Shareish (Share & Cherish): An Open-Source, Map-Based, Web Platform to Foster Mutual Aid

Abstract

In this paper, we introduce the Shareish web platform to foster mutual aid following principles of gift economy and generalized exchange. Its design is grounded in prior work (in CT, CSCW, and solidarity HCI) and it aims at leveraging community assets through donation, free loan, requests of goods and services, and free event announcements. Authenticated users can visualize localized items on a map or through lists, search with filters, add new content with rich textual and visual descriptions, discuss about specific content with others users, and get notifications when new content is created in their neighborhood. In addition, we evaluate AI technologies to ease content creation. The platform can be easily replicated and improved by grassroots movements or researchers seeking autonomy as its source code is made freely available and its installation relies on modern deployment strategies. A demonstration server is available (https://shareish.org/, see Section Online Resources).