Freegle Wiki - User contributions [en-gb]

Freegle Board

2020-01-07T09:44:51Z

Christian: /* Freegle Board of Directors */

===Freegle Board of Directors===

In order of last name, the current people elected to the Freegle Board are:

Christian Brenninkmeijer - elected August 2015, re-elected November 2016 and October 2018

Jo Fisher - co-opted by Board in 2016, then elected in October 2017 and November 2019

Cat Fletcher - elected February 2014 and August 2015, re-elected October 2017

Edward Hibbert - elected February 2014 and August 2015, re-elected November 2016 and October 2018

Andy Ludlow - elected August 2015, re-elected October 2017 and November 2019

Deborah Moss - elected October 2017

Ray Owen - elected October 2018

Dr David Greenfield - appointed November 2016, re-appointed 2017, 2018 and elected November 2019

(See [[Board Elections]] for links on the most recent election)

===Responsibilities===

Directors are also Trustees of Freegle Ltd. http://www.charitycommission.gov.uk/trustees-staff-and-volunteers/trustee-role/becoming-a-trustee/ explains what is involved in being a Trustee.

Board and Member activities are subject to the adopted [[Rules]] of Freegle.

The [[Board Role and Remit]] details the responsibilities of Directors.

===Officers and Roles===

The Board elects Directors to the following Director roles. The current appointments are:

* [[Board Chairman]] - Edward, email [mailto:chair@ilovefreegle chair@ilovefreegle]
* [[Company Secretary]] - Andy, email [mailto:secretary@ilovefreegle secretary@ilovefreegle]]
* [[Finance Role Remits|Finance Director]] - vacant, email [mailto:finance@ilovefreegle finance@ilovfreegle]
* [[Chief Technology Officer]] - Edward
* [[Head of Media]] - Cat, email [mailto:media@ilovefreegle media@ilovefreegle]
* [[Head of Volunteers]] - vacant - [mailto:volunteers@ilovefreegle volunteers@ilovefreegle]
* [[Health and Safety Officer]] - vacant

The Board appoints Board Observers to act as liaison between the various groups and teams that operate within Freegle. They follow [[Board Observer Guidelines]].

The Board also appoints
*[[Board Secretary]] - this can be an external appointment to the Board. Jo Fisher is currently appointed to this role.
*[[Finance Role Remits|Treasurer]] - this role is currently being carried out by Jane Loveday; it can be an external appointment to the Board.

===Retirement Cycle===

From the [[Rules]]:

56. At the first annual general meeting all elected Directors shall stand down. At every
subsequent annual general meeting one-third of the elected Directors, or if their
number is not a multiple of three then the number nearest to one-third, shall retire from
office. The Directors to retire shall be the Directors who have been longest in office
since their last election. Where Directors have held office for the same amount of time
the Directors to retire shall be decided by lot. A retiring Director shall be eligible for re-
election.

A Director may leave midterm under the [[Directors Ending Term of Office Procedure]].

===Discussion Group===

The Board discussion group is at [https://uk.groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/FreegleBoard]

===Board Meetings===

The Board aims to meet monthly, discussion via Skype messaging. The timetable for meetings is here:[[Board Meeting Timetable]]. The Minutes of the meetings can be found at [[:category:Freegle Board Minutes]] The 'mechanics' of Board Meetings are detailed in [[Board Meeting Procedure]].

===Contact===

Our Board can be contacted via board@ilovefreegle.org or directors@ilovefreegle.org

[[category:Freegle Board]]

AOL complaint

2018-04-24T20:34:59Z

Christian: Created page with "="complaint" emails from AOLl== The mailbox for support@ilovefreegle.org receives about 250 emails per day which are a forward of an email sent by Freegle Direct with the new..."

="complaint" emails from AOLl==

The mailbox for support@ilovefreegle.org receives about 250 emails per day which are a forward of an email sent by Freegle Direct with the new subject "Email Feedback Report for IP 5.28.62.25".

Regrettably AOL do not provide any information as to why an email was forwarded as an "abuse report".

The assumption of the Freegle Support team is that for some reason the email(s) will have ended up in the members "junk" folder.

This could be because the member marked the email as "junk" but it is more likely that it was done by some set of rules which will be a combination of general rules and specific rules for that AOL address.

The disadvantages of these emails ending up in the trash folder include:

*the member being unable to find Freegle emails
*the member thinks that Freegle emails are spam
*AOL applying the "junk rule" to other members
*AOL even cutting off all Freegle emails altogether

== Past ==
In the past a complex process was tried which included contacting Members and Moderators.

See: [[Hotmail_complaint]]

== Current Process==

All these emails are automatically scanned and in the attempt to retrieve the AOL member complaining.

To date 29513 AOL emails have been processed. In 29289 a complaining members emails address could be found.

Most of these came from people who only reported a few times and these where ignored.

In a few case where a larger number of messages was received (currently 25) the member is removed from all groups.

Their membership remains on record and they are not banned so they can rejoin any group.

Regrettably due to a computer crash I do not have an exact record of members removed from groups before April 2018.

However a rough guess is that it is about 75 members none of which has every complained to support.

[[category:Freegle Direct]]

Hotmail complaint

2018-04-24T20:22:36Z

Christian:

= DEPRECATED =

Support no longer receive emails from hotmail

=="complaint" emails from Hotmail==

The mailbox for support@ilovefreegle.org receives about 50 emails per day which are a forward of an email sent by Freegle Direct with the new subject "complaint about message from 46.23.73.54".

Regrettably Hotmail do not provide any information as to why an email was forwarded as a "complaint".

The assumption of the Freegle Support team is that for some reason the email(s) will have ended up in the members "junk" folder.

This could be because the member marked the email as "junk" but it is more likely that it was done by some set of rules which will be a combination of general rules and specific rules for that Hotmail address.

The disadvantages of these emails ending up in the trash folder include:

*the member being unable to find Freegle emails
*the member thinks that Freegle emails are spam
*Hotmail applying the "junk rule" to other members

=== What is the Support Team is doing with these emails?===

The Team will log the "complaint" emails that it receives, recording
*the members email address
*the Freegle group
*the kind of email sent
*when the email was sent, and
*when Hotmail sent out the "complaint"

If there is only a single email/block of emails it will be assumed this was a one off and take no further action.

If there continues to be "complaint" emails over a period of time, the Team will write to the owner(s) involved and suggest they contact the member to offer advice.

*Most of the Freegle email include an email address to turn mail/events off. Where that can be extracted, it will be included in the email to the group owners.

If "complaints" are continued to be received after a number of days, a second message will be sent to the group owners. Hopefully the owners together with the members can solve what is causing the "complaints" and stop them.

However, if the Support mailbox continues to receive "complaints" over a longer period of time, the assumption will be that the user would rather not receive emails/ events and the Team will turn them off.

*The user and owner(s) will be informed that this has been done.

=== What can the group owner do?===

Write to the member -

*encourage the member to mark the emails as "not junk"
*remind the member about the 'turn these off' information at the bottom of the emails
*possibly offer to turn emails/events off for the user. (Support have a tool to do this if the owner/member request this)

Keep a track of this as it may explain why a member is not replying to other members.

=== Example emails to send to members ===

This section is still to be done - sorry!

Back to Freegle Direct Moderator FAQ

[[category:Freegle Direct]]

Logos

2015-12-09T13:20:11Z

Christian:

This page shows the Freegle logos for use on websites or printed material. Make sure you choose the correct version for your intended use so you get the highest possible quality. There are also details of the original vector graphics files which you can use to create your own graphics or print at any size without loss of quality. You may like to have a look at [[Using the Logo|Using the Logo]].

Note there is also a page of website [[Badges|Badges]] with code ready for you to drop into a webpage or your group description. 

== Customized Logos for your group ==

To get customized logos for your group please contact graphics@ilovefreegle.org

== Cover "photo" for Yahoo Neo groups ==

Cover photos for Neo:

If you want to create your own cover photos they should be in JPEG format and ideally be 1020 x 520 pixels.

=== Standard ===

[[Image:FreegleLogoNeo.jpeg|Neo cover photo with Freegle Logo]]

=== Inverted ===

[[Image:FreegleLogoInvertedNeo.jpeg|Neo cover photo with Freegle Logo, white on green]]

== Freegle Heart (with text) ==

Freegle heart with text, white background. See below if you want to use this over a non-white background.

