Hello everyone!

We wanted to give an update on the status of the Share Fair for the new year.

As the Covid pandemic began Share Fair was forced to adapt in form away from being the creation of a social space in which people could share goods; services; and, most importantly, presence to a more mobile but disconnected mutual aid project. Mobile distribution and, eventually, the pods functioned as a way of getting needed supplies to members of the community most effected by the threat of Covid and the city’s draconian policies but never really allowed for the communal spirit that Share Fair was originally intended to create. While the distribution of supplies is important and, fortunately, continues with many groups in the community the shift from community building to supply logistics was a strain on many organizers involved resulting in burn out for many involved.

Reflection on this burnout, what we needed as organizers, and where we felt able to invest time and energy led to the decision to put Share Fair on pause until we can get back to something more in line with its original form and intent. What does that mean? There won’t be any Share Fair meetings or distribution events for the near future. There has been excitement about a possible May Day event that would be more in line with the classic form of Share Fair as community building event and we’re going to look at that as a possible soft reboot on Share Fair. If the energy and spirit of May Day demonstrate the feasibility of bringing Share Fair back in its more original form, we’ll meet again to assess what that could look like and hopefully have joyous news for y’all on that front (world events allowing!). If people are interested in organizing for the May Day event itself you can contact NAC to get involved.

All of the love and gratitude to everyone who has been involved in making Share Fair happen, whatever the shape!

Check out this great video about the Share Fair that Michael Oliver Holt Productions made for us!

Video: https://youtu.be/eAhPswOFp7A

Donate: https://www.gofundme.com/sharefair
Learn more: https://solidaritysharefair.org

The Solidarity Share Fair is going to be mobile again this month! We will be be distributing 200 care packages to key locations throughout the city as well as to individuals who express a need for help.

If you or a loved one is in need of assistance or supplies, please contact us at sharefair@neighborhoodanarchists.org, and we’ll do our best to either meet your needs or connect you with someone who can help meet your needs! Also, please feel free to contact us with any clarification questions you may have, we understand that this is a confusing time for everyone, and are happy to answer what questions we can.

We’ll be out Tuesday April 28th, 3-5pm. Please send requests for assistance as early as possible so we have time to get to you.

*** Note that we’ve updated the plan for tomorrow’s Share Fair. Please read carefully. ***

The Solidarity Share Fair is going mobile folks! Rather than have designated Share Stations, which could potentially put all of our attendees at higher risk, the Solidarity Share Fair will be distributing 200 care packages to key locations throughout the city as well as to individuals who express a need for help.

If you or a loved one is in need of assistance or supplies, please contact us at sharefair@neighborhoodanarchists.org, and we’ll do our best to either meet your needs or connect you with someone who can help meet your needs! Also, please feel free to contact us with any clarification questions you may have, we understand that this is a confusing time for everyone, and are happy to answer what questions we can.

• Hand washing station near Eugene library
• Pearl day spa
• Hand washing station near Red barn
• Springfield bus station

February’s Solidarity Share Fair was an incredible one-year milestone for the Neighborhood Anarchist Collective and for all the people who helped get it to where it is today. Since its inception in February 2018, it has grown into a monthly event that has brought the community together and evolved to fit the needs of those who attend. From the open-air Share Fairs in the park during the warm summer months to the special Share Fair on Christmas Day, volunteers and organizers have remained dedicated to keeping the doors every month, rain or shine.

However, the one-year anniversary of the Share Fair was special in a different kind of way: Eugene was hit by the biggest snowstorm it had seen in 50 years just the day before. Schools and most businesses were shut down, public transit wasn’t running, and the city of Eugene had declared a snow emergency. Many people couldn’t even leave their own driveway. Despite that, the Share Fair went on. Being one of the few places that would keep their doors open while the snow halted many services, it was essential for the event to continue.

A last minute change in venue meant that we were back at First Christian Church, the church where the Share First first began a year ago. Although smaller than the event’s other regular location, we were able to fit everyone in. And in ways more than one, it was a great location to be at: The end of the Share Fair transitioned into the Egan Warming Center, with doors remaining open for those seeking to escape the cold that night.

It was heartwarming to see the Share Fair brought back to its roots that day and continue to be the warm, safe place it was always intended to be. Even with the amount of snow outside, the amount of volunteers who still came out to show their support and lend a hand brought a sense of solidarity to this Solidarity Share Fair. It is during difficult times such as the snowstorm that bring people together in a community to help one another in mutual aid and create a sense of camaraderie that can often be lacking in our lives.

We would not have come this far without the help of the organizations, volunteers, and organizers that have put in their time and effort to create the event that Eugene needed. The Share Fair has blossomed under the dedication and care of the people who have made it what it is today. For that, we wholeheartedly thank you.

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