So What? Leadership Class Hosts Red Paper Clip Auction

By Caitlin Burns | April 17, 2017

Is it possible to  trade a paper clip for a house? In 2005, blogger Kyle MacDonald did just that, and his experiment has inspired the Honors “So What?” leadership class’s Red Paper Clip Challenge.

Students in the class were each given a paper clip, which they bartered throughout the semester for better objects. Over the semester they “traded up” for roller skates, amplifiers, bicycles, televisions, and concert tickets, which will be auctioned on Sunday, April 23 at the Community Flea Market from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the lower parking lots at Arcadia. All profits will be donated to the Fairmount Park Conservancy.

MacDonald’s project focused on creating value and improving the lives of others by saying yes to collaboration. Students participating in the challenge were given the opportunity to explore innovative problem-solving, networking, and marketing through their interactions in bartering for new objects.