=== Web page sizes ===

[[Image:FreegleHeartMesmer64.png|Heart with text 64x64 pixels]] [[Image:FreegleHeartMesmer128.png|Heart with text 128x128 pixels]] [[Image:FreegleHeartMesmer160.png|Heart with text 160x160 pixels]] [[Image:FreegleHeartMesmer240.png|Heart with text 240x240 pixels]] [[Image:FreegleHeartMesmer320.png|Heart with text 320x320 pixels]]

=== Print size ===

Use this for printing up to about 13cm. If you need anything larger [mailto:graphics@ilovefreegle.org email the graphics team]. Click on the image and save the full size version.

[[Image:FreegleHeartMesmer1024 print.png|320px]] [[Image:FreegleHeartMesmer bw 1024.png|320px]]

== Freegle Heart (no inner text) ==

Freegle heart, white background

=== Web page sizes ===

[[Image:FreegleHeart notext64.png|Heart 64x64 pixels]] [[Image:FreegleHeart128.png|Heart 128x128 pixels]] [[Image:FreegleHeart160.png|Heart 160x160 pixels]] [[Image:FreegleHeart240.png|Heart 240x240 pixels]] [[Image:FreegleHeart320.png|Heart 320x320 pixels]]

=== Print size ===

Use this for printing up to about 13cm. If you need anything larger either use the vector version below or email the graphics team. Click on the image and save the full size version.

[[Image:FreegleHeart1024 print.png|320px]]

== Freegle Heart inverted ==

Freegle heart with text, green background.

=== Web page sizes ===

Choose the size you want to appear on your web page.

[[Image:FreegleHeartMesmerInverted128.png|Inverted heart with text 128x128 pixels]] [[Image:FreegleHeartMesmerInverted160.png|Inverted heart with text 160x160 pixels]] [[Image:FreegleHeartMesmerInverted240.png|Inverted heart with text 240x240 pixels]] [[Image:FreegleHeartMesmerInverted320.png|Inverted heart with text 320x320 pixels]]

=== Print size ===

Use this for printing up to about 13cm. If you need anything larger [mailto:graphics@ilovefreegle.org email the graphics team]. Click on the image and save the full size version.

[[Image:FreegleHeartInverted1024 print.png|320px|Inverted heart with text 1024x1024 pixels]]

== Fully Transparent Freegle Heart (with text) ==

Freegle heart with text with transparent background for use on pale non white backgrounds. 

=== Web page sizes ===

Choose the size you want to appear on your web page.

[[Image:FreegleHeartMesmer trans 64.png|Heart with text 64x64 pixels]] [[Image:FreegleHeartMesmer trans 128.png|Heart with text 128x128 pixels]] [[Image:FreegleHeartMesmer trans 160.png|Heart with text 160x160 pixels]] [[Image:FreegleHeartMesmer trans 240.png|Heart with text 240x240 pixels]] [[Image:FreegleHeartMesmer trans 320.png|Heart with text 320x320 pixels]]

=== Print size ===

Use this for printing up to about 13cm. If you need anything larger [mailto:graphics@ilovefreegle.org email the graphics team]. Click on the image and save the full size version.

[[Image:FreegleHeartMesmer trans 1024.png|320px]]

== Transparent Freegle Heart with solid heart (with text) ==

Freegle heart with text, transparent outer and solid white heart background for use on non white backgrounds. Works better on darker backgrounds than the fully transparent version above.

=== Web page sizes ===

Choose the size you want to appear on your web page.

[[Image:FreegleHeartMesmer trans outer 64.png|Heart with text 64x64 pixels]] [[Image:FreegleHeartMesmer trans outer 128.png|Heart with text 128x128 pixels]] [[Image:FreegleHeartMesmer trans outer 160.png|Heart with text 160x160 pixels]] [[Image:FreegleHeartMesmer trans outer 240.png|Heart with text 240x240 pixels]] [[Image:FreegleHeartMesmer trans outer 320.png|Heart with text 320x320 pixels]]

=== Print size ===

Use this for printing up to about 13cm. If you need anything larger [mailto:graphics@ilovefreegle.org email the graphics team]. Click on the image and save the full size version.

[[Image:FreegleHeartMesmer trans outer 1024.png|320px]]

== Freegle heart with web address ==

Freegle heart with ilovefreegle.org

=== Web page sizes ===

Choose the size you want to appear on your web page.

[[Image:Ilovefreegle.org64.png|ilovefreegle.org 64x64 pixels]] [[Image:Ilovefreegle.org128.png|ilovefreegle.org 128x128 pixels]] [[Image:Ilovefreegle.org160.png|ilovefreegle.org 160x160 pixels]]

=== Print size ===

Click on the image and download the full size version.

[[Image:Ilovefreegle160 print.png|320px|ilovefreegle.org 1133x160 pixels]] Use for printing up to 14cm x 2cm.

[[Image:Ilovefreegle320 print.png|320px|ilovefreegle.org 2266x320 pixels]] Use for printing up to 28cm x 4cm.

[[Image:Ilovefreegle1024 print.png|320px|ilovefreegle.org 7252x1024 pixels]] Use for printing up to 92cm x 13cm.

== Vector graphics ==

There are versions of the above in SVG format. You can use these in many drawing programs including the free Inkscape. They can be printed at any size without loss of quality and so are ideal for large banners or posters.

=== Fully vector versions ===

Use these if you haven't got the Mesmer font.

[[Image:FreegleHeartMesmer_vector.svg|240px]] Freegle heart on a white background.

[[Image:FreegleHeartMesmer_trans_outer_vector.svg|240px]] Freegle heart with transparent outer and white background for the heart. For use on most non-white backgrounds.

[[Image:FreegleHeartMesmer_trans_vector.svg|240px]] Freegle heart with transparent background. For use on backgrounds that contrast with the Freegle green.

=== Versions with original text ===

Use these if you have the Mesmer font and want to alter the text (eg. to make a customised version for your group). Note the thumbnails here uses the wrong font but if you download the SVG and have a copy of Mesmer then it will look correct.

[[Image:FreegleHeartMesmer.svg|240px]] Freegle heart on a white background.

[[Image:FreegleHeartMesmer_trans_outer.svg|240px]] Freegle heart with transparent outer and white background for the heart. For use on most non-white backgrounds.

[[Image:FreegleHeartMesmer_trans.svg|240px]] Freegle heart with text, transparent background. For use on backgrounds that contrast with the Freegle green.

== Graphic instead of photo ==

This is a graphic used by some groups instead of a photo on their home page.

[[Image:FreegleTable.png|240px]] Bring & Share table with flags, 379 x 350 pixels, not resizable.

Back to [[PR Materials]]

[[Category:PR_Materials]] [[Category:Home_Page_Help]]

Freegle Board Minutes 4 November

2015-11-26T16:08:09Z

Christian: /* BOARD VACANCIES */

Meeting of Directors of Freegle Limited held on 4th November 2015 at 8pm by Skype Chat
===MEMBERSHIP OF FREEGLE LTD===
All Freegle Volunteers are entitled to be Members of Freegle Ltd
Registered in England as an Industrial and Provident Society for the Benefit of the Community.
http://freegle.it/JoinFreegleLtd
===CURRENT BOARD===
Andrew Ludlow (Andy), Andrew Trusty (Trusty), Cat Fletcher, Edward Hibbert, John Carroll, Ollie Clark, Christian Brenninkmeijer

===BOARD VACANCIES===
There are currently 2 vacancies.
The Board would welcome applications from interested Members.

[mailto:directors@ilovefreegle.org Email the Board]

===APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE===
Christian, Cat.

'''Chairman: Edward'''

The meeting started at 8pm.

===DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST===
This is now at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1M5J1pKrHfqwqdgPJufwZMmDKSZuOdinPVRuZGxvSYNA/edit?usp=sharing

All Board members should review and update.
===RISK REGISTER===
No changes. See https://docs.google.com/a/ehibbert.org.uk/spreadsheets/d/1RQ3Uzgt7Lf_RTRRH8vdySOYXzqnHI-

JxG1SVBeykctI/edit#gid=0
===MATTERS ARISING===
*Cat to action newsletter. £250 income when done, rewards possible.
*Cat to do media report for Central, including update on CRD status.
*Cat to hand over business cards to Sally
*Edward to automate requesting business cards for community events. This is awaiting the decision on a new platform.
* Cat/Edward to consider fundraising event Waste House in early 2016.
* Edward to work with Paul Varags for fundraising ideas. This is on hold pending business plan/case for support.
* Cat was going to report on progress of taking over Selsey (recently disaffiliated as abandoned) and use as a trial new volunteer approach.

