Neighorhood Sharing-Part 2

The last post focused on sharing kitchens, food preservation equipment, trucks and more. This post will explain how businesses can play a role in this model and why it is important. We live in a neighborhood with a savvy business man. He figured out it was profitable to donate $40.00 to the neighborhood association for each sale from neighbors. In turn, the neighborhood association hand delivers his flyer with the neighborhood newsletter to every home in the neighborhood. For him that is cheap advertizing and he is doing his part to support the local neighborhood. Neighborhood sharing is about reciprocity and community. Sharing can come in the form of labor, equipment, information, professional services or resources. Resources may include a children's clothing, toy or furniture exchange. This helps families provide for the need of growing children. Local gardeners may decide on seed, plant or produce swap. By doing this they cut their own cost and may contribute extra produce to help local neighbors, teach gardening to local school children or at the neighborhood community center. Trading services such as child or elder care. lawn care or house keeping services can help households improve their cash flow. A mechanic may trade for a massage or a dentist may trade for lawn care. The relationship aspect is the most important element of resource sharing, however it can also help residents, churches and businesses cut costs. A church can offer space to a scouting group in exchange for periodic building improvements such as installing a water feature, prayer garden or outdoor seating. A business can offer volunteers to help staff neighborhood events such as parades, festivals or set up and take down for a farmer's market. They may also permit access for additional parking. Event organizers can help promote local businesses by listing them as event partners, or vendor space at events.