Some more info on REBUILD

[Terra Heilman]

Hello all,

I just finished writing this out and figured it might be helpful to post it here as well. Some more information on some of the things we're considering with the new REBUILD program expansion:

The WSU website that was created is still up and running for now. We will eventually set up a website similar to this, but under the umbrella of the Humane Society, since they are the ones who technically applied for and were awarded the grant (has to go through an NPO) I will be contracted to the Humane Society to run the program for at least the first two years. They are aware I intend to create an infrastructure amongst many of our NPOs (as many as we can) and include businesses too, hopefully. 

A few things that we envision long term:

• We will be consistently looking at the waste stream of the store and diverting what we can, redistributing it out to members of the community for reuse, repurposing, upcycling, etc. This will take MANY forms, but could include: candle wax made into fire starters, (we're working on this this week) sheets, sewing notions, vinyl linens bags being diverted to Cascadia Tech fashion design dept, CDs, vinyl, sheet music, magazines, art supplies being diverted for art and creative reuse. Basically, anything that comes through the store, we likely have excess of it that is being landfilled. 
• Workshops/education/art: This could look like artist in residency program, terrarium workshops (we have a volunteer currently building our first terrarium in a coffee pot carafe!) possibly lamp repair or upcycling workshops. (and likely many more things)
• Another aspect of the grant application was storytelling. We will be releasing 2-3/week short videos/pics/clips/timelapses and every other week, releasing a longer form video that tells some aspect of the program as it builds. (this will begin after the first quarter, in October) We'd love to see people engaging with these videos, whether that be liking, commenting, subscribing, sharing and/or suggesting future ideas for clips or full vids. 
• Another way to help us thrive is to steer volunteers in our direction. If you come across people who are passionate about some aspect of waste reduction and want to serve a few hours per week, either in the store or working on something in their own home (things like unraveling sweaters for yarn reuse, separating and binding electronics cords for sale, disassembling appliances and electronics for recycling, etc) we likely have a spot for them. I will shout from the rooftops that one of the main reasons Repair Clark County was so successful is because we had so many willing volunteers who all gave their knowledge, expertise and time to the program. This will be no different. We have a spot for almost all skillsets and passion areas-or I'll find one! :D

Please feel free to ask any questions you have. I'll do my best to answer them. The program will begin ramping up after the first of July.

-Terra