Welcome to MaskBot STL

Handmade Masks for Marginalized Populations in St. Louis

MaskBot STL (almost)effortlessly facilitates contact-free fulfillment of mask requests from local non-profits and mutual aid groups who service marginalized populations. For example, those that:

Help abuse victims regionally
Feed the unhoused in the city
Serve families in neighborhoods that many essential workers call home
Normally interact with vulnerable folks in their community in a non-medical capacity

MaskBot is a cloud-based application that instantly connects makers and organizations eager to help stop the spread of Covid-19, without intercession. All links in the menu open new browser tabs to simple forms or live snapshots of the database.

SAVE ALL HUMANS!!! Read our FAQ below to get started (at least the first three Qs!).

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I request masks for my organization or group to distribute?

Fill out the Register Organization form (do this only one time). That will instantly add a permanent"record" to the database.
Proceed to Create a Mask Request, which will produce a "ticket."
Anyone can view it on the Ticket Tracker right away.
Makers can instantly "claim" your ticket through Fulfill a Mask Request and begin working towards fulfillment.

That's MaskBot Magic! Humans validate tickets behind the scenes a few times a day and direct MaskBot to email you both the other's contact info. Read, "What are best practices for fulfillment?" below before jumping in, and you're set! IMPORTANT: Your initial ticket must be 25 masks or less AND in "Fulfilled" status before additional Create a Mask Request entries are allowed, but your registration will remain on record to easily request more. Be mindful that volunteer makers intend these masks for marginalized people who would incur hardship purchasing them. They're not as simple as they look. We ask that you work on getting them to the most vulnerable and exposed in your network first, and plan out recipients before placing additional requests. Masks may be made from ugly fabrics and have inconsistent methods of wear, due to a widespread shortage of supplies. Some may have filter pockets or not... Maskbot doesn't discriminate, because they are all far more effective and comfortable than tying on a tshirt or bandana.

How do I sign up to sew masks for this effort?

Browse for OPEN tickets two ways: Browse Organizations or Ticket Tracker. These are both updated live
Note the name of the organization and number/size of masks on the ticket, then head over to Fulfill a Mask Request.
You'll be able to easily find and claim the ticket (unless someone beats you to it in that few seconds) on the form then get started right away after submitting.

That's MaskBot Magic! Humans validate tickets behind the scenes a few times a day and direct MaskBot to email you both the other's contact info. Read, "What are best practices for fulfillment?" below before jumping in, and you're set! IMPORTANT: There are no restrictions or guidelines imposed on the construction of your masks. Fulfill your ticket based on the pattern you like best and available materials. You can also split up duties for fulfilling tickets - there's a checkbox on the form to indicate a group effort, but make sure the contact info is for whomever will correspond with the organization about getting the masks to them.

What are best practices for fulfillment?

If it were up to MaskBot, a squadron of drones would fetch and deliver handmade CDC recommended masks, so all the lovely humans could stay safe at home!Instead, it assists in transaction efforts by having organizations indicate their no-contact preferences of shipping, delivery, and/or porch pickup upon registering. Organizations are expected to reimburse makers for shipping, if they choose that as an option. It's important for makers to check that an organization's preferences and porch pick-up/delivery distance align with them when claiming a ticket. Approximate porch pick-up distance limits will be indicated, and make sure they aren't too out of your way to deliver, if choosing that option. Though Maskbot initiates and organizes data for these exchanges, it does not specialize in mediating human relations. Humans validate ticket claims and crisscross-applesauce contact details to each party's email, normally same or next day. The awesome thing is that the maker can just go ahead and get started, knowing roughly what to expect and their fulfillment deadline. MaskBot efficiently brings makers and organizations together without human intervention.Organizations should begin a dialogue with makers as soon as they see the ticket claim email, but makers, don't be shy! If you don't hear from the org within a few days of claiming a ticket, email or text them. Masks need to be sanitized, dry, and sealed in a Ziploc bag before leaving for their destination. Everyone involved in this effort is urged to follow CDC prevention guidelines and local regulations throughout the fabrication and fulfillment process.

What if I need to update my info or have an issue with a ticket?

Fill out a Record Edit Request in the following scenarios:

Change of contact info or other form fields displayed (makers or orgs)
Re-Open a ticket if fulfillment is interrupted for any reason (makers or orgs)
Cancel or modify a request ticket (orgs)
Change the fulfillment date (makers)

All other inquiries can be emailed to maskbotstl@gmail.com Remember, MaskBot does not mediate human relations. :)

Can I use the MaskBot platform for my mask collection effort?

Yes! All aspects of this project run on free, or free versions, of cloud-based software. The database template for Airtable is available here. Click "Copy Base" to add the functional version to your account. A free Google Site brings it all together for the end user. Unfortunately, the new version doesn't allow template sharing or content export. MaskBot STL uses the "Simple" template. Text, logo, and user interface design on this website may be copied and remixed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. You refer to the database application as "MaskBot"and attribute it back to this URL somewhere on your own version. Every link in the menu is connected to an Airtable form or view. URLs are pasted from the share options on the Airtable tool panel. Linking out to a new tab is efficient and more responsive to phones than embedding Airtables. When you open MaskBot's Airtable template for the first time, after signing in or up for a free account, click on the "Admin Tasks" tab and you'll find Maskbot step by step validation and maintenance workflows, recommended Airtable learning resources, and helpful documentation (in progress ). Email maskbotstl@gmail.com if you get stuck or have feedback.

Who built MaskBot?

Autumn Wiggins created and maintains Maskbot.

She's currently enrolled in an intense full-time coding bootcamp and would be grateful for any financial support for her work!

Venmo: @Autumn-Wiggins / Cash App: $AutumnWiggins / Paypal: autumnwanderlove@gmail.com

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