Cat’s actions are carried forward to the next meeting.
===REPORTS===
====Platform====
We have received 12 Expressions of Interest, and have shortlisted 3 (Edward plus 2).
Next Steps

*Complete a high level scope document to discuss with companies shortlisted to see if they wish to continue to tender, given the large scope and low budget (in commercial terms). Add “Regular Updates for Volunteers” to scope document
* Ask Board (minus Edward) to decide on next steps which John suggests would be
*Go to fuller request for tender,

or

*Straight to award of contract

'''Action: John'''

'''Platform Jobs To Do'''

* Ask Jacky to inform the unsuccessful applicants.
* Complete the high level scope document and contact the other two shortlisted companies
* Have discussion with shortlisted companies on if they wish to proceed
* Report back to Platform group on shortlisted conversations and agree the way forward, either to further work to get a final tender

or award.
* Sort out a contract ready for successful award

'''Action: John to lead'''

Further decisions will need to be made on payments for work done to integrate the mobile apps with the new platform and for the long term management of the new platform.
====Fundraising====
We won the Microsoft funding. Cat is liaising with Microsoft; we expect payment reasonably soon and a face to face meet in

London (Cat, John, Edward potential attendees). We should consider what we would like from them; so far key asks are Hotmail

deliverability, image recognition and publicity help.

Sainsbury’s Card

We have asked volunteers to try the Sainsbury’s payment card.

The Board agreed unanimously to promote the Sainsbury’s Card to group members via the newsletter.

'''Action: Edward'''

We continue to get some donations via FD.

Chris Cant has been working on a business plan via working groups, with useful input from Dominic. We still need a case for

support (which is separate) which Edward will run past Paul Varags. Cat has ideas for who to send this to once we have it.
====Finance ====
1.Current FY Position for Freegle UK

a.Income - £3,429

b.Expenditure - £1,420

2.Current FY Summary for Freegle Ltd

a.Income - £1,209

b.Expenditure - £3,196

3.Status of Funds

a.Freegle UK Bank account currently stands at £4,144

b.Freegle Ltd Bank account currently stands at £13,878

4.Issues to resolve

a.What should we do about the Tech/media/Volunteer budgets

Finance Jobs still left to do

1.Sort out new authorisers for the Ltd account

2.Finalise the switch over tasks that are only half finished

3.Confirm with Jane the need to close the Uk account – In progress

4.As the Unity Bank sort code change doesn’t stop the old code from working then the need to change can wait until the UK
account closure, although the new sort code should be given for all new uses.

There has been discussion on the Reps group about transferring the responsibility for the Freegle UK bank account to the Board

and Reps being wound up.

John will ask Jane to request those who donate to move to Virgin Money Giving.
====Board Secretary====
Edward is acting as Board Secretary with support from Alison
====Company Secretary====
The Freegle official address has now changed to Edward’s. Alison will post papers, though we should also set up a Google docs folder with scans of everything. Andy reported no new membership payments received.
The Board agreed that volunteers who apply for membership but do not provide payment should be reminded twice. If payment is not received then the application will be cancelled.

It was noted that the Membership Register needs to be kept up to date with changes resulting from elections, resignations, standing down etc.

'''Action: Andy'''
====Chief Technology Officer====
There is no movement on the issue of Yahoo losing some messages. We should assume that this will not get fixed, and Edward

no longer has useable contacts within Yahoo.
The Board have approved a payment of £1K to Edward to move to Bytemark’s new improved hosting; this is a prerequisite for any future platform.

Edward is continuing a revamp of ModTools. The Board discussed the pros and cons of hosting ModTools on the Freegle servers.
It was felt that long term decisions on ModTools depend upon the new platform. but regardless of the decision it will be beneficial

to host on the Freegle servers.
The Board agreed to host ModTools on Freegle servers.

'''For: 5 Abstain: 1'''

Kwame cancelled the next meeting, but Edward has rescheduled for the 6th, when he is in London anyway so no additional travel cost.

Edward met with Wellspring about a food-sharing project. They are a small newish charity who work on poverty alleviation (with a wide definition of poverty), who want to set up a peer to peer food scheme. Edward has have talking to them for a while but this is the first time they had met.
The Board discussed how this would work in practice, what they would provide and what would be expected from Freegle.
A poll on the Board Yahoo group has been set up to decide if Freegle should provide a foodsharing service to Wellspring.
====Media====
We continue to have funds which are payable if there are regular media reports to Central, or for other media spend which is approved by Edward as the representative of the donor. Edward thinks we should place a time limit of end-January on these, after which we should return them to the donor. Either we spend this or we stop having to track it.

enewsletter

Still outstanding - Cat has not had capacity to do this but will do it as soon as she can.

FRN

FRN may be able to provide product weight information; Cat is applying to them and will try to arrange a meeting.

Friday-Ad

Cat/Edward are still trying to coordinate a meeting.

City Reuse Depot

Cat has indicated that she has secured a new location and should be able to move the containers to a site in the city in the coming

weeks, subject to agreement with the local council.

Thrift Festival

A report will be done on this event.

Possible Patrons

The Board are considering possible patrons and making enquiries.
====Volunteer Support====
We need to find someone to lead on this task. This is a possible candidate for Microsoft funds; we could ask Chris to do a job

spec as he has been talking about something similar.

'''Action: Edward'''
====Health and Safety====
Nothing to report.
====Development====
The Board thanked Jacky for sending a report on the topics covered on the Development Working Group and updating the Wiki.
Edward will liaise with Jacky over the topics that need to be discussed in the future.
The Board thanked Liz, Liverpool for agreeing to produce summaries of Central discussions.
They agreed that these would be a welcome and suitable replacement for FreeSpout.
===ANY OTHER BUSINESS===
====Board Vacancies====
A reminder that there are vacancies on the Board will be added to future Minutes

'''Action: Alison'''
====Returning Officers====
The Board need to consider appointment of Returning Officers.
====Group Affiliation Team====
Christian has been liaising with them regarding the disaffiliation process.
This will be discussed further on the Development Working Group.
Edward will ask Jacky to add discussion of amendments that may be required as a result of a new platform to the Task List.

'''Action: Edward, Christian'''
====Finance Procedures====
The Board think that £100 limit is too restrictive and will take this to Development for discussion.

'''Action: Edward'''
====Board Biographies====
It was agreed unanimously that there should be biographies of Directors on the Freegle website.

'''Action: Edward'''
===DATE OF NEXT MEETING===
To be decided.
===CONSENT AGENDA===
The Minutes of previous meeting held on 30th September were approved as a true record.

[[Freegle_Board_Minutes_30_September]]

Payment of £1k to Edward for server migration.

'''Links'''

*[[Freegle Board]]

*[[Board Meeting Procedure]]

*[[Board Role and Remit]]

*[[Board Meeting Timetable]]

*[[Board Standing Agenda]]

*[[Freegle Board Minutes 2014]]

*[mailto:directors@ilovefreegle.org Email the Board]

*http://freegle.it/JoinFreegleLtd

[[Category:Freegle Board Minutes 2015]]

Freegle Board Minutes 4 November

2015-11-26T16:07:57Z

Christian: /* CURRENT BOARD */

Meeting of Directors of Freegle Limited held on 4th November 2015 at 8pm by Skype Chat
===MEMBERSHIP OF FREEGLE LTD===
All Freegle Volunteers are entitled to be Members of Freegle Ltd
Registered in England as an Industrial and Provident Society for the Benefit of the Community.
http://freegle.it/JoinFreegleLtd
===CURRENT BOARD===
Andrew Ludlow (Andy), Andrew Trusty (Trusty), Cat Fletcher, Edward Hibbert, John Carroll, Ollie Clark, Christian Brenninkmeijer

===BOARD VACANCIES===
There are currently 3 vacancies.
The Board would welcome applications from interested Members.

[mailto:directors@ilovefreegle.org Email the Board]
===APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE===
Christian, Cat.

'''Chairman: Edward'''

The meeting started at 8pm.

===DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST===
This is now at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1M5J1pKrHfqwqdgPJufwZMmDKSZuOdinPVRuZGxvSYNA/edit?usp=sharing

All Board members should review and update.
===RISK REGISTER===
No changes. See https://docs.google.com/a/ehibbert.org.uk/spreadsheets/d/1RQ3Uzgt7Lf_RTRRH8vdySOYXzqnHI-

JxG1SVBeykctI/edit#gid=0
===MATTERS ARISING===
*Cat to action newsletter. £250 income when done, rewards possible.
*Cat to do media report for Central, including update on CRD status.
*Cat to hand over business cards to Sally
*Edward to automate requesting business cards for community events. This is awaiting the decision on a new platform.
* Cat/Edward to consider fundraising event Waste House in early 2016.
* Edward to work with Paul Varags for fundraising ideas. This is on hold pending business plan/case for support.
* Cat was going to report on progress of taking over Selsey (recently disaffiliated as abandoned) and use as a trial new volunteer approach.

Cat’s actions are carried forward to the next meeting.
===REPORTS===
====Platform====
We have received 12 Expressions of Interest, and have shortlisted 3 (Edward plus 2).
Next Steps

*Complete a high level scope document to discuss with companies shortlisted to see if they wish to continue to tender, given the large scope and low budget (in commercial terms). Add “Regular Updates for Volunteers” to scope document
* Ask Board (minus Edward) to decide on next steps which John suggests would be
*Go to fuller request for tender,

or

*Straight to award of contract

'''Action: John'''

'''Platform Jobs To Do'''

* Ask Jacky to inform the unsuccessful applicants.
* Complete the high level scope document and contact the other two shortlisted companies
* Have discussion with shortlisted companies on if they wish to proceed
* Report back to Platform group on shortlisted conversations and agree the way forward, either to further work to get a final tender

or award.
* Sort out a contract ready for successful award

'''Action: John to lead'''

Further decisions will need to be made on payments for work done to integrate the mobile apps with the new platform and for the long term management of the new platform.
====Fundraising====
We won the Microsoft funding. Cat is liaising with Microsoft; we expect payment reasonably soon and a face to face meet in

London (Cat, John, Edward potential attendees). We should consider what we would like from them; so far key asks are Hotmail

deliverability, image recognition and publicity help.

Sainsbury’s Card

We have asked volunteers to try the Sainsbury’s payment card.

The Board agreed unanimously to promote the Sainsbury’s Card to group members via the newsletter.

'''Action: Edward'''

We continue to get some donations via FD.

Chris Cant has been working on a business plan via working groups, with useful input from Dominic. We still need a case for

support (which is separate) which Edward will run past Paul Varags. Cat has ideas for who to send this to once we have it.
====Finance ====
1.Current FY Position for Freegle UK

a.Income - £3,429

b.Expenditure - £1,420

2.Current FY Summary for Freegle Ltd

a.Income - £1,209

b.Expenditure - £3,196

3.Status of Funds

a.Freegle UK Bank account currently stands at £4,144

b.Freegle Ltd Bank account currently stands at £13,878

4.Issues to resolve

a.What should we do about the Tech/media/Volunteer budgets

Finance Jobs still left to do

1.Sort out new authorisers for the Ltd account

2.Finalise the switch over tasks that are only half finished

3.Confirm with Jane the need to close the Uk account – In progress

4.As the Unity Bank sort code change doesn’t stop the old code from working then the need to change can wait until the UK
account closure, although the new sort code should be given for all new uses.

There has been discussion on the Reps group about transferring the responsibility for the Freegle UK bank account to the Board

and Reps being wound up.

John will ask Jane to request those who donate to move to Virgin Money Giving.
====Board Secretary====
Edward is acting as Board Secretary with support from Alison
====Company Secretary====
The Freegle official address has now changed to Edward’s. Alison will post papers, though we should also set up a Google docs folder with scans of everything. Andy reported no new membership payments received.
The Board agreed that volunteers who apply for membership but do not provide payment should be reminded twice. If payment is not received then the application will be cancelled.

It was noted that the Membership Register needs to be kept up to date with changes resulting from elections, resignations, standing down etc.

'''Action: Andy'''
====Chief Technology Officer====
There is no movement on the issue of Yahoo losing some messages. We should assume that this will not get fixed, and Edward

no longer has useable contacts within Yahoo.
The Board have approved a payment of £1K to Edward to move to Bytemark’s new improved hosting; this is a prerequisite for any future platform.

Edward is continuing a revamp of ModTools. The Board discussed the pros and cons of hosting ModTools on the Freegle servers.
It was felt that long term decisions on ModTools depend upon the new platform. but regardless of the decision it will be beneficial

to host on the Freegle servers.
The Board agreed to host ModTools on Freegle servers.

'''For: 5 Abstain: 1'''

Kwame cancelled the next meeting, but Edward has rescheduled for the 6th, when he is in London anyway so no additional travel cost.

Edward met with Wellspring about a food-sharing project. They are a small newish charity who work on poverty alleviation (with a wide definition of poverty), who want to set up a peer to peer food scheme. Edward has have talking to them for a while but this is the first time they had met.
The Board discussed how this would work in practice, what they would provide and what would be expected from Freegle.
A poll on the Board Yahoo group has been set up to decide if Freegle should provide a foodsharing service to Wellspring.
====Media====
We continue to have funds which are payable if there are regular media reports to Central, or for other media spend which is approved by Edward as the representative of the donor. Edward thinks we should place a time limit of end-January on these, after which we should return them to the donor. Either we spend this or we stop having to track it.

enewsletter

Still outstanding - Cat has not had capacity to do this but will do it as soon as she can.

FRN

FRN may be able to provide product weight information; Cat is applying to them and will try to arrange a meeting.

Friday-Ad

Cat/Edward are still trying to coordinate a meeting.

City Reuse Depot

Cat has indicated that she has secured a new location and should be able to move the containers to a site in the city in the coming

weeks, subject to agreement with the local council.

Thrift Festival

A report will be done on this event.

Possible Patrons

The Board are considering possible patrons and making enquiries.
====Volunteer Support====
We need to find someone to lead on this task. This is a possible candidate for Microsoft funds; we could ask Chris to do a job

spec as he has been talking about something similar.

'''Action: Edward'''
====Health and Safety====
Nothing to report.
====Development====
The Board thanked Jacky for sending a report on the topics covered on the Development Working Group and updating the Wiki.
Edward will liaise with Jacky over the topics that need to be discussed in the future.
The Board thanked Liz, Liverpool for agreeing to produce summaries of Central discussions.
They agreed that these would be a welcome and suitable replacement for FreeSpout.
===ANY OTHER BUSINESS===
====Board Vacancies====
A reminder that there are vacancies on the Board will be added to future Minutes

'''Action: Alison'''
====Returning Officers====
The Board need to consider appointment of Returning Officers.
====Group Affiliation Team====
Christian has been liaising with them regarding the disaffiliation process.
This will be discussed further on the Development Working Group.
Edward will ask Jacky to add discussion of amendments that may be required as a result of a new platform to the Task List.

'''Action: Edward, Christian'''
====Finance Procedures====
The Board think that £100 limit is too restrictive and will take this to Development for discussion.

'''Action: Edward'''
====Board Biographies====
It was agreed unanimously that there should be biographies of Directors on the Freegle website.

'''Action: Edward'''
===DATE OF NEXT MEETING===
To be decided.
===CONSENT AGENDA===
The Minutes of previous meeting held on 30th September were approved as a true record.

[[Freegle_Board_Minutes_30_September]]

Payment of £1k to Edward for server migration.

'''Links'''

*[[Freegle Board]]

*[[Board Meeting Procedure]]

*[[Board Role and Remit]]

*[[Board Meeting Timetable]]

*[[Board Standing Agenda]]

*[[Freegle Board Minutes 2014]]

*[mailto:directors@ilovefreegle.org Email the Board]

*http://freegle.it/JoinFreegleLtd

[[Category:Freegle Board Minutes 2015]]

Best Practice

2015-06-03T13:53:40Z

Christian: /* Do you have emergency arrangements for your Group? */

==Preface==
Freegle promotes reuse. In doing this we:

1. Keep goods that still have life in them out of the waste stream.

2. Promote community spirit by sharing between local people.

3. Provide people with an opportunity to help the environment.

4. Look after each other as Volunteers by offering support if needed.

We want to do all this as well as we can, so we need to make sure that using
Freegle Groups is as quick, easy and enjoyable as possible for us and our members.

