helpnet

The idea

The goal here is to cultivate an environment where people's willingness to help each other is based on trust and on ongoing evaluation of each other's needs and circumstances - rather than money or any form of exchange. This is about making ourselves available to and helping each other to the extent possible within the current socio-economic climate.

It is hoped to bring about a culture in which - regardless of where a person is travelling to, and regardless of how long they are staying - there is someone there to welcome, support, and look out for them. Not a practice where this is done for money, or any sort of "payment", but because helping and supporting each other is one of the most important aspects of being human.

This is done on a small scale already, but not anywhere near enough. At the moment this is a sort of minority behaviour - we want to make it the default.

Collaboration

This project is not intended to be a stand-alone effort. It is hoped, rather, that it will be part of a larger movement to a sort of "gift economy". The importance and value of collaborating - formally or informally - with other projects is recognized.

This is hoped to evolve in a non-hierarchical fashion, and the project should be regarded as "belonging" to anyone who feels passionate about the values and aspirations it represents.

The input, feedback, or participation of anyone who agrees with the afore-mentioned values is welcome. Contact the author at

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