Really Really Free Markets have been popping up all over the world since the 2000’s, and have been gaining traction in the last couple years in places like Oregon and California. There are a few markets that have begun in our own area, in Corvallis, Albany, and even one in Jefferson. Really Really Free Markets exist as a community organized effort to normalize the exchange of basic necessities while not expecting any monetary exchange for things like food, clothing, hygiene products, and other necessities. Free Markets also create communities where there’s a culture of caring for one another without the expectation of exchange. The concept of this type of care is called ‘mutual aid’. Through mutual aid, we can nurture one another and create a destigmatized environment where we can ask for and receive assistance. This means we create stronger communities and normalize protecting everybody through acts of care.
Albany’s Really Really Free Market will meet the first Wednesday of September and October at Hackleman Park from 1 to 4 pm. You can bring donations of clothing, food, hygiene supplies, bedding, shoes, and more. They will be back to LBCC in the months of November and December. If you live in Corvallis and want to check out Corvallis’ Really Really Free Market, they set up at Central Park every Friday from 12 to 4 pm.
If you have questions for the Albany Free Market or are interested in getting involved, you can message their Instagram, @RRFM_AlbanyOR. You can also email them at RRFMalbany@gmail.com.