Many of us started our Groups several years ago. Reuse was a brand new idea in 2003 and the rules and ways of working that evolved were aimed at trying to keep groups safe from possible problems, and we didn't know much about how people behaved online. Since that time internet use has increased substantially and we have learned a lot more about online behaviour. There have been many developments which mean that members now expect to be able to do things very quickly. There are also now many other ways of reusing items via the internet. We now know that if a Freegler encounters barriers they are likely to be put off from using our Groups, so we need to strike a balance between ‘protecting’ our Group, and making it welcoming for new members.
Experience shows that groups who have restrictive rules are unlikely to thrive, so all mods should think carefully about these best practice suggestions.

The intent of this is to support Freegle, especially our members and our reputation. All the advice below is within the context of the [[Basic Requirements of a Freegle Group#Local Rules]].

==Number one question==

==== Do you have emergency arrangements for your Group? ====

'''Best Practice advice:'''

To safeguard your group put in place some back up so, if there is a problem with your availability, all your hard work doesn’t goes to waste as service can be maintained for your members.

'''Consider:'''

*Having at least two people with owner status, so that if something unexpected happens to you there is someone that can take up running it in your absence, either temporarily or permanently.

*All owners don’t have to be active moderators, they can be
**main owner - runs group
**co-owner - helps to run the Group
**backup owner - steps in and runs the Group immediately there seems to be a problem
**silent owner - helps rescue a Group if it has been declared abandoned after set procedures.

*Obviously all owners should have the interests of the group members as a priority, so should be competent enough to basically moderate messages and memberships, answer emails to the owner address and, most importantly, know who to contact in Freegle nationally if they need help.

*Make sure all owners have the mentor Group address as a contact so they have access to some help themselves. Email [mailto:mentors@ilovefreegle.org mentors@ilovefreegle.org]

* Let Mentors or GAT know who all the owners are so that support can be given if there is a major problem

*Groups run 365 days a year so having a back up active moderator to share the burden, cover holidays and discuss issues with is very helpful.

*Moderators don’t need to be able to do everything. Some Groups find it helpful to have mods for certain aspects of running the Group, eg publicity, tech etc.

*Yahoo can close any account at any time. Is there a way to recover the group should you and other owners lose their Yahoo account? Each owner having completely separate ID's (not linked to each other) registered on the Group will safeguard you personally from being denied access by Yahoo.

'''Warning:''' There have been cases where Yahoo have suddenly and without reason closed owners Yahoo accounts. This is another reason all groups should have two owners.

In order to help reduce barriers here are some more questions that owners/mods might like to think about.

==Other Questions==

====What is a new Freegler’s first impression of your Group?====

'''Best practice advice:'''

Your Group is individual but clear identification as a quality Freegle Group will help you with publicity.

'''Consider:'''

*Using the official Freegle logos. These have been designed by the Freegle Graphics Team for your Yahoo Group and Facebook home pages

*The Graphics Team will help you with photos or other pictures you may want to upload to customise your Group.
Email: [mailto:graphics@ilovefreegle.org graphics@ilovefreegle.org]

====How many steps are there from a new Freegler clicking on the link for your Group to other members receiving an Offered or Wanted post from them?====

'''Best practice advice:'''

The less time and work there is for a new Freegler to use your Group, the more likely it will be that they will be a contributing member.

*Do you approve new members?

*Do you ask for location before approval?

'''Consider:'''

*Open membership with new members being moderated (that picks up spammers, especially if you use the ModTools).

*Writing to members whose first post is out of area and giving them the details of their nearest Group.

*Sending only one joining message with the Disclaimer and deleting the standard Yahoo message.

====How many members do you have on moderation?====
'''Best Practice advice:'''

Put members who correctly format their messages on Group settings.

'''Consider:'''

*ModTools makes this very easy - http:/modtools.org

*You can always put them back on moderation if they slip up.

*You will lessen your workload.

*Messages will be posted more promptly on your message board, which is good for the person posting as well as those that respond.

====How long does it take for a Freegler to see the message they have posted appear on the Group?====

'''Best Practice advice:'''

Ideally, moderation of messages needs to be every few hours. Moderating once a day is the minimum for a Group to survive.

'''Consider:'''

*Have a rota for moderation so that all the team know who is doing what and when.

*Ask Mentors for holiday/emergency help.

====What rules do you have?====
'''Best Practice advice:'''

Keep rules to a minimum to enable the smooth running of the Group known to all your members. A lot of Groups impose rules that members have no idea existed! Try to apply them fairly with flexibility where appropriate.

'''Consider:'''

*The fewer rules you impose, the less work it is for you to moderate your Group.

*No-one is keen on reading or remembering lots of rules, so too many just means that your members don’t know what they are.

====Do you restrict the number of Wanted posts?====

'''Best Practice advice:'''

People that want other’s unwanted stuff are essential for your Freegle Group to work, so encourage people to think ‘reuse’.

'''Consider:'''

*Difficult economic times have increased the number of members who are in a situation where they can offer very little e.g. students setting up house, people on benefit who cannot afford to buy new stuff etc.

*Wanted posts are as valid as Offer posts in keeping things out of the waste stream. Encouraging people to Freegle even when they have little to offer may lead to them thinking of Freegle in the future when they do have things to offer.

*People go through different phases in life - at some times they may post a lot of Wanted posts, and at others a lot of offers.

*People - including us - overestimate the number of Wanted posts. Most Groups have more Offers than Wanteds.

====How many messages do you reject?====
'''Best Practice advice:'''

Members have made the effort of posting a message, unless it contravenes the basic rules (free and legal), try not to reject it. Helpful, friendly, personal mod messages can be more effective than standard replies.
The experience of Freegle mods is that members who post messages that are rejected often do not post again. No one likes to be rejected, particularly as part of the pleasure from freegling is the satisfaction of choosing to give an item of yours away. Some members will feel hurt at being told they have not used the right words to offer their personal possessions. They may never consider freegling again.

'''Consider:'''

*Do messages need to be rejected or can they be dealt with in other ways?

*Personal messages from mods explaining exactly which rules they have broken and why your group has these rules are more effective than sending out lists of rules.

*Promoting Freegle Direct by placing a link on your home page for people to join and use Freegle Direct. This provides a way of posting that won’t need correcting.

*Promoting the Message Maker with a link on your home page to it and link in message footers. This also results in a way of posting that doesn’t need correcting.

*Using ModTools to edit subject lines of messages, then sending a note afterwards to help the member get it right next time.

====What impression do your messages to members give of you and Freegle?====
'''Best Practice advice:'''

You are providing a service which is helping your members get in touch with one another to keep stuff out of the waste stream, so be a good host.

'''Consider:'''

*Friendly, helpful messages are far more likely to get the response you want.

*No-one enjoys (or can be bothered) reading long messages, so keep things brief (but polite!).

*English may not be the first language for some of your members, clear straightforward messages will make it easier for them to understand how to use you Group.

*Members have often put time into posting a message and having it rejected may either get their backs up or make them feel freegling is an obstacle not worth bothering about.

*Sometimes members feel they are being told off or punished for a genuine error. Messages that are helpful, polite and appreciative that people are using your group are more likely to encourage members to understand rules and guidelines. For example, when you put a member on moderation it may help to explain it is so you can help the member and advise on how to avoid the error in future. When you send a reminder or a return a post make it clear that it will probably help the member if they follow the appropriate guidelines.

*It may help to ask someone neutral to read your standard messages to see how they come across.

*Yahoo terminology can be offputting to members. It can be changed though in ways that are more friendly.

*The word ‘reject’ isn’t good! Try the word ‘return’ instead in the subject line of rejection messages.

*Signing off as “Freegle Volunteer” is a better description of our role than “Group Owner”

====How do you deal with problems?====

'''Best Practice Advice:'''

Handling problems and complaints from members can be one of the trickiest jobs for a moderator.
Finding the balance between running the group how you would like it to be run and how members would like you to run the group is not always easy.

'''Consider:'''

There is a wealth of advice in the Wiki that has been compiled by experienced Freegle moderators on dealing with issues and complaints

[[How_To_Deal_With]]

and

[[Member Complaints]]

====How many potential Freeglers do you lose?====

'''Best Practice advice:'''

Check, with an open mind, your rules, guidelines and working practices on a regular basis to ensure that interested people are not put off being an active Freegler.

Libraries, many public bodies and work places do not allow the use of Yahoo Groups.

'''Consider:'''

*Installing Freegle Direct and opting for the Freegle Direct page to be the first page that a new Freegler sees. This opens up Freegle to people in your community who may really benefit from your Group. There are clear links from Freegle Direct to your Yahoo Home Page if Freeglers prefer to use that route.

