Start Your Own Tool-Sharing Program

(Page 4 of 4)

April/May 2004
By Dave Wortman 
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In the end, when a smiling Seattle resident walks into his office to return tools, Faris only needs to hear three small words to remind him that tool sharing is making a real difference to his community: "I did it!"

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Tool-sharing Start-up Advice

Are you thinking of starting a tool-sharing program in your community or neighborhood? Here are some helpful tips:

• Hold a meeting to find out people's needs and available resources.,
• Determine the scope of the program; it's often best to start with simpler hand tools.
• Determine storage
—will tools be stored in homes or in a common space?
• Determine how costs will be covered for tool purchases and ongoing maintenance.
• Develop a clear set of lending, repair and tool-return rules.
• Develop a list of "experts" who can share skills.
• Organize a system to track checkout and return of tools.
•Assign responsibility for maintenance and repair.

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Joe Nolan

Dave Wortman writes from his home in Seattle, where he is a long-time member of the Well Home Program.

Mother Earth News

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Comments

  • matthieu 2/5/2008 2:26:33 AM

    Sure. Sharing is not easy in hyper-individualistic societies
    like ours, so it needs to be organised very well. Thanks for the
    article! I am spreading the info in Europe where we need that kind
    of advise too ;-) Matthieu Lietaert Director of DVD "Voices of
    Cohousing. Rebuilding villages in the City". Award winner at 34th
    Ekotopfilm festival 2007 http://notsocrazy.net

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