Learn About Non-Profit Management in Tool Library Project

Helping neighbors share resources within their own neighborhoods, The Portland Urban Farm Project announces a 10-month Tool Library program that includes internships with current tool libraries in Portland.  Participants in the program will learn non-profit management and how to collaborate to run a cooperative-style business.
Using a model of a community resource in North Portland that shares its tools with neighbors, the Tool Library class will cover the topics of finances, fund-raising, outreach, publicity, technology, volunteer coordination and placemaking. 
Class registration deadline is Feb. 16. Scholarships and work-trade are available upon request.
"Placemaking is the idea of recreating a gathering place within communities," said Bob New, an activist who has started the Portland Urban Farm Project to assist urban communities in sharing resources. "With the current economic situation, neighbors helping each other build skills and sharing resources will help strengthen communities as well as bring down costs."
"Tool Librarian 101" will guide students as they help create 10 tool libraries in Portland neighborhoods by the summer of 2010. The class is limited to 15 students. 
The 10-month program runs from February through November with a winter/spring class that will meet twice per month for 2-1/2 hour workshops. 
A summer internship includes working with current tool libraries in Portland to help strengthen the organizations in North, Northeast and Southeast Portland.
"Students will start the Fall semester of 2009 organizing meetings in their own neighborhoods to help grow 10 tool libraries in Portland by the summer of 2010," New says.
A citywide tool drive in the spring of 2010 is an event students will concentrate on as they begin to engage their own communities in the fall. 
The Portland Urban Farm Project's mission is to help grow food locally within neighborhoods, share resources and build community. 
For more information, please see http://portlandurbanfarmproject.wordpress.com/ or call New at 971-344-0115.