The RE Store is a program of RE Sources, a nonprofit environmental education and advocacy organization based in beautiful Bellingham, Washington. RE Sources protects the communities, creatures and wild places of the central Salish Sea region through a combination of bold advocacy, public issue-focused education, hands-on environmental education for students, scientific fact and effective action.
The RE Store stands against racism, white supremacy, and injustice and the ingrained structures and institutions that enable and perpetuate them. Indigenous, Black and other communities of color, as well as low income families and children, are disproportionately harmed by environmental degradation and climate change. We envision a future where every person benefits from clean energy, less pollution and thriving outdoor places.
As a community focused architectural salvage center, we work to create a culture of reuse by diverting waste from the landfill, offering affordably priced building materials and home furnishings for all income levels, providing job training opportunities, and fostering an inclusive space where all feel welcome.
Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative of our region’s communities. RE Sources encourages applications from Black people, Indigenous people, people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and gender-nonconforming people especially in occupations or positions where they are underrepresented.
Position Summary:
We are looking for a patient and knowledgeable individual to lead hands-on skill-building workshops for adults. As a volunteer instructor, you will empower participants to learn basic skills in reuse and repair so they can tackle home projects with confidence, saving money and building resilience. A $200 stipend is included.
Time Commitment: Workshops will be 2-3 hours, and instructors can expect to contribute an additional 2-4 hours for planning and preparation.
You should join us if you…
- Have a passion for sharing your craftsmanship with others
- Want to make a tangible impact on community self-sufficiency, repair and reuse
- Enjoy the patient craft of teaching others
Key Responsibilities
- Demonstrate Skills: Provide group instruction in one (or more) of the workshop subject areas listed below to a class of 8 -14. Provide individual feedback while moving around the classroom as participants practice
- Physical Requirements: Be able to lift and carry workshop materials up to 50 pounds
- Safety First: Ensure all participants understand and follow proper safety protocol
- Workshop Prep: Work with Program Coordinator to create a “Show, Try, Do” framework for the workshops
- Materials Prep: We will work with instructors to source tools and materials from the RE Store as much as possible. If needed, we have a small budget to purchase supplies. Instructors are welcome to bring their own tools, although not required
- Setup & Cleanup: Assist with the preparation of the classroom and workshop. Ensure the space is left organized
Workshop Subject Areas
- Carpentry
- Plumbing
- Electricity
- Drywall repair
- Woodworking
- Garden irrigation
- Furniture refinishing (not upholstery)
Qualifications
- Proficiency: Significant experience (professional or serious hobbyist) in the subject matter being taught.
- Communication: Ability to break down complex tasks into simple, easy-to-follow steps for beginners.
- Patience: A positive attitude when working with learners who may be intimidated by tools.
- Passion: A passion for waste reduction, repair and reuse.
Priority deadline is June 5th. Questions? Contact Priscilla Brotherton at priscillab@re-sources.org.
You can view this job description as a PDF here.