I Am Experiencing Discrimination in a Buy Nothing Facebook Group
Overview
Buy Nothing communities are founded on principles of radical inclusion and equitable participation. Discrimination of any kind conflicts with these values and undermines the purpose of a local gift economy.
Buy Nothing’s Position on Discrimination
The Buy Nothing Project Community Commitment is rooted in inclusion, equity, and respect. Admins and participants are expected to serve and welcome their entire community without exclusion or discrimination.
Limits of Intervention on Facebook
Buy Nothing Facebook groups are managed independently by local volunteer admins. Because of this structure, the Buy Nothing Project is not able to directly intervene in local moderation decisions or disputes within Facebook groups.
Actions You Can Take
Report the Group
If discrimination is occurring, the group can be reported through the formal review process. Reports related to discrimination are taken seriously.
Report a Group:
https://forms.gle/RDYpwrZY6Xm9ktK1A
Choose a More Equitable Option: The Buy Nothing App
Experiences like these are one of the reasons the Buy Nothing web and mobile platform was developed.
On the app:
- There are no admin gatekeepers defining participation
- Each participant controls their own sharing radius and experience
- The platform is designed to support welcoming, fair, and inclusive participation
Join the platform:
Summary
Discrimination conflicts with Buy Nothing’s core values. While local Facebook groups operate independently, reporting tools and an alternative, equity-centered platform are available to support inclusive participation in local gift economies.