A beginning

Let's get this party started. We have already had several good ideas from an interest/idea generating session. I will try to summarize them:

• This will be a space where people can help each other.

• Those requesting help should explain their circumstances--if you are asking for cash donations, what do you need it for? There may be a better way to solve your problem than with cash. I think everyone would feel better giving and receiving direct aid than giving/receiving cash. This should also help cut down on scammers.

• Money is not off of the table, but our goal is to help the most people possible, not to give a small fortune to a few people.

• We want to create IRL social networks--what family used to be for everyone--that can get together locally as cooking clubs or to make bulk purchases. Maybe we could even band together and buy group health insurance?

• We can encourage our our city subreddits to share and share alike.

• We should encourage bartering, even when the things or services exchanged are of unequal value. This sort of gift economy will keep aid from being a one-sided transaction. The people who get the most material benefit won't feel so much like they are getting a handout. We can encourage people to help others if they can't make a direct exchange.

• We can maintain info on the sidebar about how to access existing social services--be they government or from an NGO.

I think these are good goals and I am sure we will come up with more. This will probably be a slow process to get it going, so don't be discouraged. Check in often and put in your 2 cents. Let's continue the discussion.