Forum Post: Replace everything
Posted 10 years ago on Sept. 30, 2013, 12:56 a.m. EST by MyBrothersKeeper
(-36)
This content is user submitted and not an official statement
Even the Goodwill
Would OWS trade in protest signs for long term commitments to setting the example of society they want to see? If OWS can organize temporary relief actions, could they make it sustainable?
I would give volunteer time to a 100% free alternative to the Goodwill.
Would people volunteer if I created a craigslist style website for items available to pick up for free, like a web based DIY donation system?
Gumtree has a free option in their listings.
You can also search for free listings by category.
I'm not sure the idea of charitable donating through craigslist or Gumtree(?) is widespread. In all reality, I see nothing motivating me to create such a website. It's more of an idea to investigate.
Gumtree is the free localised version of ebay in Australia.
It's quite easy to set up a trading site on facekook or craigslist.
You're kind of making my point for me. All of these options are available but have not become a major resource of charitable donating in the US. What is being suggested in the post is a platform specifically designed to act as a platform for donating and nothing else. But I accept your lack of enthusiasm for such an idea.
I'm more interested in convincing people that they have the power of veto in their hip pockets. We make a conscious choice, every time we make a purchase.
I could get enthusiastic about your concept, but it requires a base for storing donations, a staff of volunteers to run the operation, connecting the needy with their needs, and some form of oversight, or management, to ensure donations aren't wasted, or corrupt practises don't creep in.
A free site, where people say what they are giving away, so that the needy might be able to contact them, and arrange to collect, is not a big ask, and requires little input from you.
I'm a builder. A practical linear thinker.
Exactly. So what are the obstacles and proposed solutions to make it work since it "is not a big ask" from me.
No, pickup only. If mass collection is something you see as useful, other charities could easily send out trucks to the pickup locations. Churches, ect.
We (Australians) have regular council cleanups, where people put all their unwanted stuff out by the roadside, and after an interval of a few weeks, the council collects it, and takes it to recycling stations. In the interim, people are free to take whatever they want, from the roadside.
Is that an idea you could support locally? It seems to work great here.
Have people pick through garbage? Sure, we have the same system in the US right now. Good idea.
Not garbage. Mostly furniture items and white goods.
There's a regular garbage and recyclables pickup every week.