What is your full name?
What community or area do you live in?
What organization, business, or role are you connected to?
How did you first hear about Mainspring?
What made you want to become involved with Mainspring?
How long have you been connected to Mainspring?
What was your first impression of Mainspring?
What stands out to you most about Mainspring?
Why do you think organizations like Mainspring matter?
If you had to describe Mainspring in one word or sentence, what would it be?

Why do you believe supporting your local community matters?
What does it mean to you knowing Mainspring helps people from all walks of life?
Why is access to food and clothing important in today’s world?
What do you think people misunderstand about food insecurity?
Why do you think dignity and compassion matter when helping people?
What impact do you think Mainspring has on Portland as a whole?
Why do you think nonprofits like Mainspring are important right now?
What would happen if organizations like Mainspring did not exist?
What would you want others in the community to know about Mainspring?

How did you first find Mainspring?
What brought you to Mainspring originally?
What was your experience like the first time you came in?
How did Mainspring make you feel?
What resources have helped you the most?
What does having access to food or clothing mean for you or your family?
How has Mainspring helped reduce stress or hardship in your life?
What makes Mainspring feel different from other places?
What would you say to someone who may be nervous about asking for help?
What does dignity and respect during difficult times mean to you?
Has Mainspring helped you feel more connected to the community?
What would you want donors or volunteers to understand about the people being served? text goes here

Why did you choose to volunteer with Mainspring?
What keeps you coming back?
What have you learned while volunteering here?
What surprised you most about the experience?
What does community service mean to you personally?
How does volunteering here affect your perspective on the community?
Can you share a memorable moment you experienced while volunteering?
Why do you think volunteers are important to nonprofits like Mainspring?
What would you say to someone considering volunteering?

Why did your business or organization choose to partner with Mainspring?
What stood out to you about Mainspring’s mission?
Why is community partnership important?
How does working together strengthen the community?
Why do you believe businesses should be involved in helping address food insecurity and basic needs?
What impact have you personally seen Mainspring make?
Why do you continue supporting Mainspring?
What does community responsibility mean to your organization?
Why is collaboration between nonprofits and businesses important?
What would you say to other businesses considering getting involved?

Why do you choose to donate to Mainspring?
What inspired your support?
Why do you believe donating locally matters?
What does it mean knowing your donations directly support the community?
What impact do you hope your donations create?
Why do you trust Mainspring with your support?
What would you say to others thinking about donating?

Only ask if the person seems comfortable discussing these topics.

Mainspring serves people from many different backgrounds, cultures, identities, and experiences. What does that mean to you?
Why is it important for community resources to be welcoming to everyone?
How do compassion and inclusion strengthen a community?
What does it mean seeing people come together without judgment?
Why is it important that people feel safe and respected when asking for help?

This section focuses specifically on the partnership with the Reynolds School District vocational rehabilitation students and teachers.

Questions For Teachers And Program Coordinators:

Can you explain what the vocational rehab program is?
What types of experiences are students gaining through this program?
Why was Mainspring chosen as a placement site?
What skills are students developing while volunteering at Mainspring?
How does hands-on experience help students grow?
What changes have you seen in students participating here?
How does volunteering build confidence and independence?
Why is community inclusion important for students on the spectrum or students with disabilities?
How does Mainspring create a welcoming environment for students?
What does it mean seeing students interact directly with the community?
Why are partnerships like this important for Portland as a whole?
How does this program help prepare students for future employment and life skills?
What impact does this experience have beyond the classroom?
Why do opportunities like this matter for families?

Keep these simple, encouraging, and pressure free.

What is your name?
What school do you attend?
What do you like about volunteering at Mainspring?
What kinds of things do you help with?
What have you learned while being here?
What is your favorite part about volunteering?
How does volunteering make you feel?
What have you learned about helping the community?
Have you met new people through this program?
Why do you think helping others is important?
What skills do you think you are building?
Has volunteering helped build your confidence?
Would you recommend this program to other students?
What does Mainspring mean to you?

What impact do you think Mainspring has on Portland that many people may not realize?
Why is emergency food and clothing support important for housing stability?
How does Mainspring help preserve dignity during difficult times?
What does it mean to see so many different people come together to help one another?
How does Mainspring help create connection within the community?
Why is compassion important right now?
What does “community” mean to you personally?

What do you think about the idea behind Thread & Theory and that 100% of sales go to purchasing more food for the community?
Why is it important that only a small percentage 2-3% of donated items are used to generate funding for food programs?
What does it mean knowing purchases help feed the community?
Why do you think sustainability and community support work well together?
What impact do you think programs like this can have long term?

What would you want the public to know about Mainspring?
What message would you like to share with the community?
What would you say to someone thinking about supporting Mainspring?
Why should people care about organizations like Mainspring?
What gives you hope when you think about the community?
What does community support look like to you?
Is there anything else you would like to share?