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==Preface==
This page summarises our agreed best practice for running a Freegle community. Each point links to more detail on [[Best Practice Notes]].
Freegle Groups promote reuse. In doing this we:


1. Keep goods that still have life in them out of the waste stream.
==Summary==
Freegle promotes reuse. We need to make sure that using Freegle is as quick, easy and enjoyable as possible, for us and for our members.


2. Promote community spirit by sharing between local people.
[[Our Aims]] outlines what Freegle and its volunteers can expect of each other. The intent is to support Freegle and members, and to safeguard our reputation. All the advice below sits within the context of the [[Community_Affiliation_Requirements_Policy#Local_Rules|local rules]] communities are allowed to set.


3. Provide people with an opportunity to help the environment.
==The points==


We want to do all this as well as we can, so we need to make sure that using
===Emergency arrangements===
Freegle Groups is as quick, easy and enjoyable as possible for us and our members.  
Have backup arrangements in place, to safeguard your community and give you peace of mind.
* Make sure your whole volunteer team knows they can contact Mentors for help - email mentors@ilovefreegle.org.
* Exchange contact details with other volunteers, locally and/or nationally, in case of a crisis.


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..
The 2025 AGM passed a resolution making it compulsory for every Freegle group to have at least two owners. They don't all need to be fully active on every group, as long as they're active somewhere and can cover any absence by the usual active owner.


In order to help reduce barriers there are some questions that owners/mods might like to think about.
[[Best_Practice_Notes#Emergency_arrangements|More info]]


==Questions==
===First impressions===
====What is a new Freegler’s first impression of your Group?====
Home pages (Freegle website, Facebook etc.) should be welcoming, quick and easy to read. Every homepage should have a logo or local picture, a tagline, a welcoming message and, optionally, local rules. Set these up in Settings in ModTools.


'''Best practice advice:'''
[[Best_Practice_Notes#First_impressions|More info]]


Your Group is individual but clear identification as a quality Freegle Group will help you with publicity.
===New Freeglers need an easy start===
* Deal with all posts, especially first posts, swiftly and sympathetically.
* Don't overwhelm members with lots of admin emails.


'''Consider:'''
[[Best_Practice_Notes#New Freeglers need an easy start|More info]]


*Using the official Freegle logos. These have been designed by the Freegle Graphics Team  for your Yahoo  Group and Facebook home pages
===Quick posting===
Ideally, moderate messages at least every few hours. Put members who post correctly onto unmoderated status in Group Settings.


*The Graphics Team will help you with photos or other pictures you may want to upload to customise your Group.
[[Best_Practice_Notes#Quick_posting|More info]]


Email: [mailto:graphics@ilovefreegle.org graphics@ilovefreegle.org]
===Simple and minimal rules===
Keep rules short and to the point. Apply them fairly, always politely, and with flexibility where appropriate. Your community's rules are for your community only - it's not acceptable to try to enforce them on other communities, such as asking a member to leave another community.


====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_Notes#Simple_and_minimal_rules|More info]]


'''Best practice advice:'''
===Don't knock enthusiasm===
It isn't a sign of ill intent if a member is a 'multi-joiner' or makes lots of requests. Freegle is about encouraging reuse, so people who are able to travel or need things aren't going against our aims. They don't need to be removed or restricted unless there's a very good reason to do so. Occasionally someone will try to exploit Freegle, but this is rare - assume people are innocent and kind until proven otherwise.


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.
[[Best_Practice_Notes#Don't knock enthusiam|More info]]


*Do you approve new members?
==='Wanted' posts are a good thing===
Accept requests and offers equally, as first posts and subsequent ones. Our primary purpose is to keep things in use, so members who reuse items are essential to Freegle. Encourage requests, with no restriction on the number of wanted posts or number of items requested.


*Do you ask for location before approval?
[[Best_Practice_Notes#'Wanted'_posts_are_a_good_thing|More info]]


'''Consider:'''
===Avoid rejecting messages===
Members have made the effort to post a message, so unless it breaks a core rule (free and legal), try not to reject it. Editing a message, and sending a friendly personal message to explain the rules if needed, works better in the long run than rejecting outright - and it's a good moment to point the member towards the website and app as an easy way to compose posts.


*Open membership with new members being moderated (that picks up spammers, especially if you use the Moderator Plugin).
[[Best_Practice_Notes#Avoid_rejecting_messages|More info]]


*Writing to members whose first post is out of area and giving them the details of their nearest Group.
===Impression of you and Freegle===
We're providing a service that helps your members get in touch with each other to keep stuff out of the waste stream, so let's be good hosts.


*Sending only one joining message with the Disclaimer and deleting the standard Yahoo message. 
[[Best_Practice_Notes#Impression_of_you_and_Freegle|More info]]


====How many members do you have on moderation?====
===Member problems===
'''Best Practice advice:''' 
Handling problems and complaints from members is tricky. Finding the balance between running your community the way you'd like it run and the way members would like you to run it isn't always easy, but it's important to get right.


Put members who correctly format their messages on Group settings.
[[Best_Practice_Notes#Member_problems|More info]]


'''Consider:'''
===Use tools/services to make it easier to run or use your community===
Take up some or all of the helpful tools and services Freegle makes available to you and your members.


