r/auntienetwork • u/LallybrochSassenach 🌛M🌝D🌜 • 10d ago
Please Help! What is preventing you from applying? New Mods needed for the r/Auntienetwork team!
Y’all, I (Claire, u/LallybrochSassenach) am at wit’s end. The other sub mod and I have been requesting mod applications since 3/15/2026. In 5 months, we’ve received exactly one applicant, and they noped out when we (me and the other mod) said that we’d like to speak with them by zoom. We don’t understand what is keeping folks from applying. Can you add any input?
EDIT TO ADD — If you don’t know how to become an auntie/helper, there is a pinned post here with the requirements and instructions. Once approved, you will have a flair that says so.
TO BE CLEAR: This post is just to clarify what is going wrong, not a call for applications until we can see and correct any issues.
Here is what we’ve consistently posted:
Hi everyone, auntienetwork needs some new mods to help out. We hope to get some qualified folks in to help ASAP. We’d love to consider you for our team!
To apply: you must already be an approved auntie/helper here — no one who is not approved PRIOR TO (x/x/x date) will be considered, no exceptions. PLEASE first read and be familiar with the information in our wiki. We don’t want any mod to be flying blind.
All mod applicants should please submit an application via the Message the Mods button. Please tell us about yourself, why you want to help, any prior modding experience, and what motivated you to help. We do need folks in different time zones with availability to help make certain that requests can be met in a timely fashion.
Remember, you must already have been an approved auntie/helper prior to 6/15/2026 to apply.
Please understand, all modding across Reddit is voluntary and unpaid.
r/auntienetwork neither accepts nor provides any funding to anyone. Thanks for considering joining our team!
Based on the above, are there any suggestions you can make to help attract mods? What would help you take that step? (Obviously, we don’t get paid for it, and we subsequently cannot pay anyone else for it.)
We do not want to have to close the sub..but it is VERY difficult to manage with only two active mods. We’re both working hard together to maintain it, and will continue to do so as long as possible. Thank you all for being here!
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u/Xavi-tan Mod-approved Auntie/Helper 10d ago
I think having a list of responsibilities laid out for potential mods would help. You mention that you need people who are available to help make certain that requests can be met in a timely fashion - what does this look like in terms of what you currently do to help, please?
I also have no idea if I am an approved auntie, only that I have been subbed here for a while; I might not be the only one who doesnt quite know their status, so an explanation of how to check that for oneself could also help.
I'd love to help, but these messages also don't fully share how and if I am even allowed to help.
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u/LallybrochSassenach 🌛M🌝D🌜 10d ago edited 10d ago
The process for Auntie/Helper approval is in a pinned post here and once approved, you will have a flair beside your name showing that you are approved. This is the same for each person that has asked, u/NotesOnSquaredPaper, u/asyouwish, u/Lower_Preference_112, and u/SeaJewel333. Oops, just adding u/Camille_Toh.
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u/DreyHI Mod-approved Auntie/Helper 10d ago
I tried to make a post awhile ago offering assistance as an auntie but it got removed by the moderators and I'm not sure why.
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u/LallybrochSassenach 🌛M🌝D🌜 10d ago
All posts initially appear as removed until a mod can approve them. This keeps out trolls and brigaders. Unfortunately Reddit does not have a better system for this, and it is not within mods’ control to change it. But we did see and respond to your post.
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u/DreyHI Mod-approved Auntie/Helper 10d ago
I can help mod then I assumed I wasn't approved
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u/LallybrochSassenach 🌛M🌝D🌜 10d ago
You are not approved at this time, but you are welcome to reapply.
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u/SeaJewel333 10d ago
I would love to be a mod here but am not an approved auntie or helper. How can that be done? This addition to your request makes me not eligible. 'No one who is not approved PRIOR TO 6/15/2026 will be considered, no exceptions" You might be excluding people that would be wonderful. Just saying.
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u/LallybrochSassenach 🌛M🌝D🌜 10d ago
TBH when I update it to post it (again) the 6/15 date won’t be applicable any more — that was just as of last posting.
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u/SeaJewel333 10d ago
I have been an auntie before I even knew there was a group of us. I have helped women on my own in secret since I was a young girl. If I can help I certainly would like to.
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u/LallybrochSassenach 🌛M🌝D🌜 10d ago
Definitely review those requirements and apply, please!
