The article in the url below presents a great example of community building — a "repair cafe":
"A dusty film projector. A torn pair of jeans. An electric ukulele gone silent. One recent morning in New York City's East Harlem neighborhood, about 50 people huddled in a converted public school with a common purpose: To give broken things a second life."
They also represent a more sustainable existence:
"Repair Cafe El Barrio is one of a growing number of gatherings that offer help to fix all manner of household items for free. Dubbed 'repair cafes,' their mission is to reduce waste, nurture refurbishing skills and bring a neighborhood closer together."
Most importantly, perhaps, in terms of community building:
"The fixers, or 'repair coaches,' are all volunteers. There are artists, scientists, retired electricians, all neighborhood folks good with their hands. There is friendly conversation and freshly-brewed coffee."
And New York leads the way:
"The first repair cafe came together in Amsterdam in 2009 in the aftermath of the global financial crisis. The concept made its way to America three years later. Since then, New York state — from the Hudson Valley to New York City — has led the country in the number of repair cafes with weekly or monthly events at nearly 70 locations and counting."
An idea that is encouragingly widespread:
"Across the country, there are some 200 locations, according to a directory maintained by the Repair Cafe Foundation, an international network of repair event organizers that follows a loose set of rules. Worldwide, there are more than 2,500 locations. When you count other similar nonprofit 'fix-it clinic' models, the number increases."
Essentially, all the cafes have a common goal:
"The gatherings are meant to be an antidote to today's throwaway culture, fueled by a concern that unbridled consumption is pushing the planet's resources to the brink."
Hope everyone in the U.S. had a restful Thanksgiving.
Take care
David
David Chandler
© Sage Publications, 2023
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At These Cafes, It's Always a Free Fix Menu
By Hiroko Tabuchi
June 4, 2025
The New York Times
Late Edition – Final
16
