Guiding Principles

PCW’s goal is to perform successful, good work in the safest and most efficient way possible, while facilitating learning for our community. Here are some guiding principles to help achieve this goal.

Keep it simple

Occam’s razor: keep things simple. Don’t do anything unsafe that isn’t necessary. Try to do the easiest version of each task. Reduce variables that introduce new or challenging factors where possible. Each install already involves a wide range of variables: the physical space, the people involved, the equipment and tools being used, the environment, and more. In consideration of how much needs to be managed during an install, do not introduce multiple new or experimental things at once. Make changes iteratively.

Each install should have a minimum viable product (MVP), identified during the prep phase. Sometimes this means just getting a PhillyWisper LiteBeam online. Sometimes this means installing just one access point (AP).

Pause to think. At any decision point, stop and ask (yourself and/or your fellow installers), “What is the purpose of doing this? Is there a better way to do this that I’m not immediately seeing?”

Always consider what we can do to minimize and avoid risks, both individually and collectively.

Slowing down can help maintain control and awareness on site. Don’t make fast movements (e.g. running, jumping) and don’t rush through tasks.

Stay focused

Focus on the install. Don’t get stuck in people or events external to the work being done.

Situational awareness is a critical component of staying safe. Maintain awareness of what’s happening around you as much as possible. Distractions can increase the possibility of injury.

Communicate

Prioritize teamwork and staying on the same page. Make eye contact when speaking to one another. Use the “looping” technique to ensure understanding — listen to someone, and then restate what you heard back to ensure that you both understand. Do not change plans without communicating those changes to the team. If splitting up, use phones to communicate.

Communication is a crucial part of safety. It is imperative that everyone involved in an install or maintenance activity listens, asks questions, speaks up if they think something could be changed or if they are uncomfortable, and checks in before moving to another location.

Notify the site supervisor before leaving the worksite.

Don’t be afraid to tell someone not to do something if you think they should pause or stop.

Look after each other

PCW staff are the leaders, supervising all participants. They will give direction and feedback.

Check-in repeatedly with how people are doing. Scan environments and use situational awareness to identify potential pain points to check in about: the weather, the working conditions, heights, insects, etc. Have snacks and water accessible.

Learn as we go

Involve each other. Even a first-time volunteer can participate in a meaningful way by learning to crimp, plugging in a device, etc. Invite everyone to have a role in the work.

Debrief after installs or maintenance work to reflect on work done, areas of improvement, and any lessons learned.

Install Policy

As a member of PCW’s staff or volunteer team, you represent our organization and the important work that we do: expanding internet access and adoption, and advocating for greater digital inclusion. Being respectful, proactive, and professional while interacting with community members is a positive contribution that can go a long way toward making a great lasting impact and supporting the work of PCW.

Before an Install or Maintenance Visit

Arrive at HQ at the designated time (usually 1 hour prior to the scheduled on-site start time). If you are running late, you must communicate your new estimated arrival time with PCW staff via Slack. Volunteers who are more than 15 minutes late may not be able to participate.

At HQ, before packing the car(s), review the install plan and have a safety check-in. Review any potential risks associated with the day’s work. Establishing an understanding of everyone’s comfort level with ladders, heights, drills, and other elements of on-site work. All install participants must help pack and load equipment. Please don't bring your own tools to an install. If we're missing a tool, feel free to let us know.

During Install or Maintenance Visit

Our installation or maintenance work is done in community spaces. All install participants must be friendly, polite, and mindful while entering someone else’s space. If doing primarily indoor work, check in with the host if we should take off our shoes while inside a host’s home, especially during winter.

All members of the Staff Install Team should verbally introduce themselves to the host. Staff can introduce volunteers, or volunteers can introduce themselves. PCW staff should explain some basic information about the install or maintenance plan to the site host, communicate an estimated timeline, and then ask if the host has any questions before getting started.

Watch your language and noise level. Do not touch anything in the host’s space, big or small, without asking. It is usually evident if a host prefers to be asked every time, or gives a general blanket instruction (e.g. “I would prefer if you don’t touch anything” or “No need to ask again!”). Maintain a tidy workspace; clean up garbage as you go.

Prioritize “Work Mode” over everything else. All participants should be responsive to direction and feedback. Avoid personal phone use where possible. Each member of the install team should have a charged phone and stay in touch with PCW staff members via Slack or Signal.

PCW's policies and workflows may differ from your past experiences. We welcome feedback, but please understand any changes to our install protocols will require further discussion.

Install or Maintenance Wrap-Up

Clean up any mess made. If items were moved within the space, be sure to put them back in their place. Be mindful while packing up not to leave any tools, equipment, or other items behind. Take photos of the work done that day. Remember that these photos may be shared to our public communications channels, so try to take photos that are visually pleasing.

Be sure to check-out with the host. If they are not present, send them a text or email to say thank you. On most occasions, install participants should unpack as a group back at HQ, ensuring the tool bags are in good condition and restocked for the next install.

Outreach

Outreach items should be brought to every install. After the install work is complete:

Stickers should be added to deployed devices. These include our “Do Not Touch – Community Internet” stickers and 3” or 4” circular PCW stickers, depending on device size.
If there are people on the streets, let them know that there is free Wi-Fi there now. Give them a general PCW Information postcard if they’re interested.