One of the coolest organizations in Indy! Want to learn something? They have a range of different classes from watercolor painting to real estate, or travelling in a van to guacamole-making. Best part? They're all free! Woah, wait?! Did you say free?! Yes - here's how it works: You can sign up to either teach a class on a subject you're passionate about or sign up for a class you want to attend. The teacher of your class will post a list of items that they want in exchange for people taking their class. The exchanges are always super simple, asking for you to bring something easy like a can of soup or even an avocado seed. For example, my watercolor teacher wanted used baby food jars so she could turn them into water bowls for her painting classes. I also took a 'talking to the media' class a few years ago while I was in college and learned a lot, that i then took into my internship with Yelp (woop woop!). The classes are only about an hour long, and during COVID19, they've been doing some fun virtual classes too. Join their email list or follow them on socials to stay up-to-date on their classes! read more

Barter school is something I've heard a lot about but had never been until last night. If you are unaware of the concept, the name really does let you know, you bring barter items to learn about different things. This ranges from arts, crafts, oils, cocktails, homebuying and other topics. You are made aware of what the teacher would like you to bring on the eventbrite page before the class happens. I think this is a great concept and I'm excited to get involved and pick up on some of the new topics that I can learn about, the first class I'm taking is the cocktail course. Classes run on a semester basis and the teachers are all volunteers, you can also pay for courses via volunteering or a pay it forward token Sign up for the classes on eventbrite and all classes are hosted at rabble coffee unless otherwise stated So excited for this! read more

Barter School Indy - Community Centers Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

I love Barter School! Previously Trade School Indianapolis, this local community organization is a welcome staple on the near-east side. Located in Rabble Coffee, BSI opens their doors when Rabble ends its regular hours. The "semesters" rotate, with parties to celebrate each new class roster! Classes range from crafty activities to thought-provoking conversations, and lots in between. Recent hot topics have included Mail Art, Essential Oils, Hand Tools 101, Canvas Painting, Appetizers on a Budget, Meal Planning Basics, Elementary Art Centers, Public Speaking, Special Effects Makeup, Resume Workshops, Creative Writing Prompts, Homebuying and Selling, Gardening Starters, Traveling Abroad, etc. Membership is a pay-what-you-can donation, so it's accessible to anyone and everyone! You also do not have to be a member to attend your first class; they're very encouraging. Teachers do need to be members, but they allow you to teach anything you feel passionate about! Have some secret bartending skills? Teach! Love to play poker? Teach! Know how to use Photoshop? Teach! Anything you can teach to 6-15 people in approximately 90 minutes is ideal for class. You decide the size of your class, and the format. PowerPoint presentation, hands-on activity, or just a discussion - all formats are welcome. If you're not ready to teach, but have something in mind, classes can be requested on their Facebook page, and they help give willing teachers ideas on what to offer. Lastly, they have an active facebook page https://www.facebook.com/barterschoolindy/ and tap into the community with contests, and award prizes. They recently asked for new logo ideas from members, and launched their new branding. read more

Barter School Indy - Summer launch party presentation - rolling out new classes & new t-shirts! - Community Centers Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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Ahhh... the good old days of bartering... A fabulous concept... trade what you have for something you need or want. Simple and beautiful. So here we have the teachers sharing their knowledge for items on their wish list. The pupils gain knowledge or a skill at minimal cost to them. I have attended classes from world religions to watercolor basics. Yes, I am all over the place, but that's ok, especially here. Topics have a wide range and you are always welcome to learn or share your interests, skills, knowledge. I love to attend class where the teachers are passionate about the subject at hand and are trying to convey their knowledge to a small group of students. Where you can ask questions and ask for a little extra help if needed. I love picking out my trade item(s) for the teacher. Since I make a lot of bracelets, I sometimes offer those for bartering, if the teacher is interested. Then I usually bring some samples and let them pick the one they like best. The only bad thing I have to say is that I have overheard a few people exchanging ideas on how to "get away" with bringing the least that they can possibly bring to trade. Come on folks, let's not take advantage of those that are trying to share their time and effort with us. Nobody expects huge expensive gifts, but do put a little effort and generosity into your trade items. NO, I am not faulting those that simply cannot afford it (that's a totally different situation). read more

What a great concept! Barter School Indy typically changes location yearly, depending on where they can find a space for free. They offer classes M-Th, but not every day. It's up to the teachers and when they want to offer classes. There is a wide range of classes offered each quarter, and the schedule can be found on their website. Even though there is no cost for the classes, they ask that you RSVP through eventbrite, so they can keep count on how many to expect. Tip: even if the class says sold out, call and ask if you can still come. Most likely you still can, as the attendance is usually pretty low. Each class works on a typical barter system. Since no money exchanges hands, the teacher will list several items that they are interested in, and the student will bring something from that list as "payment" for the class. They ask that if you can no longer make the class that you signed up for, please call and let them know in advance. read more

