Project Director Steve Kane believes the Buddy Project highlights a much- needed but underused type of community service in which volunteers use technical skills, rather than physical labor, to help others. Phone support is available to volunteers in case they have any questions while working on-site. Following the visit, the volunteer prepares a report and follows up with a phone call to the agency to check on Y2K progress. 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. 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.
Agencies receiving assistance seem to be pleased with the help.
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. 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.