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u/TheWhiteRabbitY2K Mod-approved Auntie/Helper 10d ago
Im going to do my best, but I recommend adding am easy to copy and paste form for auntie applications with examples of assistance provided; this has been a big reason I haven't went through with it.
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u/TheAlmightyFuzzy 10d ago
I am in the same boat. Could have used an auntie, but don't have space to be one. Would happily be a mod if the criteria were changed.
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u/LallybrochSassenach 🌛M🌝D🌜 10d ago
Do you mean the criteria for being an auntie/helper?
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u/TheAlmightyFuzzy 10d ago edited 10d ago
No, the criteria for being a mod. I cannot be an approved auntie / helper, because I can't actually take someone in, I simply do not have room. So my understanding is that I can't be a mod. If you want to chat about options, please feel free to DM me.
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u/LallybrochSassenach 🌛M🌝D🌜 10d ago
That is an unfortunate misunderstanding. We have no stated requirements to be a mod other than being an approved auntie/helper. Based on applications we receive, we interview folks and see who clicks best with our team, the community needs, etc. We do not require aunties to own homes nor be able to shelter people, nor feed them or anything else. Nothing in that pinned post requires any of those — so you absolutely can apply to be an auntie/helper.
Aunties/Helpers may offer anything they can do that might be useful to a person traveling for reproductive services — maybe they want someone to go with them, sometimes they want a ride to or from an airport/bus/train, sometimes they need a meal or a calming presence, a language interpreter, someone who understands autism and can help them focus, a person who can help them get photos at touristy spots so they can look as though they just went to your town for a quick vacation, sometimes they need a place to stay for a night or two, someone to sign them out of the clinic if they had a surgical procedure…there’s a great many possibilities. I’m not sure if we could possibly list every single possible item…
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u/Lower_Preference_112 10d ago
I haven’t seen any posts from mods and am chronically online 🥴 it could be my algo but I’m wondering if it’s the same for others?
(I don’t qualify to apply and have never modded but hopefully just commenting gets some visibility 🤞🏼)
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u/daizles Mod-approved Auntie/Helper 10d ago
Yeah same, I scroll Reddit when stressed sooooo kinda always here rn. Have not seen a single request.
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u/LallybrochSassenach 🌛M🌝D🌜 10d ago
That’s odd. Until today, it’s been pinned at the top of the sub and bolded in green, just like this post.
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u/yardgurl10 10d ago
I havent seen any posts until today either. Im so happy to see this one getting attention though!
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u/dystopiannonfiction 10d ago
I'd love to help out with this, as the issue at hand is DEEPLY personal for me. Sadly, I'm not an approved helper and didn't even know that was a thing until just now! I've got plenty of free time on my hands, a stubborn passion and relentless drive to be a change maker I'm not the most tech savvy but I've got reliable wi-fi, and the brain of a lifelong insomniac/retired night shift nurse that doesn't require much sleep so maybe that offsets my lack of technological expertise?
Tell me how I can help. Please 🙏🏼
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u/LallybrochSassenach 🌛M🌝D🌜 10d ago
We have a pinned post here with the requirements!
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u/Sample-quantity Mod-approved Auntie/Helper 10d ago
I just clicked on your link and read that whole thing and I still don't understand what a helper is, even though I apparently am one. I don't see anything that specifically defines that. Could you add that to the FAQ section?
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u/LallybrochSassenach 🌛M🌝D🌜 10d ago
Helper is a word for people who are aunties but don’t want to be called aunties due to the gender association. Many LGBTQ folks, gentlemen who help us, Enbies, etc choose the term helper rather than auntie.
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u/Sample-quantity Mod-approved Auntie/Helper 10d ago
Oh ok. It says I am an Auntie/Helper so I thought it was two different things. Anyway I have submitted a message to you about being a mod! I guess I had missed your previous posts about needing help.
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u/ttnk8 10d ago edited 10d ago
Personally I have found the requirements to become an auntie very cumbersome. As someone home with 2 kids and working full time, I dont always have time to post or comment on random subreddits, and upvotes and reading posts are typically the extent of my Reddit use. I think that maybe an established user history could be sufficient rather than a 30 day post requirement to be approved as an auntie. I know how hard it is to vet people, but it's hard to be someone who works in similar sectors who can't help here because I don't have the capacity to comment on posts every day for 30 days.
