The BaseBox is a collection of tools for the day-to-day running of small to medium sized NGOs. Produced by Tactical Tech in association with Women'sNet, the BaseBox aims to make it easier to set up base, find the right software and learn how to use it.
Targeted primarily at NGOs and advocacy organisations in developing countries the Box contains a set of peer-reviewed Free and Open Source Software tools, with associated guides and tutorials.
It includes tools for:
- Office Suites and Word Processing
- Finance and Fundraising
- Project Management and Collaboration
- Volunteer and Staff Management
- Web Browsers and Email
- Instant Messaging and Telephony
- Surveys
- Anti-virus
The edition can be accessed online but it's primary form is as a physical box set of CDs, providing immediate access to all the software tools without the need to download them.
The BaseBox aims to assist organisations make good choices about what technology to employ by collating concrete recommendations of tried and tested software along with documentation on how to use them.
The contents of the toolkit were selected by an editorial team made up of leading international practitioners working in technology support for non-profits, social justice organising and the development and deployment of Free and Open Source Software. The team, consisting of people from South Africa, the Philippines, Bulgaria, India, Australia and the US, worked together to test and select the best software and materials.
Aside from the BaseBox CD the edition also includes a copy of Ubuntu, a GNU/Linux operating system, and SME Server. Combined, these CDs provide the necessary tools to set up base, get started and get on with your work.
Links:
The BaseBox Editorial Team:
Edition Editor: Natasha Primo, South Africa - Women'sNet
Cheekay Cinco, Philippines - APC WNSP
Vladimir "Kaladan" Petkov, Bulgaria - InterSpace MAC
Roberto Soriano, Philippines - Institute for Popular Democracy
Rhodora Abano, Phillipines - Centre for Migrant Advocacy
Dirk Slater, US - Tactical Tech
Rudi von Staden, South Africa - Ungana-Afrika
Ann Tothill, South Africa - Association for Progressive Communications
Amanda Hickman, US - Non-Profit Open Source Initiative
Ali Gharavi, Iran/US - Centre for Victims of Torture
