The Sharing Solution
Appendix B: Forms
Introduction
| Money and Property Worksheet | ||
| How I Spend Money | How Much I Spend Per Month | Ways to Share and Possible Savings |
| Food | ||
| Car/Transportation | ||
| Housing | ||
| Entertainment/Vacations/Recreation | ||
| Household goods | ||
| Child care | ||
| Pets | ||
| Utilities/Phone/Internet | ||
| Clothes | ||
| Healthcare | ||
| Other | ||
| Environmental Worksheet | |
| Green Goals | Ways to Live More Sustainably By Sharing |
| Drive less | |
| Buy fewer consumer goods | |
| Obtain food from more sustainable sources | |
| Reduce home energy use and use renewable energy sources | |
| Reduce waste | |
| Be greener at work | |
| Buy environmentally friendly products | |
| Other | |
| Other | |
| Community Building Worksheet | |
| Community Building Goals | Ways to Build Community by Sharing |
| Get to know neighbors | |
| Help neighbors and get help in return | |
| Get to know coworkers better | |
| Other | |
| Other | |
| Other | |
| Getting Help Worksheet | |
| What I Could Use Help With | Ways to Get Help by Sharing |
| House care | |
| Yard care | |
| Taking care of other possessions | |
| Meal preparation | |
| Chores and errands | |
| Child care | |
| Elder care or care for other adults | |
| Other | |
| What Could I Share? | |||
| Categories of Things to Share | What I Have to Share | What I Hope to Get Through Sharing | |
| Tangible Items | |||
| Household appliances | |||
| Household goods | |||
| Electronics | |||
| Tools | |||
| Vehicles | |||
| Work equipment | |||
| Recreation/ Hobbies | |||
| Fitness/ Outdoors | |||
| Clothing/ Accessories | |||
| Other | |||
| Space | |||
| Housing | |||
| Yard | |||
| Laundry room | |||
| Storage space | |||
| Vacation home | |||
| Work space | |||
| Other | |||
| Services, privileges, and subscriptions | |||
| Services | |||
| Privileges | |||
| Subscriptions | |||
| Other | |||
| Purchasing | |||
| Food | |||
| Goods/Supplies | |||
| Utilities | |||
| Other | |||
| Other | |||
| Other | |||
| Cooperation | Ways to Cooperate with Others | ||
| Carpools and rides | |||
| Child care | |||
| Adult care | |||
| Pet care | |||
| Meals | |||
| Gardening/ Yard work | |||
| Home repair/ Improvement | |||
| Chores/ Errands | |||
| Skills | |||
| Other | |||
Neighbor Questionnaire
Name:
Address:
Phone number:
Email address:
Would you like to join a neighborhood email listserv? _Yes _No
Emergency contact (someone we can call if we think you need emergency help):
Home phone:_______ Work phone:_______ Cell phone:_______
How long have you lived in this neighborhood?
Where are you from originally?
What do you like to do for fun?
What kind of work do you do?
What city do you work in?
Do you drive to work? _Yes _No
Would you be interested in carpooling if a neighbor works near you? _Yes _No
Do you own a car? _Yes _No
Would you ever be interested in sharing a car with a neighbor? _Yes _No
If you work from home, are you interested in sharing office equipment? _Yes _No
Do you have children? _Yes _No
If so, how many and how old?
Would you ever like to trade child care with other neighbors, whether through casual babysitting, sharing a child care provider, or otherwise? _Yes _No
Do you have pets? _Yes _No
If so, who are they?
Would you ever like to coordinate with neighbors to take turns walking dogs or caring for other animals? _Yes _No
Would you be interested in joining a neighborhood gardening group? _Yes _No
Would you be interested in joining a neighborhood home improvement group, which will meet to work on home repair and building projects at each member's house? _Yes _No
Would you like to be invited to neighborhood games nights? _Yes _No
Would you be interested in doing mealsharing with neighbors? _Yes _No
Do you have a fruit tree that you'd like help harvesting or fruit you'd like help eating? _Yes _No
Do you or does anyone in your household have any disabilities or health problems you would like your neighbors to know about, or you might need help with? _Yes _No
If so, what are they?
Would you be interested in sharing any of the following:
_ Tools, ladders, etc.
_ Washer and dryer
_ Household appliances, like vacuum cleaners
_ Household goods and electronics
_ Toys and sports equipment
Checklist for Discussing the 20 Questions
When you sit down to discuss the details of your sharing arrangement, here’s a checklist to guide your conversation:
__ 1. Why Are We Sharing?
- What are our personal, practical, financial, or environmental goals?
__ 2. What Are We Sharing?
- What are we not sharing?
__ 3. Whom Are We Sharing With?
- Do our cosharers need to meet any particular qualifications?
__ 4. How Many People Are We Sharing With?
- What are the pros and cons of having a large or small sharing group?
__ 5. How Will the Timing of Our Arrangement Work?
- When will it start and stop?
- Will it happen in phases?
__ 6. Who Owns the Shared Item(s)?
- Will one person own it and let others use it?
- Will we each own specific items or parts of the property?
