FAQs
What does “Merakas” mean? Merakas is a spin on the Greek term Meraki, meaning “to do something with soul, creativity, or love; to put something of yourself in your work” and maracas, the rattles that appear in many genres of Caribbean and Latin music, which are usually played as part of a pair.
How is Merakas different from other freelancing platforms? At Merakas, we're more than just a marketplace for projects and freelancers. While platforms like Upwork and Fiverr focus primarily on transactions, Merakas is built on fostering genuine connections and collaborations within the placemaking and urbanist community. We prioritize meaningful project development and team assembly, offering a supportive environment where ideas flourish and projects thrive. With a focus on community-building and project success, Merakas goes beyond traditional freelancing platforms to create a vibrant ecosystem where urbanists can truly make an impact.
Who is Merakas for? Merakas is a platform designed for individuals and organizations passionate about contributing to meaningful projects that enhance cities and communities. Whether you're an urban planner, designer, architect, environmental scientist, marketer, grant writer, social researcher, or part of a nonprofit organization, community group, or local government agency, Merakas provides the tools and connections needed to collaborate on projects aimed at community improvement. Organizations can bring forward projects, while individuals can find projects they're passionate about and connect with like-minded collaborators.
When will Merakas be available? The development timeline for Merakas depends on the level of interest and engagement from our community. Our goal is to launch the first version within the next 6 months, but this may vary based on user feedback and available resources. We want to ensure the first launch responds to the most pressing issues faced by freelancers an project-based placemakers. Your support in spreading the word and encouraging others to sign up and provide feedback will help us bring Merakas to life sooner!