Things You'll Need:
- internet
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Step 1
Click the freecycle link in the resource section below. Find your location to see if there is already a local group. If there is already a local freecycle group, be sure to join! It is a wonderful experience. If there is not a local group, read on to learn how to establish one. If you are not in the US, there is a link at the top to choose another country.
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Step 2
If you have browsed freecycle website for a local group and didn't find it listed in the active groups, scroll to the bottom of the page. You will see a link below the search bar that says, "No local group? Apply for a new one." Click it.
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Step 3
Freecycle will take you to a form that requires you to enter:
*your name
*your email address
*the town, city, or county, state, country or territory of your potential group.
*a brief comment as to why a freecycle group would benefit your area
Complete the Freecycle form as accurately as possible. It will be used to determine acceptance of your Freecycle group. -
Step 4
If your Freecycle group is accepted you will be given instructions on how to set it up in Yahoo groups. There will be a mentor assigned to you. This person will check to ensure you have set up each of the group requirements correctly in Yahoo and guide you if you have not.
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Step 5
Read the Freecycle website thoroughly to ensure you have a good understanding of the Freecycle rules, policies and procedures. You will be the group owner and it is important to make sure the group follows the global Freecycle guidelines.
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Step 6
Once your Freecycle group is established and live on Yahoo groups, people will begin signing up! Be sure you are ready by putting the rules and guidelines for your Freecycle group in writing. You can customize rules for your specific group, but they should never contradict the global Freecycle guidelines.
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Step 7
Enlist some friends, or outstanding Freecycle members to assist you in moderating the posts to your Freecycle group. You will need the help! As your Freecycle group grows, so do the responsibilities of owning and moderating it.
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Step 8
Stay informed on current topics by joining the Freecycle Mod Squad Group. It is an informational email group for freecycle moderators to keep them up-to-date on current issues.
Comments
LivnLovnNLernn said
on 9/19/2008 I'm going to look into this for my area. I had no idea this existed!!!!! Good alternative to thrift stores,
that are getting soooo high in price, they're almost competing with Wallie World!!!
JasneJ said
on 9/14/2008 I want to start a group in my area.Thanks so much!
LilacGirl said
on 8/16/2008 Very informative and detailed article. Freecycle is the greatest thing for people who need to get rid of stuff they no longer need, or are looking for things but don't have a lot of money.
Meri said
on 8/14/2008 Freecycle works great in my area! You can post wants, needs and offers. I have given many things away and even been the recipient of a few. "one man's trash is another man's treasure" or so they say...
dsarokin said
on 8/13/2008 I've used freecycle to unload some things that I didn't need (including a huge, bulky bunkbed) and offer them to folks who could use them. It worked out great. I'm glad you wrote them up. Excellent article.