- Will we each own a percentage share of the whole property? If so, in what proportions?
__ 7. Should We Form a Separate Legal Entity?
__ 8. What Should We Call Ourselves?
__ 9. What Do We Get to Do?
__ 10. How Will We Make Decisions?
- Will we all take part in decision making or delegate decisions to a small group?
- Do we all have equal decision-making power?
- Must all decisions be unanimous or made by majority vote?
__ 11. What Responsibilities Will Each of Us Have?
- Will we assign roles and tasks?
- Will we rotate responsibilities?
- Will anyone receive extra benefits in return for extra responsibilities?
__ 12. What Are the Rules for Using Our Shared Property or Meeting Our Shared Responsibilities?
__ 13. How Will We Handle Administrative Matters Like Scheduling, Communication, and Record Keeping?
__ 14. How Will We Divide Expenses?
- Will there be initial buy-in or start-up contributions? Will we need any loans?
- How will we divide overhead and variable costs?
- How will we collect money? Through regular dues or by reckoning expenses in some other way? Will we start a bank account?
- What kinds of unexpected costs could arise and how will we prepare for them?
- Who will keep track of our money?
- What happens if a member cannot pay?
__ 15. How Will We Manage Risk and Liability?
- What risks are involved in our sharing arrangement and how can we reduce them?
- How is the risk distributed (that is, who could suffer loss or be liable for damages)?
- Do we want to redistribute risk by making agreements with each other or purchasing insurance?
__ 16. Are There Legal Requirements We Need to Follow?
- Are there any required licenses or permits?
- Will this bring up any tax or employment law questions?
- Are there any legal roadblocks arising from zoning laws or private land covenants?
- What steps must we take to become a legal entity?
__ 17. How Will We Resolve Conflicts or Disputes?
__ 18. How Will We Bring New People Into the Group?
- What procedures will new members follow?
- How will new members be oriented?
- What is our policy on guests?
__ 19. How Can a Member Leave the Group?
- What steps must be taken when a member leaves voluntarily?
- Under what circumstances can a member be asked to leave the group?
__ 20. How Do We End the Sharing Arrangement?
Communication Checklist
Here’s a handy checklist for you and your cosharers to review:
- Have we talked through the logistics of our arrangement (for example, the 20 questions in Chapter 3)?
- Have we discussed each of our concerns or worries regarding the sharing arrangement?
- Do we all feel comfortable voicing our needs?
- Do we each feel that our needs and values are understood by other sharers?
- Do we have a plan for checking in with each other periodically?
- Are any of us interested in taking a communication training class? (See Appendix A for training resources.)
- Have we chosen a decision-making process?
- Have we decided what conflict resolution methods we will use?
- Do we want to choose a mediator in advance?
- Do we all feel prepared to approach difficult conversation in a constructive, non-judgmental, and non-defensive manner?
Worksheet: Rate Your Housing Priorities
Rate each of the following priorities by circling a number (1 = least important; 5 = most important).
The Space:
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | I would like to have my own unit. |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | I would prefer my own bathroom. |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | I would like to have a large kitchen. |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | I would like access to a yard. |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | I would like to be able to garden. |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | I would like on-site laundry facilities. |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | I would like on-site parking. |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | I would like a large storage space. |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | I would like other amenities, such as |
Material Needs and Long Range Plans:
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | I would like to own my residence and build equity. |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | I prefer to rent my residence. |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | I hope to save money from this arrangement. |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | I am looking for a place that I can live in for a long time. |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | I am looking for a short-term arrangement. |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | I would like to share furnishings. |
Furnishings I own and could share include:
Furnishings I need or would like to have include:
Home Environment, People, and Lifestyle:
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | I want to live in a way that is environmentally sustainable. |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | I want to feel free to have social events where I live. |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | I want to live in a nonsmoking home. |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | I would like to have some rules about drug and alcohol use. |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | I want to be able to have overnight guests. |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | I would like a quiet space (or quiet times). |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | I need space to practice trumpet (or other loud activity). |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | I want to share housing with someone who can help care for my child/pet. |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | I am open to caring for others and/or their children and pets. |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | I hope to feel a sense of community with people I live with. |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | I want to live with like-minded people. This means: |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | I would like to do activities with my cosharers, such as: |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | I would like to do mealsharing and collective food buying. |
Other wants and needs:
Home Improvement Group: Tools and Skills Assessment
Name(s):______________________________
Address:______________________________
Phone:_______________ Email: _______________
Preferred Work Day (check one): __ Saturday __ Sunday
| Skills | |||
| Skills | Seen It Done | Done Some | Done a Lot |
Carpentry | |||
Plumbing | |||
Electrical | |||
Masonry | |||
Tile work | |||
Painting (exterior) | |||
Painting (interior) | |||
Gardening | |||
Demolition | |||
Basic wiring | |||
Other (list) | |||
Tools I Have for the Group to Use:
__ Basic garden tools
__ Basic hand tools
__ Saw(s)
__ Drill
__ Ladder(s)
__ ____________________
__ ____________________
| Comfort Level | ||||
| Tool or Activity | Expert | Fine | Willing | Rather Not |
| Power tools | ||||
| Lifting | ||||
| Heights/Ladders | ||||
| Attics/Basements | ||||
| Managing logistics | ||||
| Other (list) | ||||
Possible Projects for Our Household
- _______________
- ______________
- ______________
Diet Preferences for Mealsharing
| Types of Food | Food I Don’t Eat | Food I Prefer Not to Eat (but I Can Be Flexible) | Food That Is Fine If I Can Pick Out | Food That Is Fine in Small Amounts |
Fruit Harvest Agreement
This agreement is between the Neighborhood Fruit Harvest Group ("Harvesters") and __________ ("Owner"). We enter into this agreement to allow Harvesters to pick fruit from Owner's fruit tree(s) and bushes.
