructors

• Responsible for foster community among assistants
  and with students
• They should call students who have missed classes
  at mid-semester to see if they will stay in class
• Attend PREP Computer Ministry Meetings
• Attend training once each semester
• Attend student orientation and graduation to get
  to know students better
• Help on a support team if interested

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Other Ways to Help

• Be an Instructor for a class
• Join Tech Support Team
• Provide technical support, fixing setting up
  computers, installing hardware, while training
  others
• Join Hospitality Team
• Help with lunches, parties, appearance of lab and
  parties to make PREP a welcoming, relational
  place
• Help with administration
• Supervise walk-in computer center
• Serve on Leadership Team
• Help plan and run PREP overall