Wow what an amazing community, idea, and concept. The basics of Barter school is: sign up for a class, bring an item requested by the teacher, and learn amongst your community. I took the introduction to self hypnosis class. I learned about a new topic in an extremely relaxed environment all for the cost of acrylic paint. The space isn't fancy by any means, but is cozy, has natural light, and allows for people to learn and grow. Sign up on EventBrite (which has a waitlist option). On the website, it will list what items to bring and class details. Show up. Simple as that. Parking is available across the street in a gravel lot or on the street! read more

Alert the media! Trade School Indy is a hidden gem in our city that you definitely need to check out. Community members volunteer their time and talents to teach a diverse array of classes like pitching to the media, knitting 101, and Chinese medical wisdom. The class lineup changes each semester. Got a skill? Sign up to teach! Want to learn a skill? Sign up for a class, or submit a recommendation for a class topic. Trade School Indy is based off of a barter system. Your "payment" for the class is bringing in an item from the instructor's wish list. It could include the materials you need for the class, donating an item for a homeless shelter, or bringing in an idea written down. The system makes it as accessible as it can be for all to attend. For example, I took a pitching the media class with Leslie Bailey of the Indy Star and my contribution included bottles of body wash for a domestic violence shelter. Classes are held in the CCIC just north of Mass Ave. A plethora of free parking is available in the lot to the right. Enter the door directly to the right of Exodus Refugee and follow the yellow brick road (err, signs) to get to the classroom. read more

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I LOVE learning new things, but classes can sometimes add up very quickly on the pocketbook. Barter school or what used to be Trade School Indy gives me an opportunity to learn things for the price of: some local honey, cake mix, dinner ingredients and recipe... These are some of the things that I've traded to take a Cake decorating class, knitting class, sewing class... The instructor submits a list of what they'd like and you submit what you will bring when you register. Have some knowledge you'd like to share? Become a member and submit to teach http://tradeschool.coop/indianapolis/page/membership/ read more

I "heart" Indy for so many reason. I am so proud of Indy for embracing seemingly out of the box concepts by bringing unique organizations to Indy, such as Trade School Indianapolis. "Barter for Knowledge" is the basic concept of Trade School Indy. It's so simple, yet ingenious. Basically the school offers classes of varying topics taught by volunteers. Your "payment" for the class is basically an item listed on the instructors "wish list." For example, I'm currently taking a knitting class. In exchange for my instructor being super awesome and sharing her knowledge of knitting, to "pay" for the class I selected an item per class from her list which was a reusable grocery bag. Yep, that's it! The classroom is located in Circle City Industrial Complex on Brookside Ave. There is free parking in the lot across the street. Once you enter the building just follow the signs and you will easily find the classroom. The room itself is so nice and inviting. I love the artwork and student work displayed around the room. There is also a shelf full of goodies including tea, coffee, and snacks. Ack! I love this place. I've already signed up for a cake decorating class and plan to become a member. The membership is based on a pay what you can model. The only way this place can sustain is through community support. Plus, you get a really cool t-shirt! I encourage EVERYONE to check out Trade School Indianapolis. It's a great way to learn and grow! read more

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What a unique concept. Enjoyed the Travelogue event. Discussions included travel to Switzerland, Germany, Japan, Scotland, Colorado and Vegas. Looking forward to more events!! read more

Tonight was my first night experiencing the Barter School and it was a blast! The topics range from cocktail making to knitting to building a resume! The concept is simple, you bring a requested item in exchange for someone's knowledge on a specific topic. Will definitely try out other classes after tonight's experience! read more

Trade School Indy is now located at Rabble Coffee on the Near East Indy at 2119 E. 10th St. Getting involved with this amazing organization was an easy choice for me! You can teach or take a class or barter with your mad volunteering skills. Unsure what to teach? TSI has an ongoing list on their website, www.TradeSchool.coop/Indianapolis, of what people wish to learn. You can easily join in the fun by becoming a member of Trade School Coop. It's simple with a one-time pay-what-you-can (PWYC) donation. I always check out TSI's Facebook page for the new and upcoming events. And I always make sure to like, share, and tweet because paying it forward for this all-volunteer organization is making a special community in Indy. read more

This is quite possibly one of my favorite things about Indy. Come learn something or teach something and make some new friends in the process. read more

I love Barter School Indy because it offer a comfortable learning environment for all kinds of fascinating topics. I've learned new skills for presentations, tips on how to advocate for important causes, how to change my tire and other basic car maintenance, how to properly use kitchen knives, and all kinds of other life skills. Besides learning new things I meet new people in my community who have similar interests. It's a wonderful community education program! read more

As a teacher, I love doing classes for BSI! Students are always so kind and attentive, and the organizers are always patient, supportive, and helpful. Rabble coffee is an excellent location, Josie is always welcoming. read more

It's a great concept and I like that it's accessible to anyone. This past semester was my first and my husband and I enjoyed everything we attended. We are keeping our eyes out for next semester read more