Fediverse features for mutual aid/community organizing

2026-05-01 12:53 UTC

I feel that decentralized social networks can help to realize some important functions for communities with regard to mutual aid and community building, but I do not see much action happening on that front, or at least I have not heard about them. Specifically I would like to discuss how we can build mutual aid networks on the fediverse. What sorts of interactions or platforms would be needed to make this a reality? Feature 1: Classified ads - “I need” or “I have” identifiers on posts allowing users to provide or request resources or services from other people Possible existing platform - Flohmarkt Feature 2: Events - Time, Date, Place, Location, allowing users to organize events, such as food not bombs, demonstrations, etc Possible existing platforms - Mobilizon Feature 3: Private groups - Invite only groups that allow for private discussion, classified and event postings, allowing users to organize in a private and secure way, without having to rely on a public forum like the current fediverse is. Possible existing platforms - Bonfire What does everyone think about these features for building mutual aid and real community building on the fediverse, what other features can you think of that would be useful for this, and what platforms/initiatives exist already to implement these features?

Replies (4)

@Kierunkowy74@piefed.social 2026-05-01 13:02

Gancio fits feature 2 too, and Mobilizon could be used also for feature 3

Open ##3193914
@givesomefucks@lemmy.world 2026-05-01 13:31

What does everyone think about these features for building mutual aid There’s not enough people to support or administer that type of program, and every attempt I’ve seen on here has either been an obvious grift, or people who clearly don’t have the critical thinking to run something like that and will eventually be grifted Anyone smart enough to do this, is smart enough to see that it would be a waste of time and the best path would be at most communities for existing programs who would handle the actual stuff. If you try to run a program on here,but would be a never ending stream of new accounts asking for 5-20 dollars because in their country that’s a shit ton of money. Those people gain way more out small donations than people in expensive countries,nsp they’ll be more motivated to keep trying.

Open ##3193915
@hendrik@palaver.p3x.de 2026-05-01 13:31

I think “mutual aid” is an established expression as well. Some groups use that term when raising money. Something similar to a GoFundMe I guess. And there’s several communities named this way on the Fediverse. I think it’d prefer the term “community organizing” for what you lined out. I’ve tried Flohmarkt and Mobilizon. They’re awesome. Sadly we’re always faced with the same issue… there’s not a lot of people on those platforms.

Open ##3193916
@Quokka@quokk.au 2026-05-01 16:19

PieFed already has events. We post ours in !events@quokk.au if you want to view some examples.

Open ##3193920