TAGNW Reconnect is a collaborative project to provide technology resources to those in need in our community. Through the Reconnect program, qualifying participants will receive a FREE computer kit, computer training, and volunteer technical support. Qualifying participants are confirmed through our social service organization partners. Please review the program information and contact your social service organization to participate.
Program Overview
Computer Kit
A FREE “Computer Kit” is provided to TAGNW Reconnect participants! The computer kit includes a desktop computer, monitor, keyboard, mouse, webcam, headphones, wireless adapter, bluetooth adapter, and network cable. In addition to the basic computer components, the webcam and headphones allow for audio and video conferencing.
Software
TAGNW Reconnect provides a customized Ubuntu Linux operating system, which is well known for great support and user experience. Included in Ubuntu are thousands of useful applications! Software highlights include applications for web browsing (Chrome and Firefox), office (LibreOffice), communications (Discord, Microsoft Teams, Slack, and Zoom), media (VLC), and design (GIMP).
User Guides
User Guides, both written and video, are provided to teach basic concepts of computer usage and maintenance.
Online Resources
Free Local Technical Support
Free local technical support is provided by TAGNW member volunteers primarily through the TAGNW Community Hub (Discord) in the #reconnect channel. Join for help and stay for community discussion! Free. Open to everyone. All ages, and levels of experience and expertise are welcome. Emergency support is available via voicemail and email, however please use the TAGNW Community Hub (Discord) if possible. Voicemail: 360-526-0160 Email: reconnect-help@tagnw.org
Educational Classes
Upon in-person events relaunching at the Bellingham Public Library, TAGNW will offer general technology and computing classes. Stay tuned for library announcements and this page for more details.
Application
Eligible program participants apply through their social service provider. Please contact your social service provider to participate in the TAGNW Reconnect program. Existing program partners include: A Watered Garden, Evergreen Goodwill, Northwest Regional Council, and Opportunity Council.
Program Partners
Are you a nonprofit organization serving the public and would like to become a TAGNW Reconnect program partner? Excellent! Please review the TAGNW Reconnect Partners webpage to get started. Participation is FREE for both your organization and participants! We look forward to hearing from you.
Contact
Interested to learn more? Become a partner? Volunteer? Please contact TAGNW, with any questions or comments at president@tagnw.org or 360-312-7105. We would love to hear from you.
Volunteer Support
Overview
You can help support TAGNW Reconnect in so many ways: Donate your old computers and electronics! Volunteer to teach basic computing classes! Volunteer to provide technical support!. Become a TAG Member! Donate! Contact us with any other ideas you have!
Donate Electronics
We encourage you to donate ALL of your electronics to Computers 4 People in Need (C4PIN), a TAGNW Reconnect Partner! Electronics are either refurbished or recycled based on age and condition. Working computers are most appreciated and will help continue the TAGNW Reconnect program and support people in need in our community.
Items specifically in need are desktop and laptop computers, monitors, keyboards, mice, webcams, headphones or speakers, network cables, and power cables for computers and monitors. Support needs are are also welcome, such as tools and supplies.
To donate, please contact C4PIN to arrange a time to drop off your electronics, and tell them you’d like to support the TAGNW Reconnect program.
Contact details:
Computers 4 People in Need (C4PIN)
2004 James Street, Suite 2, Bellingham, WA 98225
Open Monday-Friday 9am-1pm.
(Located at the back of the Hardware Sales building.)
admin@c4pin.org
360-920-2387
Teach Basic Computing Classes
TAGNW will provide basic computing classes in collaboration with Bellingham Public Library pending COVID limitations and in-person events at the library restarting. We would love for you to volunteer! You should be: (1) an advanced computer user, (2) familiar with Ubuntu Linux, and (3) interested to teach basic computing skills. Teaching materials will be provided. Our goal is to teach the skills and tools necessary to allow for self-learning, and utilize the many support resources available.
Provide Basic Technical Support
TAGNW Member volunteers provide basic technical support via the TAGNW Community Hub (Discord) in the #reconnect channel. Support is also integrated into the TAGNW Reconnect Knowledgebase to collect learnings, address frequently asked questions, and create a resource for other community members to benefit.
Become a TAGNW Member
Support TAGNW Reconnect by becoming a TAGNW Member! As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, TAGNW is community funded! Like what we do? Become a TAGNW Member and join us. We’d love to have you. We provide various membership levels and benefits for students, professionals, and businesses. Learn more at our Membership page.
Donate to TAGNW
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, your donations are tax deductible and potentially available for employer matching! You can donate directly to TAGNW or to the TAGNW Scholarship Fund, which supports technology students in our community. See our Donation webpage. Thank you for your support!
Program Partners
TAGNW Reconnect is a collaboration of Bellingham Public Library, Computers 4 People in Need, and Technology Alliance Group for Northwest Washington. Thank you to Jon Humphrey for being a catalyst and lead technical role for this project. This project is made possible through a Resilience Fund Grant from Whatcom Community Foundation. Thank you to Panda Wireless for their donation of wireless and bluetooth adapters. Read more about many of our program partners at the TAGNW Community Partners webpage.
