NPO 043: Founding Story, Recruiting Volunteers, Membership Model, and the Power of No (Tessa Vierk, Chicago Tool Library)
Today's Guest: Tessa Vierk
Tessa is the co-founder of the Chicago Tool Library. Her passion for this work comes from a deep rooted understanding of equitable access to resources. After having seen the success of tool libraries in other locations, Tessa believed this was a resource that could help Chicago too.
Nonprofit Spotlight: Chicago Tool Library
The Chicago Tool Library opened in fall of 2019. Located on the southwest side of Chicago, in the Bridgeport neighborhood, the Chicago Tool Library is a non-profit lending library housing over 2,500 items that range from basic hand tools and table saws to ice cream makers and camping equipment.
The Chicago Tool Library’s goal is to provide equitable access to tools, equipment, and information to allow all Chicagoans to learn, share, and create. They are a forward-thinking organization hoping to help Chicago reshape its relationship to ownership, consumption, and creativity.
Lessons Learned:
In this episode, Tessa shares her experiences about starting the nonprofit and lessons they’ve learned in the first 2-3 years. Her lessons learned included:
Getting started:
Survey the community — make sure people are interested in the service you’re hoping to provide. In Tessa’s case, she also was able to survey about location, what tools they’d expect to find there, and what barriers might exist to engaging in this resource.
Be lucky Listen to others and create opportunities for partnership/growth/support.
Finding and keeping the right volunteers:
The Chicago Tool Library has found that low-key volunteer orientations give potential volunteers an opportunity to see the tool library and get to know the culture of the organization and the people involved.
Setting up a membership model:
Why a sliding scale worked best for them
Additional pieces to keep in mind: late fees, response to damaged items, etc.
Saying “no” … so that you can thoughtfully say “yes” later
Focusing on fundamentals has given them a stronger base -
Collaborations are great… when they’re with the right organizations. Don’t invest time and energy into collaborations that don’t help move your mission in the direction you’re hoping to go.
Technology can be a huge asset!
During the pandemic, the Chicago Tool Library took the opportunity to work on getting all their forms translated into multiple languages and worked with one of the founders to create a unique database system that reflected their values.
The Chicago Tool Library also found support from Ruby for Good: https://rubyforgood.org/about-us
(Molly also mentioned her conversation with Adam Walker of 48 in 48)
Find the Chicago Tool Library online:
Website: https://www.chicagotoollibrary.org/
Email them: team@chicagotoollibrary.org
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