TWAM Local Group Volunteer
Tools with a Mission
Local Groups need a Group Coordinator who will be first contact for TWAM. They need people who share our passion for tools and our desire to save them from landfill. Ideally, people who can speak passionately to neighbours and friends about TWAM.
A Local Group is a team of people who share our passion for livelihood creating tools and get together to collect tools from their area. Many also arrange tool collections at local supermarkets, DIY stores and garden centres. Many also offer talks to local community groups and even speak on local radio. Some groups sort the tools before arranging collection and some even do some refurbishment, such as grinding off rust and fixing loose handles. To start you need somewhere to store tools, such as a vacant garage or big shed and the enthusiasm to gather together likeminded friends. Our local groups have a great community spirit and are a huge support for TWAM. There are so many possibilities, but the main tasks usually undertaken are: 1. You will be collect tool from requests made by the general public through the TWAM website. 2. You will promote TWAM locally to generate your own tool donation requests. 3. You will store the tools until and arrange collection by a TWAM van. 4. You will sort the tools so all broken and unsuitable tools are removed before the van collects. 5. You will do basic tool refurbishment as facilities and skills allow. 6. You will visit shows, farmers markets, local events etc. to promote TWAM and tool donations. 7. You will offer talks and demonstrations to churches and other local groups to encourage their support. 8. You will work with your local Tool Collectors, Volunteer Speakers and Community Champions to have a tangible impact on your community which may include fundraising to support the work of TWAM 9. You will offer support to other potential groups who need advice on how to set up and run a group. You may not do all of these things, but they are examples of what Local Groups do for TWAM.
Practical Work & DIY,Building & Construction,Community Work
Cleaning & Tidying
A Local Group is a team of people who share our passion for livelihood, creating tools, and getting together to collect tools from their area. Many also arrange tool collections at local supermarkets, DIY stores and garden centres. Many also offer talks to local community groups and even speak on local radio. Some groups sort the tools before arranging collection, and some even do some refurbishment, such as grinding off rust and fixing loose handles. To start, you need somewhere to store tools, such as a vacant garage or big shed and the enthusiasm to gather together like-minded friends. Our local groups have a great community spirit and are a huge support for TWAM. There are so many possibilities as to what the group might do, but the main tasks usually undertaken are: 1. You will collect tools from requests made by the general public through the TWAM website. 2. You will promote TWAM locally to generate your own tool donation requests. 3. You will store the tools and arrange collection by a TWAM van. 4. You will sort the tools so all broken and unsuitable tools are removed before the van collects. 5. You will do essential tool refurbishment as facilities and skills allow. 6. You will visit shows, farmers markets, local events etc., to promote TWAM and tool donation 7. To encourage their support, You will offer talks and demonstrations to churches and other local groups. 8. You will work with your local Tool Ambassadors, Community Ambassadors and Community Champions to have a tangible impact on your community which may include fundraising to support the work of TWAM. 9. You will support other potential groups who need advice on setting up and running a group. You may only do some of these things, but they are examples of what Local Groups do for TWAM. The Group Coordinator takes on the ground responsibility for the group and is the main point of contact with the Head Office. For more information, please visit our dedicated volunteering website https://twamuk.goassemble.com/opportunities. You can also ring our Volunteering Coordinator Paul on 01473 210220 or email Pauld@twam.uk
This is an incredibly rewarding role as you are directly helping people living in ultrapoverty gain the tools that will change their lives. There are not too many volunteer opportunities where the role you do, will make a direct difference to people thousands of miles away. However, the tools the local group collects will be in the hands of a trained tailor or craftsmen in Africa potentially within months. It is quite normal for people to recognise tools they have collected (usually large and unusual ones) being used in Africa in photos in our magazine. That’s the genuine difference you will make. It is an amazing opportunity to build friendships, impact your community, and transform lives.
You decide when you meet, collect tools, and carry out refurbishment. Most groups meet 2-3 days a week between them.
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Anywhere within England and Wales (but not Devon or Cornwall).
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10
