Announcing the first Oneonta RRFM

What is it?

Really Really Free Markets (RRFMs) are community gatherings where people come together to freely share with one another. At these kinds of events, participants give and receive a wide range of goods and services. Usable clothes, furniture, electronics, books, and other material goods are common things to give and receive, but so are good food, tutorials, skill-shares, artwork and anything else. The most important gift you can give at an RRFM is your company! These are events that are meant to bring communities together and build lasting connections while we meet each other’s needs. Reclaim Oneonta is organizing an RRFM for May 3rd, 2025 at Huntington Memorial Library. 

Why Start an RRFM in Oneonta?

No matter what your religious or political beliefs are, one thing is clear: we live in deeply divided times. Working class people no longer see each other as fellows striving for a better life. Instead, we spend our time ignoring one another or fighting against each other in a race to the bottom where corporations turn our misery into their profit. Citizens are pitted against immigrants. Christians are pitted against LGBTQ people. White against black. Men against women, etc… The divisions never end. We spend so much time fighting against each other, we don’t see the real division at the heart of this country: the division between ordinary, working class communities of people from a variety of backgrounds, and the corporate powers that don’t care about us.

 The more divided we are, the easier it is to control us, lower our wages, increase prices, and buy out politicians. To overcome that, communities must come together to meet our needs ourselves, independent of corporations. RRFMs are events that promote community spirit, encourage the sharing of goods, reduce waste, and create an opportunity for new connections between members of our community. They provide one way we can overcome the divisions that set us apart. At an RRFM, we get to see each other as fellow human beings, and work together for the betterment of our communities. They represent true democracy, where ordinary people directly decide on what to do as individuals without the interference of governments or corporations. The RRFM is a space for community based economics for all! So why start an RRFM? To regain the sense of pride and unity that used to be common in working class communities. To take back our ability to freely care for each other as human beings. To reconnect with our neighbors. To overcome the propaganda that tells us we should hate each other and begin the work of creating a healthy, well connected community for all!

Why May 3rd?

From May 3rd to 4th, 1886, striking workers in Chicago demonstrated for the 8 hour work day. Their strike was met with extreme police violence in an event that became known as the “Haymarket Affair”. All around the world, this is commemorated on May 1st as “May day”. In the United States however, the corporate and political elite were frightened to recognize this day. To recognize this history would mean recognizing the dignity and pride working class people have shown when fighting for a better life. It would mean recognizing the devious ways the government colluded with corporate elites to crush the dreams of working class people. Above all, it would mean acknowledging the fact that ordinary people are capable of standing up for themselves and each other. This first RRFM is a celebration of that history.

Building a Movement

In over 50 cities around the USA, people have started their own RRFMs! Tulsa, Oklahoma; Jackson, Mississippi; Portland, Oregon; etc… These are just some of the cities where RRFM events have been organized. RRFMs have even been organized nearby in cities like Albany. RRFMs and things like them are part of a broad movement of people reconnecting with their own communities and caring for each other as ordinary people. After all, if we don’t care for each other, if we don’t work to improve our communities, then who will? Why shouldn’t Oneonta, why shouldn’t we, do our part? 

Spread the word! Want to get involved in planning the event? Reach out to us at OneontaEcoSocialists@gmail.com!