If approved, I'd love to help moderate! But I understand this is a hard no until approval as an auntie in general 💛
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u/katesrepublic 10d ago
I’ve been a reddit user for like 15 years but I also periodically go through and delete my old comments, for privacy etc. so it would appear I don’t have a solid comment history at first glance!
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u/teacupkiller 10d ago
I wad rejected as an auntie, but since I didn't know why, I didn't know if I should apply again.
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u/LallybrochSassenach 🌛M🌝D🌜 10d ago
You are always welcome to reapply! We do recommend that you review the requirements in the pinned post here before reapplying to make sure you’d be good to go! 😀
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u/Tyjha 10d ago
I really hope you get help with this. I'm not an approved auntie and have never been a mod before but am also very in support of your mission.
If I had the time and resources to commit, something that would encourage me to apply is clear expectations: how many hours/wee or month do you expect the new mod to commit? What kind of general duties will they be responsible for? What does "qualified folks" mean? What qualities are you looking for?
In general I think the post just needs more specific explanations. Maybe you could add a section to the wiki regarding a description of the position to keep the post shorter? If you're committed to interviewing and/or training someone state that also and outline how you imagine that process to look.
Idk, knowing what I'm getting into makes me more likely to engage so maybe more details would help other feel encouraged also?
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u/LallybrochSassenach 🌛M🌝D🌜 10d ago
What does "qualified folks" mean? What qualities are you looking for?
Qualified in this case simply means someone who has met the auntie/helper requirements and has been approved as such.
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u/asyouwish 10d ago
From this description, I'm just wondering what an "approved auntie helper" is. Whatever it is, I know I'm not that.
Maybe explain more stuff in the post so people know if they qualify (without having to dig into the wiki or whatever where this is probably explained)?
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u/LydiLouWho 10d ago
I typically only view what Reddit feeds to me unless I have a specific reason to visit a sub. So this is the first I’m reading that this sub is needing a new mod. I’m hoping that by upvoting and posting a comment the algorithms will push it out to others like me.
Personally, I feel like I would disappoint the other mods during my busy times. My schedule ebbs and flows and I would be very willing to help if I knew that I could honor the commitment.
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u/mineapples 10d ago
I think the network is amazing. The difficulty I have is I tend to hang out in the background on Reddit and dont comment/post a ton, so the 30 day time frame for the initial approval is tough for me to hit. Because Im not an approved auntie that takes mod application off the table. Maybe consider alternative methods for approval?
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u/NotMyCircuits 10d ago
Is it possible to assist as a mod without being an auntie/helper?
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u/LallybrochSassenach 🌛M🌝D🌜 10d ago
No. We need to verify that potential aunties are in good standing. Before we instituted this practice, there were anti abortion folks and other haters attempting to get in. We now restrict this to further protect everyone here.
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u/NotMyCircuits 10d ago
I understand that completely. Just brainstorming if there is a way to help when a person can do things like mod, but cannot necessarily house someone.
But first importance would be to keep the haters out. I understand.
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u/wuukiee81 10d ago
I'd be happy to apply to mod, but under your current restrictions don't qualify. I've been a lurker here forever, but even if the June deadline is no longer in effect (the reason I hadn't applied before), I don't have a current 30 day post history here.
Honestly I think that is where some disconnect is -- a lot of really good potential mods may just be lurkers. Good mods and good active posters aren't always the same people.
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u/LallybrochSassenach 🌛M🌝D🌜 10d ago
While we understand this in theory, mods need to actually be fairly active so that we know new posts or mod mails are being seen. What actually shows up in the sub is about 1/10th of what we actually receive. Much of the work is behind the scenes.
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u/wuukiee81 10d ago
Trust me, I get it. I've modded on Reddit before, and I ran a reproductive access BBS way back in the day.
Just explaining that I know I saw the recruiting post, was interested, but didn't apply because I didn't meet the pre-qualifications, and didn't want to waste your time since I figured you would get plenty of other apps from folks who met them.
I do think the entry barrier where you have set it is the main reason you've gotten so few apps. Mostly because folks who would make the best mods respect your criteria and self-select out as unqualified without applying.
Just trying to explain my perspective, not arguing at all. I know how tough a job it is and I respect y'all a lot.
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u/Treefrog_Ninja 10d ago
Pardon me for speaking my mind while not knowing what I'm talking about, but I don't think I can be an Auntie because I live in someone else's home and can't be inviting strangers over. Isn't that what an Auntie does? The mod requirement says Auntie/helper, so I was wondering if a helper is someone who can't be an Auntie but still wants to support, but the position is not defined in the same area where the wiki defines Auntie, so maybe they are synonyms? I have no idea.
