Information Technology Exchange dba give IT. get IT., a nonprofit organization based out of Waterville, Maine that helps low-income people obtain computers, training and support to achieve their education and employment goals, just celebrated its 20th anniversary earlier this year (same as E2Tech!). What makes this digital inclusion program special is the way they acquire computers.
give IT. get IT. picks up surplus technology from businesses all over New England (ideally, 3-5 years old), recycles all components, and certifies the secure destruction of company data. For busy IT directors, not having to waste internal resources to manually wipe hard drives is a real time saver that eliminates the threat of reputational risk in the form of company records becoming public information. The auditable report give IT. get IT. delivers at the conclusion of every recycling projects details whether the device was reused or recycled and verifies the destruction of the hard drive for total peace of mind.
How did give IT. get IT. get its start? Cofounders Chris and Jodi Martin moved to Stockton Springs, ME in 1998. Chris began an IT and graphic design job, where he quickly recognized a technical knowledge gap between his coworkers. He soon gathered the company's old tech, and with the help of the production team, built new systems. After that, he organized a 3 week training program to help solidify his team's computer skills. “Graduates” of Chris’ training program moved up in the company’s ranks, and some even started their own businesses.
Watching people get ahead in life after becoming computer literate inspired, Chris and Jodi to found Information Technology Exchange, the non-profit organization they’ve steadily grown and rebranded to give IT. get IT. in 2019.
Jim Darroch, communications consultant for give IT. get IT. said his message to the E2Tech network would be, “If your company is recycling its outdated tech with anyone but give IT. get IT, you're missing out on an opportunity to help people in need acquire the skills to land better jobs and contribute to Maine's economy. Best of all, you’re keeping all hazardous materials within your company’s surplus technology out of landfills. It truly is the ultimate win/win/win.”
give IT. get IT. knows that without access to a personal computer, and the skills to use it, people become limited in their employment opportunities. To help foster digital inclusion, the organization provides thousands of individuals and families with refurbished, low cost computers, along with user support.
To power their digital inclusion program, give IT. get IT relies on companies & organizations to donate retired corporate laptops and PC’s, as well as help with operating costs in the form of sponsorships. When your company works with give IT. get IT., you’ll not only benefit from their Zero Landfill Policy, you’ll be advancing their mission of technology access and literacy. You can learn more about give IT. get IT on their website. And if you’re interested in scheduling a pick up for your old computers and other tech devices and having them put to good use, you can email Allen Cornwall at allen@itec3.org to get started!