Free Sharing Operation (FSO) Network

Free Sharing Operation (FSO) Network

For over 10 years, we’ve conducted free store programs, sharing activities, and sharing events of varying scale. We’ve learned that creating an opportunity for people to share what they have and to find what they need helps cultivate a sense of community and belonging. This is particularly needed during this time of social distancing, social isolation, anxiety, and economic uncertainty.

As we close the Whittier Free Store location, we’re excited about exploring new possibilities for helping people and/or groups to start their own version of a free store or other type of free sharing operation. We’d like to share our experience by packaging together some resources to help people get started and provide ongoing support and coaching through a new kind of network of free sharing operations.

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FREE SHARING OPERATION (FSO)

We’d like to help people or groups that want to facilitate their own Free Sharing Operation (FSO) - some kind of activity that allows people to give and receive freely. It doesn’t have to be a full-on semi-permanent free store like the Whittier Free Store. It could look like anything really. An FSO could be:

  • a small neighborhood free store out of a garage, drive-way, or lawn. 

  • a one day free yard sale.

  • a mini artisan work lab / creative arts space out of a garage or drive-way for neighbors.

  • a pop-up free store at various events and locations. 

  • a little free library in the front yard.

  • a toy swap in a small corner of a business. 

  • a way for people to share their time, talents, knowledge, and skill (ie. time bank, skill exchange, repair fair, etc.)

  • events sharing skills and goods (ie. Really Really Free Market, etc.)

  • a way for people to share art and stories.

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START YOUR OWN FSO

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Your independent FSO can operate with your own schedule and preferences - you decide if it’s open once or twice per month or a regular schedule. You decide if you want a simple operation or one with more organization. You decide what you want to do. You’re just not alone; we can help. We’re looking for people who would like to help bring their neighborhood together to build a sense of community through sharing. 

Would you be interested in facilitating your own independent operation in The FSO Network?

If so, we’d like to help! Send us a message here.

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THE FSO NETWORK

The FSO Network is a directory that encourages people to participate in the broader sharing economy. 

  • We’ll provide support to empower people to start their own FSO anywhere.

  • We’ll help people find information about any type of FSO within the broader sharing economy.

  • FSOs maintain independence and autonomy.

  • FSOs are not bound by any of our organizational policies.

  • We welcome pre-existing FSOs to become an FSO advisor who would simply be an independent volunteer making themselves available to the broader sharing community for general advice.

  • As part of becoming an FSO in the network, you affirm these Common Community Values:

    • Building Relationships – intentional connections that foster authenticity and understanding enhance the peaceful climate of our community.

    • Establishing Partnerships – the strategic partnerships of individuals and organizations in collaboration towards a common interest make us more effective in our community.

    • Inspiring Growth – experiencing a broader understanding of ourselves, the community, and our world enhances our potential.

    • Encouraging Contribution – the strategic sharing of resources and the active participation of people giving back to the community is the most effective way of addressing our practical and tangible needs.

*Note: The FSO Network Directory will be developed after we close down the Whittier Free Store. We’ll make announcements when the new web site is ready and we’ll invite FSOs to sign up.

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FSO NETWORK RESOURCES

Registered FSOs receive:

  • Inclusion in The FSO Network Directory

  • Inclusion in The FSO Network Calendar

  • Coaching & advice from other FSOs

  • Access to The FSO Network resources including:

    • Suggested best practices for maintaining an FSO

    • Determining shopping and donating guidelines

    • Managing overflow inventory 

    • Tips & creative ideas for your FSO

    • Suggested COVID-19 social distancing protocols

    • Tips for using social media

  • Access to the FSO Network workshops and trainings (free)

  • Invitations to connection events to meet with other FSOs

*Note: The FSO Network Directory will be developed after we close down the Whittier Free Store. We’ll make announcements when the new web site is ready and we’ll invite FSOs to sign up.

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PRE-EXISTING FSOs

In addition to helping to start new FSOs, we also welcome pre-existing FSOs to become part of the network. These FSOs will be included in the FSO Network Directory & Calendar so that we can all have a more inclusive resource and visual representation of the broader free sharing community. Some examples include:

  • Free Stores

  • Free Schools

  • Tool Libraries

  • Food Swaps

  • Clothing Swaps

  • Time Banks

  • Skill Shares

  • Barter Networks

  • Human Libraries

  • Really Really Free Markets

  • Free Closets

  • Seed Swaps

  • Crop Swaps

  • Free Pantries

  • Little Free Libraries

  • Toy Libraries

  • Book Swaps

  • Community Free Fridges

  • Record Swaps

*Note: The FSO Network Directory will be developed after we close down the Whittier Free Store. We’ll make announcements when the new web site is ready and we’ll invite FSOs to sign up.