Trade School
= an example of Barter-for-Education Communities
URL = http://tradeschool.ourgoods.org/
Description
"At the moment, the software we use to coordinate Trade School barters is not ready to be shared. We are trying to get a grant to develop that software. Until then, you should come and visit us in NYC to get a sense of how the space feels, what the classes are like, and how to organize/run events.
We emphasize:
- Practical Skills (action over abstraction, enthusiasm over experts)
- Reciprocity (everyone has something to share: anyone can teach, everyone can 'afford' the barter because it includes labor)
- Rigor + Humility (unempowering and empowering work for all)
- Community Space (share food/tea, make furniture, you know the organizers because we are sitting in class with you)
How we work:
- Design for the community you are part of (it's easy to make bad decisions if they don't effect you) [at the end of school we met with all our students/teachers]
- Work in a Small Group (each person added to the group doubles the amount of time it takes to make a decision. ex: 6 people for Trade School, but really 3 people plus students/teachers)
- Your idea/experience is as good as the web interface that connects people to it (18,000 people looked at TS in 35 days, which translates to 800 coming through the door in 35 days)"
(http://tradeschool.ourgoods.org/about/)
Directory
- NY: Contact us at: tradeschool@ourgoods.org
- Trade School Milan: milano.tradeschool.it
- Trade School Charlottesville, Virginia: cvilletradeschool.com
- Trade School London: Coming soon.