How To Create A Mutual Aid Group On Patch

Despite feelings of helplessness in the midst of the coronavirus crisis, helping others — and getting help — is actually easier than you might think.

You can use Patch's Neighbor Posts section to create a mutual aid group for your community. Take these simple steps:

1. Sign up.

If you haven't already, sign up for a free Patch account. Add in your town name or zip code and your email address, then enter a password. Once your account is created, you will be able to either create or reply to your town’s mutual aid group.

2. Check your local Neighbor Posts page for an existing mutual aid group.

Before creating a mutual aid group of your own, click the “Neighbor Posts” button at the top of your Patch homepage and check whether a mutual aid group has already been set up by one of your neighbors. You can interact with existing mutual aid groups by liking, thanking or replying to the messages on the thread.

3. Don’t see a mutual aid group for your Patch community? Create one!

After clicking "Post" at the top of the page, you'll be greeted with a box where you can announce your town’s mutual aid group. To make the group known to your neighbors, type “[YOUR PATCH COMMUNITY] MUTUAL AID GROUP: Comment on this thread if you are in need of neighborly assistance or are available to assist neighbors in need.” into the box.

Always refer to CDC safety guidelines before helping anyone.

4. Register your mutual aid group on the AARP Mutual Aid Site

Get the word out about your town’s mutual aid group by sharing it with the AARP’s registry, which allows people in your area to more easily connect with the group.

What counts as “mutual aid”?

Mutual aid can include picking up groceries, providing financial assistance or even lending some emotional support to your neighbors who might be feeling isolated or vulnerable. If you’re in need of assistance and could use a neighbor’s lending hand, this is the place you can ask for help.

But first a few guidelines…

Check your facts: Spreading misinformation, even by accident, could hurt your community, especially during this time. Mutual aid groups exist to offer help or provide help to your neighbors, not to give news updates or health recommendations. Refer only to the CDC for health and safety guidelines, or subscribe to your local Patch to get the latest coronavirus news delivered right to your inbox.

Keep it clean and friendly: Patch does not tolerate racist, obscene or abusive comments and images. The people in your Patch are your neighbors. Treat them as such. Always use clean and civil language and be transparent.

Keep it local: Only post content in your own Patch’s mutual aid group, and keep suggestions, offers of help or questions local to your town.

Keep it non-promotional: Please don't spam your mutual aid group with free promotions of your business or organization. To advertise on Patch, please contact our sales team.
For more information about Patch posting policy, click here for the Patch Community Guidelines.