Today we’d like to introduce you to Barter Up.
Hello Barter Up, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Barter Up started as three friends hanging out wanting to find ways to get what we needed without money. We decided we wanted to create that space for ourselves and share it with others. We created an Instagram account and reached out to a local Black-owned coffee shop one of us frequently visits.
The coffee shop agreed to let us use their space and hosted our first event simply because they agreed with our mission. We created a Tiktok of that night and became who we are today by inspiring others across the country while creating our own bartering community here in Memphis.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Yes and no. Fortunately, we have been able to find others who also believe in a non-capitalistic society and are in need of a safe space to have their needs met as well as simply exist. The challenge, on the other hand, has been dealing with the influx of people who want to contribute to our mission.
We are a very small organization and are still figuring out the do’s and don’ts when creating these spaces. We try our best to be inclusive and accessible as able-bodied individuals but there are still more things to learn when it comes to truly creating a safe community. Though, we are grateful for the amount of support we continue to receive as we grow and learn.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Barter Up focuses on creating a community through collaboration and mutual aid. We hold a monthly marketplace where we allow people to come and trade for items that they may need or want. Their ticket into the event is a non-perishable item or pay-what-you-can donation. All of the donations we receive go right back out to the community via a donation drive or to a mutual aid recipient that we pick monthly.
We strive to uphold our values of giving back to the people. We are proud that we have cultivated a space where people feel safe enough to share their burdens and feel comfortable enough to ask for help. Here at Barter Up, because we know how it feels to not be able to get what you need, we always give without questions.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
The most important advice we can give is to take the leap. Barter Up started as three friends hanging out who decided to go on a whim. We became who we are today because people believed in our mission. For anyone looking to start something similar, come up with a set of values and stick to it.
Reach out to people in your community who align with your line of thinking. Ask friends to be involved and participate in your first event. It’s okay to start small and build from the ground up. The people who need you will find you, you just have to start from somewhere. Always remember that you don’t have to start with the world, you just have to start with your community.
Contact Info:
- Website: linktr.ee/barterup
- Instagram: @barterup901
- Facebook: @barterup
- Twitter: @barterup901
- Other: https://discord.gg/sztd7B2QQw