*Are any rules you have about reposting, crossposting, and limits on numbers of posts simple and very easy to remember?

*Replying to emails to the owner address within 24 hours.

*A friendly leaving message for Freeglers who do leave your Group with a link to the Find a Group page on the Freegle website.

====What tools do you use to make it easier to run your Group?====
'''Best Practice advice:'''

Yahoo is not the easiest platform for you or your members, so don’t be afraid to take up some of the helpful tools that Freegle makes available.

'''Consider:'''

*[[Freegle_Direct_-_Introduction|Freegle Direct]]

*[[ModTools]]

*[[Freegle_Message_Maker]]

====Do you know where to turn for help?====
'''Best Practice advice:'''

You are not alone. All Freegle volunteers are in this together, we have a shared mission, so take advantage of others’ experience and advice.

'''Consider:'''

*Freegle Mentor Group

One to one help from experienced mods for new Groups Assistance for struggling Groups and mods

Email: [mailto:mentors@ilovefreegle.org mentors@ilovefreegle.org]

*Freegle Central

Sharing experience, information and helping each other on a range of issues

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FreegleUK-Central

*Freegle Growth

Join in with discussions and putting into place ideas on how we can help Groups grow and thrive.

http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/Freegle-Growth/

*Support helpline

Help with general problems or questions

Email [mailto:support@ilovefreegle.org support@ilovefreegle.org]

*ModTools Group

Help with problems or questions

https://uk.groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/ModTools/

*Freegle Direct help

Help with any issues about Freegle Direct

Email [mailto:freegledirecthelp@yahoogroups.com freegledirecthelp@yahoogroups.com]

*The Freegle Wiki

Full of useful information on all aspects of running your Group, publicity tips and how you can help Freegle nationally
http://wiki.ilovefreegle.org/Welcome_to_the_Freegle_Volunteer_Wikir

*Local Mod Groups

If you have a local mods groups, join it. If there isn't one, why not encourage your neighbouring volunteers to set one up - you can work and share together.

====Would you like to socialise with other Freegle Mods?====

'''Best Practice advice:'''

Chatting to other Freegle volunteers can help put a 'face' to people and to establish better rapport for good and bad times.

'''Consider:'''

*Freegle Rock

Online social chat

http://Groups.yahoo.com/Group/FreegleRockCafe/

*Freestock is the annual summer meet up for Freegle Mods

http://wiki.ilovefreegle.org/Freestock

*Organising a meet-up of your local Groups.

Back to [[Running Your Group]]

[[Category:The Basics]]

2012-07-07T14:34:03Z

Christian: /* Dead Links */

please add your ideas here:

We could do with some nice graphics for this wiki - simple icons and perhaps some cartoons to lighten the relentlessness of all the text.

=== [[Running Your Local Group]] portal ===

Here are some sections that need to be completed, we also need people who can

*proof read

 [[Special Notices]] Many done but if you think you have a good one add it please 

[[Mod groups]] -i'm about to do a section on yahoo groups - Done google Yahoo still waiting 

[[Pet Guidelines]]

how to set up an [[Auto send file]] Do you mean just the Yahoo ones?

[[Google Document Manager|Editing Google Docs]]
 

=== [[Publicity]] portal ===

[[Promoting my new group]]

[[Facebook, blogs, forums]]

[[Admins]]

[[Standard Texts]]

If you are up for creating any of these sections it might be a good idea to join the applicable working group (if you're not already a member) and let us know what your planning on doing so there is no replication

=== [[The Freegle Organisation]] portal ===

If you can remember what information you would have liked to have seen but didn't when you first started using the wiki, please add it!

=== Dead Links ===
* This level is the page doing the linking
** This level is the page being attempted to link to.
** Red ones are empty wiki pages
* [[Moderator_Handbook]]
** [[Farewell_File]]
* [[Badges]]
** http://www.sussexecoawards.org.uk/2010/07/freegle/
* [[Facebook_Republisher]]
** [[Official_badge]]
* [[To_do_list]]
** [[Facebook,_blogs,_forums]]
* [[Freegle_Representative_Group]]
** http://tinyurl.com/3xt4s3r
* [[Proofreaders]]
** [[Proofreaders_Team_Updates]]
* [[Contact_Details]]
** [[Custom_Graphics]]
* [[Freegle_UK_Central_Group]]
** http://f1.grp.yahoofs.com/v1/MDFCTXnaKrLi29nqbwMX37afv9BMYIXtCA0drIbu1uX90wwJpIe1BSWtc7fyf1biDqOFvjFea6uIXfb7VaGZb/Central%20Member%20Info/Summary%20of%20%20Central%20Evaluation%202010
* [[Awards]]
** http://www.sustainitawards.co.uk/ezine2010/communitynetworks/more2.shtml
** http://wiki.ilovefreegle.org//Awards
** http://www.stevenage.gov.uk/townandcommunity/prideofstevenageawards
* [[Specific_Items]]
**[[Knives]]
* [[Republisher_Settings_and_Statistics]]
** check: Category:Freegle_Facebook
* [[Photos]]
** [[Testimonials]]
* [[Photos]]
** [[Blog]]
* [[Sample_Press_Release]]
** http://yourgroup�s
* http://wiki.ilovefreegle.org//Mapping_for_Groups
** http://www.penrithedenfreegle.org.uk/find_a_group.htm
* [[Standard_Texts]]
** [[Swap]]
* [[Give_and_Take]]
** http://homokaasu.org/rasterbator/
* [[Posters,_fliers,_cards]]
** http://print-decadry.co.uk/ProductsList.aspx?catid=1123574
* [[Things_not_to_do]]
** [[%27Problem_members%27]]
* [[Freegle_Reps_Report_2010-04-16]]
** [[People_Working_Group]]
* [[Freegle_Reps_Report_2010-04-16]]
** [[Central]]
* [[What_a_New_System_Should_Have]]
** http://drupal.org/Drupal
** http://foswiki.org
* [[Safety_Issues]]
** http://www.dirtbikerider.co.uk/website_content/how_to/ride/safely_crash_helmet
* [[Charitable_Status]]
** http://tinyurl.com/65v2m9h
* [[Useful_Websites]]
** http://transitiontowns.org/TransitionNetwork/TransitionCommunities
** http://www.findlocalmagazines.co.uk/
** http://www.groupsnearyou.com
* [[Structure_Group_Report_2010-04-11]]
** [[Governing_Document]]
* [[Structure_Group_Report_2010-04-11]]
** [[Working_Group_Coordinator]]
* [[Structure_Group_Report_2010-04-11]]
** [[Working_Group_Spokesperson]]
* [[Structure_Group_Report_2010-04-11]]
** [[Working_Group_Task_List_Compiler]]
* [[Confidential_Mod_Support]]
**[[Info@ilovefreegle.org]]
* [[Drugs_Medicines_and_Supplements]]
** http://www.i-volunteer.org.uk/helpfromhome/opportunities/recycle-medicines/
* [[Freegle_Reps_Report_2010-03-14]]
** http://www.letsrecycle.com/awards
* [Start_Group_Report_2010-12]
** http://wiki.ilovefreegle.org/GAT_Remit
* [[Google_Document_Manager]]
**[[Editing_Google_documents]]
* [[EWell-Being_Awards_2010_badge]]
** http://www.sustainitawards.co.uk/
* [[Sharing_Google_Docs]]
**[[Editing_Google_Documents]]
* [[Firearms]]
** http://www.youngmans.com/acatalog/law.html
* [[Phone_numbers]]
** [[How_to_Deal_With]]
* [[Freegle_Reps_Report_2010-07-08]]
** http://www.sustainitawards.co.uk/winners-2010.html
* [[Freegle_Reps_Report_2010-07-08]]
** http://groups
* [[FreebieJeebies]]
** http://gifts.freebiejeebies.co.uk/conditions.htm
* [[Freegle_Reps_Report_2011-06-28]]
** http://tinyurl.com/64byk5z
* [[Freegle_Reps_Report_2011-12-22]]
** http://www.wrap.org.uk/wrap_corporate/about_wrap/
** http://www.wrap.org.uk/reuse/
** http://www.foe.co.uk/resource/agendas/2_nov_agenda.pdf
** http://www.wrap.org.uk/wrap_corporate/annual_conference_2011/
* [[Facebook_Helpers_crib_sheet_for_putting_groups_on]]
** https://www.facebook.com/pages/Trafford-Freegle
** http://apps.facebook
* [[Freegle_Reps_Report_2010-01-16]]
** http://www.wrap
** http://freegle
* [[AGM_2011_Media_Report]]
** http://www.bpec.org/
** http://www.foe.co.uk/
** http://www.europarl.org.uk/section/your-meps/your-meps
* [[Group_Affiliation_Team_Role_Remit_Membership]]
** http://groups.yahoo.com/group/newgroupsforfreegle//
* [[Best_Practice]]
** http://Groups.yahoo.com/Group/FreegleUK-Central
** http://uk.Groups.yahoo.com/Group/Freegle-Growth/
** http://uk.Groups.yahoo.com/Group/Freegle-Media/
** http://Groups.yahoo.com/Group/freegledirecthelp/
** http://uk.Groups.yahoo.com/Group/ModerationPlugin/
** http://Groups.yahoo.com/Group/FreegleRockCafe/

Back to [[Help with the Wiki]]

[[Category:Freegle Wiki]]

To do list

2012-07-07T14:25:18Z

Christian: /* Dead Links = */

please add your ideas here:

We could do with some nice graphics for this wiki - simple icons and perhaps some cartoons to lighten the relentlessness of all the text.

