Catalyst's open system for sharing resources.
	Long Beach Free School

Background: There are hundreds of community groups, non-profit organizations and businesses operating in Long Beach and yet it still seems like emerging and seasoned leaders struggle to find certain resources that they need from time to time. We need an efficient system that will help people and groups to share resources.

Catalyst’s mission is to help people and groups to connect, collaborate and share resources.  Catalyst will develop The Resource Commons as a means of making it easier for people to share what they have and to find what they need.

The Resource Commons – Catalyst’s open system of shared resources.

Right now, we are developing:

• Inventory – a database of material items that individuals and groups are willing to share and allow others to borrow. (ie. LCD projector, traffic cones, tables/chairs, etc.)
  
  
• Community Concierges – volunteers who will provide one-on-one service to members of the community who inquire about resources they are in need of. Referrals will be given to resource providers listed in the database and connect them with those in need.
  
  
• Time Banks – a system that allows individuals to receive time credits for volunteer work performed while also using time credits to receive volunteer services. In this area, we have the Long Beach Time Exchange and the Orange County Time Bank.
  
  
• Long Beach Free Store – a physical place for people to donate material items in good condition. Anyone can come to the Free Store to shop for items free of charge.
  
  
• Long Beach Free School - an alternative and supplemental system of education for young people and adults to engage in life-long learning. With the motto “Everyone a teacher; everyone a student,” members will be able to teach or enroll in free 6 week courses on a variety of subjects.
  
  
• Calendar – a calendar of city-wide workshops and classes offered by community groups, non-profit organizations, businesses, or city agencies.
  
  
• Swap and Sharing Events – scheduled events that allow individuals to bring items in good condition to give away while also having the opportunity to receive something of interest.

The Resource Commons is meant to function like an open-source model of software meaning that any other group, organization, business, or agency that has an existing subsystem of sharing can be integrated into The Resource Commons for broader reach and service to the community as a means of increasing our collective pool of resources. Conversely, anyone can access The Resource Commons.

For more info or to add your program to The Resource Commons, contact Eric Leocadio at eric.leocadio@gocatalyst.org.