*The Moderator Plugin makes this very easy.
[[Best_Practice_Notes#Use_tools/services_to_make_it_easier_to_run_or_use_your_Community|More info]]


*You can always put them back on moderation if they slip up.  
===Ask for help===
You're not alone. All Freegle volunteers are in this together - we have a shared mission, so take advantage of others' experience, friendship and advice.
*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.
[[Best_Practice_Notes#Ask_for_help|More info]]


====How long does it take for a Freegler to see the message they have posted appear on the Group?====
===Publicise your community===
The more people who know about your community, the better it will be for freegling. Use the national publicity tools available to spread the word and get more members.


'''Best Practice advice:''' 
[[Best_Practice_Notes#Publicise_your_community|More info]]


Ideally, moderation of messages needs to be every few hours.  Moderating once a day is the minimum for a Group to survive.
===Supporting Freegle===
Freegle is run collectively by all of us, so make sure you're involved and informed about Freegle nationally.


'''Consider:'''
[[Best_Practice_Notes#Supporting_Freegle|More info]]


*Have a rota for moderation so that all the team know who is doing what and when.
===Get to know other Freegle Mods===
Chatting to other Freegle volunteers can help put a face to people, and builds better rapport for the good times and the bad.


====What rules do you have?====
[[Best_Practice_Notes#Get_to_know_other_Freegle_Mods|More info]]
'''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.
'''Note:''' the guidelines on [[Best Practice Notes]] were last formally discussed and amended on Development Group in 2021.


'''Consider:'''
'''Links:'''
* [[Running Your Local Community]]
* [[Our Aims]]


*The fewer rules you impose, the less work it is for you to moderate your Group.
[[Category:Getting Started]]
 
*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.
 
====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.
       
<br>
Back to [[Running Your Group]]
 
[[Category:The Basics]]

Latest revision as of 12:00, 17 July 2026

This page summarises our agreed best practice for running a Freegle community. Each point links to more detail on Best Practice Notes.

Summary

Freegle promotes reuse. We need to make sure that using Freegle is as quick, easy and enjoyable as possible, for us and for our members.

Our Aims outlines what Freegle and its volunteers can expect of each other. The intent is to support Freegle and members, and to safeguard our reputation. All the advice below sits within the context of the local rules communities are allowed to set.

The points

Emergency arrangements

Have backup arrangements in place, to safeguard your community and give you peace of mind.

  • Make sure your whole volunteer team knows they can contact Mentors for help - email mentors@ilovefreegle.org.
  • Exchange contact details with other volunteers, locally and/or nationally, in case of a crisis.

The 2025 AGM passed a resolution making it compulsory for every Freegle group to have at least two owners. They don't all need to be fully active on every group, as long as they're active somewhere and can cover any absence by the usual active owner.

More info

First impressions

Home pages (Freegle website, Facebook etc.) should be welcoming, quick and easy to read. Every homepage should have a logo or local picture, a tagline, a welcoming message and, optionally, local rules. Set these up in Settings in ModTools.

More info

New Freeglers need an easy start

  • Deal with all posts, especially first posts, swiftly and sympathetically.
  • Don't overwhelm members with lots of admin emails.

More info

Quick posting

Ideally, moderate messages at least every few hours. Put members who post correctly onto unmoderated status in Group Settings.

More info

Simple and minimal rules

Keep rules short and to the point. Apply them fairly, always politely, and with flexibility where appropriate. Your community's rules are for your community only - it's not acceptable to try to enforce them on other communities, such as asking a member to leave another community.

More info

Don't knock enthusiasm

It isn't a sign of ill intent if a member is a 'multi-joiner' or makes lots of requests. Freegle is about encouraging reuse, so people who are able to travel or need things aren't going against our aims. They don't need to be removed or restricted unless there's a very good reason to do so. Occasionally someone will try to exploit Freegle, but this is rare - assume people are innocent and kind until proven otherwise.

More info

'Wanted' posts are a good thing

Accept requests and offers equally, as first posts and subsequent ones. Our primary purpose is to keep things in use, so members who reuse items are essential to Freegle. Encourage requests, with no restriction on the number of wanted posts or number of items requested.

More info

Avoid rejecting messages

Members have made the effort to post a message, so unless it breaks a core rule (free and legal), try not to reject it. Editing a message, and sending a friendly personal message to explain the rules if needed, works better in the long run than rejecting outright - and it's a good moment to point the member towards the website and app as an easy way to compose posts.

More info

Impression of you and Freegle

We're providing a service that helps your members get in touch with each other to keep stuff out of the waste stream, so let's be good hosts.

More info

Member problems

Handling problems and complaints from members is tricky. Finding the balance between running your community the way you'd like it run and the way members would like you to run it isn't always easy, but it's important to get right.

More info

Use tools/services to make it easier to run or use your community

Take up some or all of the helpful tools and services Freegle makes available to you and your members.

More info

Ask for help

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

More info

Publicise your community

The more people who know about your community, the better it will be for freegling. Use the national publicity tools available to spread the word and get more members.

More info

Supporting Freegle

Freegle is run collectively by all of us, so make sure you're involved and informed about Freegle nationally.

More info

Get to know other Freegle Mods

Chatting to other Freegle volunteers can help put a face to people, and builds better rapport for the good times and the bad.

More info

Note: the guidelines on Best Practice Notes were last formally discussed and amended on Development Group in 2021.

Links:

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