Secure Volunteer Coordination Platforms (Crabgrass, Mattermost)

From Resist Together Wiki

Secure Volunteer Coordination Platforms (Crabgrass, Mattermost)[edit | edit source]

Privacy-conscious collaboration tools for organizing teams and movements.

Overview[edit | edit source]

Activist groups and grassroots movements often need digital platforms for planning, communication, and collaboration. However, commercial tools like Facebook Groups or Google Docs may not offer sufficient privacy or control. Secure volunteer coordination platforms provide safer alternatives for organizing without corporate surveillance, censorship, or data mining.

Two strong options in this space are Crabgrass and Mattermost, both open-source and customizable.

Why Use Secure Platforms[edit | edit source]

  • Avoid platform bans, censorship, and shadowbanning
  • Prevent leaks of sensitive documents or conversations
  • Allow members to collaborate without giving up personal data
  • Build sustainable infrastructure not reliant on corporate control

Key Platforms[edit | edit source]

  • Crabgrass:
    • Built by Riseup.net specifically for activist organizing
    • Includes wikis, shared documents, polls, tasks, file uploads, and discussion threads
    • Designed around group-based permissions and consensus tools
    • Hosted by Riseup or can be self-hosted
  • Mattermost:
    • Open-source alternative to Slack
    • Real-time chat with channels, direct messaging, file sharing
    • Can be hosted privately and integrated with other tools (e.g. Git, automation)
    • Mobile and desktop apps available
  • Other Notables:
    • Nextcloud – For shared file storage, calendars, forms
    • Zulip – Threaded team chat with strong moderation tools
    • Element (Matrix) – Secure messaging with federation and E2E encryption

Use Cases in Activism[edit | edit source]

  • Coordinating volunteers for events, protests, or campaigns
  • Drafting and reviewing strategy documents securely
  • Hosting internal polls, task lists, and schedules
  • Providing a private space for movement discussion and mutual aid

Security and Privacy Features[edit | edit source]

  • Open-source code (auditable for backdoors)
  • Self-hosting options (for full control over data)
  • Encrypted connections (SSL/HTTPS)
  • Fine-grained permissions (especially in Crabgrass)

Best Practices[edit | edit source]

  • Assign trusted administrators and rotate them periodically
  • Educate members on secure logins and password hygiene
  • Use 2FA (two-factor authentication) where available
  • Regularly back up and audit the platform

Limitations[edit | edit source]

  • May require technical setup (especially for self-hosting)
  • Smaller communities may find them less intuitive than corporate apps
  • Some tools lack mobile polish compared to mainstream alternatives

Ethical Considerations[edit | edit source]

  • Maintain internal accountability and transparency while prioritizing safety
  • Don’t log more data than necessary (minimize metadata)
  • Establish community guidelines for respectful, inclusive use

Related Topics[edit | edit source]

Resources and Further Reading[edit | edit source]

Legal Disclaimer[edit | edit source]

This page is for informational use only. Always follow applicable data protection and privacy laws when hosting or managing platforms that store user information. Choose platforms and practices that prioritize safety, autonomy, and transparency for your community.

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