October 1, 2024 - Seeking Speakers and Input: Upcoming ReUse CoP Sessions on Staffing, Funding, and Front-Facing Databases

Dear ReUse Community Members,

Following our rich discussions on October 1, 2024, we have compiled a breakdown of the core topics and suggested formats for our next three sessions. These topics reflect the key challenges and opportunities identified during our conversation. While the session order is not yet set in stone, here is a preview of what we plan to cover:

Proposed Topics:

Session on Grants and Funding

• Key Elements:
  • Identifying your ReUse program needs—What projects or services are you trying to grow or initiate?
  • Exploring what’s out there—A focus on finding and securing funding sources
  • Sharing grant-writing techniques—practical tips from peers who have successfully secured funding
• Suggested Format:
  • A short presentation on existing grant opportunities
  • Peer examples of successful grants and funding strategies
  • Open Q&A and resource-sharing

Session on Staffing and Building Capacity

• Key Challenges:
  • Managing time and resources effectively
  • Doing more with less—how to scale with limited funding
  • Engaging and retaining volunteers
• Suggested Format:
  • Roundtable sharing on successful strategies
  • Peer-exchange for creative solutions
  • Brainstorm on innovative models for staffing and volunteer programs

Session on Front-Facing Databases for ReUse Needs

• Core Focus:
  • What tools are available to manage inventory and front-facing needs for ReUse programs?
    • AT4ALL—exploring its features and how programs use it
    • NATADS—exploring its features and how programs use it
    • Custom-built solutions integrated with program websites
• Suggested Format:
  • Demonstrations from ReUse programs currently using these platforms
  • Comparative analysis and participant feedback

Call for Speakers and Subject Matter Experts

We want these sessions to be as interactive and informative as possible. To make that happen, we are seeking speakers, subject matter experts, or anyone willing to share their approaches on these topics. Whether you’ve implemented a creative staffing model, secured a grant, or have experience with front-facing databases like AT4ALL or NATADS, your expertise would greatly benefit the group.

If you or someone from your program is interested in speaking or leading a discussion, please reach out to me directly! Your input will help shape the final session order and content.

We’re excited about the discussions ahead and look forward to hearing from you. Thank you in advance for your contributions to making these sessions impactful for everyone.

Next Meeting: January 7, 2025, 3-4 PM ET

Our next ReUse Community of Practice meeting is scheduled for January 7, 2025, from 3-4 PM ET. We are looking forward to diving deeper into these topics during this session. If you haven't already, please be sure to register for the upcoming ReUse CoP sessions. If you've registered for one session, you're automatically registered for all four sessions in the series.

Take Care,
Ryan Rausch, ATAP/AT3
Training and Technical Assistance Lead