Who Can Volunteer at Repair Café Pittsburgh?

“I’m not a professional electrician/engineer/carpenter/sewist … can I still volunteer as a repair specialist?”

This has been the most-asked question by people wanting to get involved with Repair Café Pittsburgh. Our answer is an enthusiastic YES YOU CAN!

What Volunteer Repair Specialists Do

Volunteer repair specialists work closely alongside attendees at a repair café to try fixing an item. If a repair can’t be made, that’s okay! Volunteer repair specialists then suggest alternative solutions or next steps. We don’t expect volunteer repair specialists to have all the answers. The most important skills to bring are patience, curiosity, and a positive mindset.

What to Expect

Volunteer repair specialists sign up in advance for a two-hour shift. We ask that volunteers come check in 15 minutes before their shift, where they’re assigned to a table with a small group of attendees (1-5 depending on the complexity of repairs needed). Volunteers are NOT expected to bring their own materials or tools unless they specifically offer to do so.

Who Can Be a Repair Specialist (Hint: It’s You)

Volunteers don’t need to be a professional in a related field or industry. We ask that volunteers have a basic working knowledge of their assigned area—electronics, appliances—to make small repairs. Whether you’re a hobbyist, student, or just a jack-of-all-trades, we value what you bring to Repair Café Pittsburgh.

How to Volunteer

It’s simple: fill out the Volunteer Form and we’ll onboard you from there.