=== [[Running Your Local Group]] portal ===

Here are some sections that need to be completed, we also need people who can

*proof read

 [[Special Notices]] Many done but if you think you have a good one add it please 

[[Mod groups]] -i'm about to do a section on yahoo groups - Done google Yahoo still waiting 

[[Pet Guidelines]]

how to set up an [[Auto send file]] Do you mean just the Yahoo ones?

[[Google Document Manager|Editing Google Docs]]
 

=== [[Publicity]] portal ===

[[Promoting my new group]]

[[Facebook, blogs, forums]]

[[Admins]]

[[Standard Texts]]

If you are up for creating any of these sections it might be a good idea to join the applicable working group (if you're not already a member) and let us know what your planning on doing so there is no replication

=== [[The Freegle Organisation]] portal ===

If you can remember what information you would have liked to have seen but didn't when you first started using the wiki, please add it!

=== Dead Links ===
* [[Moderator_Handbook]]
** [[Farewell_File]]
* [[Badges]]
** http://www.sussexecoawards.org.uk/2010/07/freegle/
* [[Facebook_Republisher]]
** [[Official_badge]]
* [[To_do_list]]
** [[Facebook,_blogs,_forums]]
* [[Freegle_Representative_Group]]
** http://tinyurl.com/3xt4s3r
* [[Proofreaders]]
** [[Proofreaders_Team_Updates]]
* [[Contact_Details]]
** [[Custom_Graphics]]
* [[Freegle_UK_Central_Group]]
** http://f1.grp.yahoofs.com/v1/MDFCTXnaKrLi29nqbwMX37afv9BMYIXtCA0drIbu1uX90wwJpIe1BSWtc7fyf1biDqOFvjFea6uIXfb7VaGZb/Central%20Member%20Info/Summary%20of%20%20Central%20Evaluation%202010
* [[Awards]]
** http://www.sustainitawards.co.uk/ezine2010/communitynetworks/more2.shtml
** http://wiki.ilovefreegle.org//Awards
** http://www.stevenage.gov.uk/townandcommunity/prideofstevenageawards
* [[Specific_Items]]
**[[Knives]]
* [[Republisher_Settings_and_Statistics]]
** check: Category:Freegle_Facebook
* [[Photos]]
** [[Testimonials]]
* [[Photos]]
** [[Blog]]
* [[Sample_Press_Release]]
** http://yourgroup�s
* http://wiki.ilovefreegle.org//Mapping_for_Groups
** http://www.penrithedenfreegle.org.uk/find_a_group.htm
* [[Standard_Texts]]
** [[Swap]]
* [[Give_and_Take]]
** http://homokaasu.org/rasterbator/
* [[Posters,_fliers,_cards]]
** http://print-decadry.co.uk/ProductsList.aspx?catid=1123574
* [[Things_not_to_do]]
** [[%27Problem_members%27]]
* [[Freegle_Reps_Report_2010-04-16]]
** [[People_Working_Group]]
* [[Freegle_Reps_Report_2010-04-16]]
** [[Central]]
* [[What_a_New_System_Should_Have]]
** http://drupal.org/Drupal
** http://foswiki.org
* [[Safety_Issues]]
** http://www.dirtbikerider.co.uk/website_content/how_to/ride/safely_crash_helmet
* [[Charitable_Status]]
** http://tinyurl.com/65v2m9h
* [[Useful_Websites]]
** http://transitiontowns.org/TransitionNetwork/TransitionCommunities
** http://www.findlocalmagazines.co.uk/
** http://www.groupsnearyou.com
* [[Structure_Group_Report_2010-04-11]]
** [[Governing_Document]]
* [[Structure_Group_Report_2010-04-11]]
** [[Working_Group_Coordinator]]
* [[Structure_Group_Report_2010-04-11]]
** [[Working_Group_Spokesperson]]
* [[Structure_Group_Report_2010-04-11]]
** [[Working_Group_Task_List_Compiler]]
* [[Confidential_Mod_Support]]
**[[Info@ilovefreegle.org]]
* [[Drugs_Medicines_and_Supplements]]
** http://www.i-volunteer.org.uk/helpfromhome/opportunities/recycle-medicines/
* [[Freegle_Reps_Report_2010-03-14]]
** http://www.letsrecycle.com/awards
* [Start_Group_Report_2010-12]
** http://wiki.ilovefreegle.org/GAT_Remit
* [[Google_Document_Manager]]
**[[Editing_Google_documents]]
* [[EWell-Being_Awards_2010_badge]]
** http://www.sustainitawards.co.uk/
* [[Sharing_Google_Docs]]
**[[Editing_Google_Documents]]
* [[Firearms]]
** http://www.youngmans.com/acatalog/law.html
* [[Phone_numbers]]
** [[How_to_Deal_With]]
* [[Freegle_Reps_Report_2010-07-08]]
** http://www.sustainitawards.co.uk/winners-2010.html
* [[Freegle_Reps_Report_2010-07-08]]
** http://groups
* [[FreebieJeebies]]
** http://gifts.freebiejeebies.co.uk/conditions.htm
* [[Freegle_Reps_Report_2011-06-28]]
** http://tinyurl.com/64byk5z
* [[Freegle_Reps_Report_2011-12-22]]
** http://www.wrap.org.uk/wrap_corporate/about_wrap/
** http://www.wrap.org.uk/reuse/
** http://www.foe.co.uk/resource/agendas/2_nov_agenda.pdf
** http://www.wrap.org.uk/wrap_corporate/annual_conference_2011/
* [[Facebook_Helpers_crib_sheet_for_putting_groups_on]]
** https://www.facebook.com/pages/Trafford-Freegle
** http://apps.facebook
* [[Freegle_Reps_Report_2010-01-16]]
** http://www.wrap
** http://freegle
* [[AGM_2011_Media_Report]]
** http://www.bpec.org/
** http://www.foe.co.uk/
** http://www.europarl.org.uk/section/your-meps/your-meps
* [[Group_Affiliation_Team_Role_Remit_Membership]]
** http://groups.yahoo.com/group/newgroupsforfreegle//
* [[Best_Practice]]
** http://Groups.yahoo.com/Group/FreegleUK-Central
** http://uk.Groups.yahoo.com/Group/Freegle-Growth/
** http://uk.Groups.yahoo.com/Group/Freegle-Media/
** http://Groups.yahoo.com/Group/freegledirecthelp/
** http://uk.Groups.yahoo.com/Group/ModerationPlugin/
** http://Groups.yahoo.com/Group/FreegleRockCafe/

Back to [[Help with the Wiki]]

[[Category:Freegle Wiki]]

2012-06-17T20:03:58Z

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User:Christian

2012-06-17T19:59:34Z

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Best Practice

2012-06-17T19:42:33Z

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==Preface==
Freegle Groups promote reuse. In doing this we:

1. Keep goods that still have life in them out of the waste stream.

2. Promote community spirit by sharing between local people.

3. Provide people with an opportunity to help the environment.

We want to do all this as well as we can, so we need to make sure that using
Freegle Groups is as quick, easy and enjoyable as possible for us and our members.

