When Grassroots DC began setting up shop within the Potomac Gardens Public Housing complex in May of 2013, it was with the intention of providing media production training for and media coverage of DC’s traditionally underserved communities. As we moved into Potomac Gardens we realized two things. First, Potomac Gardens’ residents wanted and needed access to the Internet and basic computer training. Second, many Potomac Gardens residents who wanted to participate in our media production training program wouldn’t be able to without access to the Internet and basic computer training. So, we decided to provide basic computer training and access to the Internet.
As Grassroots DC’s executive director, I faced a pretty steep learning curve. Having taught media production for much of the last two decades, I had curriculum for radio and video production but nothing for basic computer literacy, let alone the more advanced classes that might be required. Grassroots DC also had the media production equipment that I brought along via my freelance work, which included three aging Macintosh computers, but we had none of those IBM clones otherwise known as PCs that folks seem so fond of in office environments.
So we needed computers, software, curriculum and instructors. Sheesh! As it turned out, the computers were the easiest part. Lowell Dodge founder of the DC nonprofit First Time Computers put me in touch with one of FTC’s graduates Jay Hornbuckle who had recently started his own business, Capitol Computer Solutions. Jay happened to have a donation of five computers that he was in the process of refurbishing. Because Grassroots DC had raised precisely $0.00 for the computer training program, Hornbuckle agreed to donate those first five PC’s to Grassroots DC, with the understanding that when we did get some grant money, we’d pay him to help maintain our computer lab.
I applied for a couple of grants and while I crossed my fingers, recruited some volunteers, Ben Dorger, a student and new resident to Capitol Hill, Brenda Hayes, longtime Grassroots DC member from before Grassroots DC even existed and Central Godbolt, a computer professional who, despite a busy schedule was able to commit two nights a week to the project. Between the four of us, we provided one class on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 10:00 AM until noon, and another on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM. Central and I began to put together a curriculum, mainly from online sources, and we started classes.
Tuesdays and Thursday morning classes were pretty fluid. Throughout the fall of 2013, class attendance ranged from two to seven students. There were days that we had to turn students away. We had the space, so we got a few more computers and a couple of printers in various states of disrepair through DC’s Freecycle Network. By this time we’d been awarded $1,000 from the Capitol Hill Community Foundation. Yay! So, we were able to call in Capitol Computer Solutions to fix up the donated equipment.
We focused on helping students meet their personal goals so classes were pretty fluid. 9 students set up email accounts, 5 created or updated their resumes. One student was able to use the skills she learned in class to help her study for her nursing certification. Two other students helped us create a basic grammar curriculum. One student signed up for more advanced classes with UDC’s Workforce Development program and will receive his certification as a Microsoft Office Specialist in May. In between scheduled classes, Potomac Gardens residents were able to come in and use the computers and access the Internet.
The four to seven students in the Monday and Wednesday evening classes were more consistent than the morning class. By the end of the 2013, they had not only gone through the basic curriculum but Central Godbolt had them take a computer apart so they could identify its components. This was way more than just a basic computer literacy class.
Four students from the Monday and Wednesday night basic computer class continued into the new year and are now preparing for their Microsoft Office Specialist Certification. They have already completed one desktop publishing assignment and are now working on minizines covering topics such as physical activity and nutrition for children, youth tennis programs and how to maintain a healthy lifestyle after a heart attack. Once published, the minizines will not only be posted to GrassrootsDC.org but also printed out and distributed within the Potomac Gardens Public Housing Complex. Once they receive their certifications, these students will assist in teaching a new basic computer class.
Grassroots DC applied for several grants in the hope of funding the computer training program. So far, only the Capitol Hill Community Foundation has stepped up to the plate. Their $1,000 grant has not only allowed us to provide the basic computer classes, but also keep the lab open for the Potomac Gardens community at large. Residents regularly come in to print out documents, create flyers for community events, use the Internet, etc. One mother was able to secure a scholarship for her daughter to a private school.
Anyone reading this post right now takes for granted their access to computers and the Internet. The residents of Potomac Gardens Public Housing Complex do not. On behalf of them and all of Grassroots DC, I’d like to express our gratitude to the Capitol Hill Community Foundation.
GrassRoot Media, is a Potomac Garden Family Resident Driven Model, under the leader of the President of Potomac Garden Family, Vann-Ghasri;
GrassRoots DC, a Resident Driven Model, under the leadership, of Vann-Ghasri. Vann-Ghasri’s approach: “Only SECURE LEADERS, GIVE POWER TO OTHERS” lead to the founding of the “Resident Driven Model” under Vann-Ghasri;