Volunteer Outreach Helps Washington Nonprofits Prepare for Y2K

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Organizations that apply for help must sign a waiver stating that they will not hold the program's organizers or volunteers responsible for any Y2K-related losses or problems. So far, 127 organizations have signed up for the service and 81 volunteers have applied to be buddies.

Buddy Project organizers say they are saving agencies hundreds or even thousands of dollars in private computer consulting costs by giving them the tools and support they need without the cost. To any agencies worried about the quality of 'free' consulting, Kane points out that the project operates on a $50,000 grant from the Eugene and Agnes Meyer Foundation.

Agencies receiving assistance seem to be pleased with the help. 'I have never had a nonprofit call me and complain about a volunteer,' Kane said.

The Y2K Buddy Project serves Washington, D.C., only, Kane said.

Supporters of the project include the Washington Council of Agencies, Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area, Associated Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington, Greater DC Cares, Council of Latino Agencies, Girl Scout Council of the Nation's Capital, and The Support Center of Washington.

Help for nonprofits is available on the Internet:

Steve Kane, project director for the Y2K Buddy Project, recommends the following web sites for nonprofits seeking help with Y2K compliance.

Free Y2K Software Tool for checking computers and software:

• OnMark 2000 Y2K Computer Test and Fix Software -- Free program to check and repair your computer for compliance; www.onmark.viasoft.com/.

Software to check data files for possible non-compliance:

• NET2000 File Scanner -- www.suttondesigns.com/NetsaversCenter/Y2k/Net2000/Tsoftware.html.

Free Y2K Action Guides to download:

• CompuMentor workbook and materials -- Very complete Y2K Action Plan Manual for nonprofits: www.compumentor.org/y2k/.

• United Way Technical Guide for nonprofits -- Good Y2K Action Plan Manual for nonprofits: www.unitedway.org/year2000/.

• Gifts in Kind - Y2K Action Plan and Workbook: www.giftsinkind.org/y2k2.htm.

Sites with listing of compliance levels of hardware and software:

• National Standards Testing Laboratory -- Listing of computer hardware that is compliant: www.nstl.com/html/y2klogo.htm

• Vendor 2000 -- Look up almost any product or software for Y2K compliance: www.vendor2000.com/.

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