So the social experiment has kicked off and the first set of trades are complete with varying degrees of success! This experiment, however, is more than an exchange of material goods. It provides the students, many of whom are not from the area, an opportunity to interact with the local community through the course of their trades. These developing interpersonal relationships are an invaluable part of the project, as the students attempt to fulfill the needs and wants of potential trading partners, while also learning their stories and connection to the Youville House. Please take a look and see how the team did, and more importantly, what’s now available for trade!
JT traded his red paperclip with Bradford Glaser for a barely used ‘Confidence Power Plus Treadmill’. Bradford is the President and CEO of HRDQ, a developer and publisher of experiential HR training and development resources based in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, who cares deeply about life long wellness for all ages and wanted to get the team off to a strong start.
Mali reached out to the local Jewish community and was able to obtain a baby gate.
Divya was able to trade her red paperclip for a St. Louis Blues Hockey cap.
Finally, Gatien was able to turn his paperclip into a pair of earrings after an intense week of negotiating with his roommate.
So please reach out and make us an offer we cannot refuse in support of this worthy project. The key is to be creative and identify that one item you could sacrifice or no longer have need for that would be of tremendous value to someone else. Maybe it is that old television you just replaced or possibly even parting with your beloved Red Sox season tickets for a game this summer! You can contact the trading team directly via email or simply post an offer (or comment) on this site and we’ll be sure to write you back.
The next trading period ends on 10 March so don’t delay!
We look forward to hearing from you!
JT, Mali, Divya, and Gatien
One Red Paperclip for Youville 
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