December 2023 Fix-It Clinic

Are you handy with a hammer? Skilled with a sewing machine? Educated about electronics? Fix-It Austin needs your help!

We are testing something different for this clinic. We will offer the traditional Fix-It Clinic model where attendees bring in their broken item and work directly with coaches to learn how to fix it. In addition, for people who are unable to attend the clinic in person (due to lack of childcare or transportation, work conflicts, etc.), we will also provide the option to drop off their broken items the week prior to the clinic. Before the traditional clinic opens, coaches will work solo or in groups to fix these items. ** Residents will not be able to drop-off bikes to be repaired. Therefore, there is only one bike volunteer shift, from noon to 2 p.m. **

Volunteers can sign up for either the drop-off portion with no attendees (10 – 11:30 a.m.) or the traditional portion during which you will be working with attendees (noon – 2 p.m.) or choose to stay for both. We will provide lunch in the break from 11:30 a.m. to noon. Note that the clinic shift with attendees is two hours long, an hour shorter than past clinics. This is because we have noticed a consistent trend of lower attendance in the third hours of our clinics. We're hoping to use the drop-off clinic to repurpose that hour and test something new without asking for too much more of your time.

This new concept came directly out of research we conducted into what challenges prevent low-income residents and Austinites of color from repairing broken household items. A majority of residents we spoke with said that a lack of time prevented them from repairing items on their own or using repair services or businesses. We hope this add-on service will increase the reach of our programming, to help those most in need. After this event, we'll analyze the success of the drop-off pilot to determine whether it's something we want to move forward with. We appreciate your willingness to help us test new features of the Fix-It Austin program, as we seek the best ways to center equity.

We will bring tools and equipment for common repairs that you may use. You may also bring your own if you prefer! We are so grateful to all our volunteers. We couldn't put these on without you!

We would also love for you to promote the event in your communities. Anyone who is interested in attending can register through EventBrite. Those who want to drop-off an item don't need to register -- they can just drop the item off at the Ruiz Branch, Dec. 8-14.

For questions, comments, or concerns contact CircularEconomy@austintexas.gov.