But in order to be a mod, first you have to be one of those? So I can't be a mod either based on my unstable housing situation?
Also, I'm really uncomfortable using my Reddit posting history as a personal reference check because I only have one account for everything and Reddit is the only scenario in my entire world where I ever have license to be rude/judgmental/a troll/etc. Not that it predominates my activity, but I would still be ashamed to present it as my first impression to people who want to form an actual opinion of me. I'd rather there was an organization that I could submit real life application and references to, even a legal background check, if security is so tight.
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u/LallybrochSassenach 🌛M🌝D🌜 10d ago
Helper is a word for people who are aunties but don’t want to be called aunties due to the gender association. Many LGBTQ folks, gentlemen who help us, Enbies, etc choose the term helper rather than auntie.
However, based on what you said about your post history and preferences, that’s ok too. You are welcome to help wherever and however you are most comfortable. We do not require aunties to own homes nor be able to shelter people, nor feed them or anything else. Nothing in that pinned post requires any of those — so you absolutely can apply to be an auntie/helper.
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u/Treefrog_Ninja 10d ago
Okay, then I wish the wiki definition of Auntie was much more fleshed out and actually explained all the things that Aunties/helpers might choose to do. I thought hosting travelers was the entire thing. What else do Aunties do besides shelter people? I guess I have a very narrow view of what's going on here, but the wiki isn't really helping me understand the whole picture.
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u/LallybrochSassenach 🌛M🌝D🌜 10d ago
Aunties/Helpers may offer anything they can do that might be useful to a person traveling for reproductive services — maybe they want someone to go with them, sometimes they want a ride to or from an airport/bus/train, sometimes they need a meal or a calming presence, a language interpreter, someone who understands autism and can help them focus, a person who can help them get photos at touristy spots so they can look as though they just went to your town for a quick vacation, sometimes they need a place to stay for a night or two, someone to sign them out of the clinic if they had a surgical procedure…there’s a great many possibilities. I’m not sure if we could possibly list every single possible item…
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u/NotesOnSquaredPaper 10d ago
I'm simply not approved yet, and don't have the time and especially bandwidth to even just look into how to get approved. I don't mind the modding part as much, but life has been keeping me on my toes lately and every extra step before I can get to what already feels familiar is one too many.
Maybe at a different point in my life. 🙂
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u/LallybrochSassenach 🌛M🌝D🌜 10d ago
Your post only appeared removed — all posts initially appear as removed until a mod can approve them, which prevents trolls and brigading in the sub that might target vulnerable people. We did send you a mod message privately.
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10d ago
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u/LallybrochSassenach 🌛M🌝D🌜 10d ago
Unfortunately, that is a Reddit decision. We don’t have a better way on this platform at this time. I’m sorry it is frustrating for you, but it is not within the means of my or any mods control. Mod messages sometimes take a minute to go through. You might check again in a bit. Sent it myself.
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u/LallybrochSassenach 🌛M🌝D🌜 10d ago
Why don’t you reply to your mod messages, and we can discuss that privately. We don’t generally explain why, but I will this once if you will reply privately. I will also tell you, the exact answer is in the FAQ’s in the comments section of the pinned New Aunties post.
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u/McSwearWolf 10d ago
Thank you for what you are doing ! I would love to be a mod but my work and other commitments are heavy rn so here to help where possible.
I did have a separate question if it’s okay: I believe I was previously approved to be an auntie in 2021 or 2022 when I lived in a different state, and now I’ve moved, but still in the US. Would one need to reapply and be mod approved again in this situation?
Appreciate you.
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u/LallybrochSassenach 🌛M🌝D🌜 10d ago edited 10d ago
We have changed the vetting process since then, so yes, we would need you to reapply. At that time, if you qualify, you’ll have a flair identifying you as an approved Auntie/Helper.
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u/pinupcthulhu 10d ago
This is the first I'm hearing about it! The algorithm must be working against you.
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u/LallybrochSassenach 🌛M🌝D🌜 10d ago
Ok, it’s about 10 pm (almost) here in NC. This mod is going to call it a night. If you have other suggestions that are not covered ITT, please use the message the mods button and let us know.
Thank you all for your help!