Having lived in this city for years, it wasn’t until Cole Lowman began working with the Tool Library that they began to see Buffalo as their home. Now Cole serves on the board and not only regularly volunteers but also brings their two kids, sewing the seeds for Tool Library volunteers for future generations. As a professor at UB, Cole created practical assignments in which their students crafted user manuals for the Tool Library’s tools; whether in the classroom or in their research, Cole always aims to show the broad range of organizations that help lift up this community. That’s why we’re so grateful to have Cole as a vital part of our team.
What motivated you to become a volunteer at the Tool Library, and how has the experience been?
I wanted to be more involved in the community, and I really liked the work I saw the Tool Library doing. I appreciate the community-building, mutual-aid vibe. I think we need more of that in the world, and especially in Buffalo. We all need to do our part to help lift each other up.
You’re a professor at the University at Buffalo. Is there any overlap between your work there and the Tool Library?
Yes! I like to design writing assignments that help my students become more engaged with local issues. I’ve also previously assigned students the task of writing zine-style manuals for Tool Library tools and standardizing those manuals to fit the Tool Library’s aesthetic. I feel my class carries added importance because it introduces students to what’s happening in their home city — whether they’re here long-term or just for college — and to the kinds of organizations tackling economic and social issues in Buffalo.
As a researcher, I’ve worked with colleagues to develop what we’re calling “Critical Signaling Theory,” which helps organizations be more aware of how they represent themselves (especially online) so they can better reflect the populations they serve, including through things like gender-inclusive language.
How has volunteering impacted your life and sense of community?
Volunteering for the Tool Library, as cheesy as it sounds, feels like “home.” Doing projects and serving on the board with such wonderful people has made me feel that Buffalo is truly my home city, even though I’d lived here for years before finding the Tool Library. I also love bringing my young kids to volunteer because I hope it helps them grow up feeling connected too.
When you work with Tool Library tools, do you generally work on projects with your family?
My garden. We’ve planted lots of food in the backyard, and my kids love helping me dig, plant, water and pick. The roto-tiller is my favorite tool!
What’s one thing you’d like to learn to do (or do better) with the tools?
I want to learn more carpentry from Lissa! I own a house and have hired handypeople, but I’d like to be able to do more of that kind of work myself. It would obviously cut down on costs, but I think it would also give me a stronger sense of ownership.
Interested in becoming a volunteer? Check out all the different ways to get involved here.