1. On the following dates and times, Harvesters will pick the following fruit:
[Date]: Harvesters will pick_____________.
[Date]: Harvesters will pick_____________.
[Date]: Harvesters will pick_____________.
2. Check one of the following:
__ It is ok for Harvesters to enter the yard when Owner is not home. If owner is not home, Harvesters should [describe procedures, such as "close the gate behind them."]
__ Harvesters should enter the yard only when Owner is at home.
3. Harvesters will follow these rules when in Owner's yard: [describe rules, such as "Harvesters will not smoke;" "Harvesters will not make unnecessary noise while in the yard;" "Harvesters will take care to not damage flower beds or break any branches of the fruit trees."]
4. Harvesters will pick all fruit that appears ready to be picked and leave less mature fruit on the tree.
5. Harvesters will take care to avoid damaging the tree or breaking branches.
6. Harvesters will give [amount] of fruit to Owner.
7. Harvesters may do the following with the remainder of the fruit. (Check all that apply.)
__ Give fruit to other neighbors
__ Donate fruit to a food bank or other charity
__ Consume the fruit
__ Preserve or prepare the fruit, to eat or share
8. Harvesters will take reasonable steps to ensure that the fruit is not wasted.
9. Harvesters will use all proper care and safety precautions when climbing trees and ladders. ( Or: Harvesters will not climb the trees or use ladders. Harvesters will use extension fruit pickers, which they will provide.)
10. Owner does not ask for any compensation.
11. Harvesters, as consideration for the right to harvest fruit from Owner's tree(s), agree not to make a claim against or sue Owner for injury, loss, or damage that occurs during fruit harvest and/or consumption of Owner's fruit, including injury, loss, or damage arising from the negligence of Owner. Harvesters agree to indemnify, hold harmless, and defend Owner from all claims, liability, or demands that Harvesters or any third party may have or in the future make against Owner for injury, loss, or damage arising from harvesting and/or consuming fruit from Owner's trees, including from food-borne illness.
HARVESTERS:
Name:_____________________ on behalf of ________________
Signature:________________
Date:_____________________
OWNER(S):
Name:_____________________
Signature:________________
Date:___________
Name:_____________________
Signature:________________
Date:___________
Information Sheet for Children's Carpool
Child's Name:____________________________
Address for Pickup:________________________
Parent/Guardian Names:___________________
Parent 1:___________________________
Phone (please put a checkmark by the best number to reach you)
__ Home:__________ __ Work:___________
__ Cell:____________ __ Other:__________
Email:____________________
Parent 2:___________________________
Phone (please put a checkmark by the best number to reach you)
__ Home:__________ __ Work:___________
__ Cell:____________ __ Other:__________
Email:____________________
Name of Parent Who Will Drive Carpool:______________
Drivers' license no.:__________
Car make/model:____________ License plate:_________
Insurance co.:______________ Policy number:_________
Emergency Contact Name:______________________
Relationship to child:__________________________
Best number to reach:_________________________
Child's Physician Name:__________________
Best number to reach:___________________
Worksheet: Annual Car Expenses
| Type of Expense | Annual Costs | Costs to Share a Car | Costs to Carpool |
| Annual registration cost | |||
| License fees | |||
| Smog check (where applicable) | |||
| Insurance (average is $850 per year) | |||
| Depreciation | |||
| Interest on car loan (finance charges) | |||
| Roadside assistance program membership | |||
| Fuel | |||
| Parking | |||
| Maintenance (regular replacements, tires, fluids, filters, tune-ups, windshield wipers, cleaning) | |||
| Major repairs | |||
| Tolls | |||
| Title fee and transfer tax (usually applies only when car changes ownership) | |||
| Total |
Information Sheet for Carpool Members
Name:_____________________________
Address for pickup:__________________
Phone numbers(please put a check mark by the best number to reach you)
__ Home: _________________________
__ Work: _________________________
__ Cell: __________________________
__ Other: ________________________
__ Email: ________________________
Emergency contact
Name:____________________________
Relationship:______________________
Best number to reach:_______________
Driver information
Drivers' license number:___________________
Car make and model:______________________
License plate:____________________________
Insurance co. and policy number:____________
Worksheet: Work Expenses to Consider Sharing
| Expense | Amount | Sharing Ideas |