Many of us started our Groups several years ago. During that time internet use has increased substantially and there have been many developments which mean that members now expect to be able to do things very quickly. If a Freegler encounters barriers they are likely to be put off from using our Groups, so we need to strike a balance between ‘protecting’ our Group, and making it welcoming for new members..

In order to help reduce barriers there are some questions that owners/mods might like to think about.

==Questions==
====What is a new Freegler’s first impression of your Group?====

'''Best practice advice:'''

Your Group is individual but clear identification as a quality Freegle Group will help you with publicity.

'''Consider:'''

*Using the official Freegle logos. These have been designed by the Freegle Graphics Team for your Yahoo Group and Facebook home pages

*The Graphics Team will help you with photos or other pictures you may want to upload to customise your Group.

Email: [mailto:graphics@ilovefreegle.org graphics@ilovefreegle.org]

====How many steps are there from a new Freegler clicking on the link for your Group to other members receiving an Offered or Wanted post from them?====

'''Best practice advice:'''

The less time and work there is for a new Freegler to use your Group, the more likely it will be that they will be a contributing member.

*Do you approve new members?

*Do you ask for location before approval?

'''Consider:'''

*Open membership with new members being moderated (that picks up spammers, especially if you use the Moderator Plugin).

*Writing to members whose first post is out of area and giving them the details of their nearest Group.

*Sending only one joining message with the Disclaimer and deleting the standard Yahoo message.

====How many members do you have on moderation?====
'''Best Practice advice:'''

Put members who correctly format their messages on Group settings.

'''Consider:'''

*The Moderator Plugin makes this very easy.

*You can always put them back on moderation if they slip up.

*You will lessen your workload.

*Messages will be posted more promptly on your message board, which is good for the person posting as well as those that respond.

====How long does it take for a Freegler to see the message they have posted appear on the Group?====

'''Best Practice advice:'''

Ideally, moderation of messages needs to be every few hours. Moderating once a day is the minimum for a Group to survive.

'''Consider:'''

*Have a rota for moderation so that all the team know who is doing what and when.

====What rules do you have?====
'''Best Practice advice:'''

Keep rules to a minimum to enable the smooth running of the Group known to all your members. A lot of Groups impose rules that members have no idea existed! Try to apply them fairly with flexibility where appropriate.

'''Consider:'''

*The fewer rules you impose, the less work it is for you to moderate your Group.

*No-one is keen on reading or remembering lots of rules, so too many just means that your members don’t know what they are.

====Do you restrict the number of Wanted posts?====

'''Best Practice advice:'''

People that want other’s unwanted stuff are essential for your Freegle Group to work, so encourage people to think ‘reuse’.

'''Consider:'''

*Difficult economic times have increased the number of members who are in a situation where they can offer very little e.g. students setting up house, people on benefit who cannot afford to buy new stuff etc.

*Wanted posts are as valid as Offer posts in keeping things out of the waste stream. Encouraging people to Freegle even when they have little to offer may lead to them thinking of Freegle in the future when they do have things to offer.

*People go through different phases in life - at some times they may post a lot of Wanted posts, and at others a lot of offers.

*People - including us - overestimate the number of Wanted posts. Most Groups have more Offers than Wanteds.

====How many messages do you reject?====
'''Best Practice advice:'''

Members have made the effort of posting a message, unless it contravenes the basic rules (free and legal), try not to reject it. Helpful, friendly, personal mod messages can be more effective than standard replies.

'''Consider:'''

*Do messages need to be rejected or can they be dealt with in other ways?

*Promoting Freegle Direct by placing a link on your home page for people to join and use Freegle Direct. This provides a way of posting that won’t need correcting.

*Promoting the Message Maker with a link on your home page to it and link in message footers. This also results in a way of posting that doesn’t need correcting.

*Using the Moderator Plugin to edit subject lines of messages, then sending a note afterwards to help the member get it right next time.

====What impression do your messages to members give of you and Freegle?====
'''Best Practice advice:'''

You are providing a service which is helping your members get in touch with one another to keep stuff out of the waste stream, so be a good host.

'''Consider:'''

*Friendly, helpful messages are far more likely to get the response you want.

*No-one enjoys (or can be bothered) reading long messages, so keep things brief (but polite!).

*English may not be the first language for some of your members, clear straightforward messages will make it easier for them to understand how to use you Group.

====How many potential Freeglers do you lose?====

'''Best Practice advice:'''

Check, with an open mind, your rules, guidelines and working practices on a regular basis to ensure that interested people are not put off being an active Freegler.

Libraries, many public bodies and work places do not allow the use of Yahoo Groups.

'''Consider:'''

*Installing Freegle Direct and opting for the Freegle Direct page to be the first page that a new Freegler sees. This opens up Freegle to people in your community who may really benefit from your Group. There are clear links from Freegle Direct to your Yahoo Home Page if Freeglers prefer to use that route.

*Are any rules you have about reposting, crossposting, and limits on numbers of posts simple [b]and very easy to remember?

*Replying to emails to the owner address within 24 hours.

*A friendly leaving message for Freeglers who do leave your Group with a link to the Find a Group page on the Freegle website.

====Do you have emergency arrangements for your Group?====

'''Best Practice advice:'''

Put in place some back up so if there is a problem with your availability, all your hard work doesn’t goes to waste as service can be maintained for your members.

'''Consider:'''

*Having a back up owner, so that if something unexpected happens to you there is someone that can take up running it in your absence, either temporarily or permanently.

*Your back up doesn’t have to be an active moderator, just someone, maybe a friend or relative, who has the privileges to let someone run the Group in an emergency situation

*Giving your back up owner(s) the mentor Group address as a contact so they have access to some help themselves.
Email [mailto:Freegle-Mentors@yahooGroups.com Freegle-Mentors@yahooGroups.com]

*Groups run 365 days a year so having a back up active moderator to share the burden, cover holidays and discuss issues with is also very helpful.

*Moderators don’t need to be able to do everything. Some Groups find it helpful to have mods for certain aspects of running the Group, eg publicity, tech etc.

*Yahoo can close any account at any time. Is there a way to recover the group should you loose your yahoo account.

====What tools do you use to make it easier to run your Group?====
'''Best Practice advice:'''

Yahoo is not the easiest platform for you or your members, so don’t be afraid to take up some of the helpful tools that Freegle makes available.

'''Consider:'''

*[[Freegle_Direct_-_Introduction|Freegle Direct]]

*[[Mod_Plug-in]]

*[[Freegle_Message_Maker]]

====Do you know where to turn for help?====
'''Best Practice advice:'''

You are not alone. All Freegle volunteers are in this together, we have a shared mission, so take advantage of others’ experience and advice.

'''Consider:'''

*Freegle Mentor Group

One to one help from experienced mods for new Groups Assistance for struggling Groups and mods

Email: [mailto:Freegle-Mentors@yahooGroups.com Freegle-Mentors@yahooGroups.com]

*Freegle Central

Sharing experience, information and helping each other

http://Groups.yahoo.com/Group/FreegleUK-Central

Freegle Media/Freegle Growth

Asking for help on media matters, sharing publicity tips, discussing and putting into place ideas on how we can help Groups grow and thrive.

http://uk.Groups.yahoo.com/Group/Freegle-Growth/

http://uk.Groups.yahoo.com/Group/Freegle-Media/

*Freegle Direct Group

Help with problems or questions

http://Groups.yahoo.com/Group/freegledirecthelp/

*Plug in Group

Help with problems or questions

http://uk.Groups.yahoo.com/Group/ModerationPlugin/

*The Freegle Wiki

Full of useful information on all aspects of running your Group, publicity tips and how you can help Freegle nationally
http://wiki.ilovefreegle.org/Welcome_to_the_Freegle_Volunteer_Wiki

====Would you like to socialise with other Freegle Mods?====
'''Consider:'''

*Freegle Rock

Online social chat

http://Groups.yahoo.com/Group/FreegleRockCafe/

*Freestock is the annual summer meet up for Freegle Mods

http://wiki.ilovefreegle.org/Freestock

*Organising a meet-up of your local Groups.

 
Back to [[Running Your Group]]

[[Category:The Basics]]

User:Christian

2012-06-17T19:36:56Z

Christian: /* Broken Links I found but could not fix */

User:Christian

2012-06-17T19:02:30Z

Christian:

User:Christian

2012-06-17T18:59:54Z

Christian: Created page with 'Hi, This is Christian from Wilmslow. I joined Freegle together with my whole Freecycle group when we got the famous "thank you. Please step down" email which shows how much res…'