Grassroots.org

It has been 9 terrific weeks as a communications intern at Grassroots.org and so far it’s been an amazing learning process! I am still intrigued by the concept of free technology and Grassroots.org’s efforts to spread it. I have also realized the potential of “collective thinking” here at Grassroots.org, especially with the recent launch of our Toolbox. I like to think of the Toolbox as something similar to our new logo. Rooted in ideas that began a year ago, the Toolbox has branched out and now bears free gifts for all nonprofits. Hopefully it will soon become a favorite hotspot!

Developing the Toolbox has been exciting for all of us at Grassroots.org. The teamwork between staff members and with our partners yielded an effective resource for nonprofits of any size. The Toolbox includes everything you need to get started: free domain name registration, hosting, web design, virtual office, and other more advanced tools. We have revamped existing services, automated several of our processes, incorporated existing open source tools that are in high demand, and even built our own tools from scratch. So the experienced will also be pleased to hear about supported features like Drupal CMS, blogging tools, and mailing list managers. We also have business tools in there to help you expand your goals. The Toolbox is your “one-stop shop” for web-building and business tools.

With all of our hard work, Grassroots.org’s Toolbox is one small step for Grassroots; one giant leap for non-profits! To get started and sign-up, fill out an online application!

My name is Vinita Alex and I am the new Communications Intern here at Grassroots.org. I am currently pursuing my Masters in Communications at Rutgers University. It is great to be on board with Grassroots.org. I love the free services offered by the organization and am quite inspired by the mission! Though I must admit, at first I was a bit skeptical...

Frankly, I had never heard of anything like “free” hosting or “free” web designing by any organization. Hey, after all who does anything for free, right? I was sure there had to be some catch...something that Grassroots.org wanted from nonprofits in return for doling out services. Turns out, I was in for a surprise...I guess sometimes there is such a thing as a free lunch (or free webhosting at least).

So here I am, working for a company that gives away free services to nonprofits...catch free. Not to sound like a sales agent, but that's pretty darn cool. I am excited to be a part of the team. I have always believed that the progress of any society depends on the best use of technology.

For my fellow amatuer etymologists out there, I did do a bit of research on the origins of the word "technology." I found that the word "technology" comes from the Greek word "technologia" which in turn derives from meaning "art" or "technique." Unfortunately, today, technology has achieved its present form by changing from the quest for techniques grounded in "technique" or "art" to a form of engineering that is devoid of the same, often seeking to only pursue efficiency and money. I think our work at Grassroots.org can once again revert the meaning of the word technology to its original meaning.

Technology is here to stay and how we use it depends on the society at large. I am sure the experience that I gain while working here will go a long way for all my future endeavors.