Mutual Aid and Why You Should Engage in it
What is mutual aid?
Mutual aid is a support network in which people in a community help or receive help from one another. The purpose of mutual aid is to build solidarity and address the needs of a certain community. Because it is community-focused, mutual aid organizations are local. That being said it is possible that an international organization will have chapters in different communities. A good example of this is FoodNotBombs which has autonomous chapters all over the world, that function under the same principles and name, in order to share vegan food and fight hunger. Aside from being local, mutual aids also tend to be non-hierarchical and open to everyone that needs help or can offer it to others.
Mutual Aid vs. Charity
A common question that comes up when first learning about mutual aid is “What differentiates it from charity?” One of the main aspects is found in the mutual aid slogan “Solidarity not Charity.” Mutual aids are not interested in government or corporate help, but instead, give people the space to stand together and help each other. This is what makes mutual aid a “two-way street.” Unlike charities, which provide resources in a very “top-down” manner, people involved in mutual aid can both give and receive help and resources. Resources are pooled from members rather than donors and needs are addressed on a person-by-person basis, making the process much more communal. Another main difference is that mutual aid organizations not only help people experiencing problems, but also unite to solve the causes of the problems. Political direct action is not uncommon for mutual-aids, but they are also inherently political in their fight against suffering and unjust hierarchies like white-supremacy, capitalism, and patriarchy. In this way, mutual aids connect people and give them a support system that can be used to end collective problems like social and economic injustice.
The importance of mutual aid and its impacts
Mutual aid has allowed communities all over the world to fight and help each other through difficulties. TODAY people practicing mutual aid are battling poverty, homelessness, eviction, and unemployment during the pandemic. Countless people are involved and benefit from a community support network related to those issues, which have been made much worse due to Covid-19. However, even without a global pandemic, many of these problems and others remain. So whether you need help or can offer it in any way, engaging in mutual aid has kept many different people and communities alive. Mutual aid is there when capitalism and the government fails the community.
How and where do you find your local mutual aid?
When looking for a mutual aid organization it is important to consider two things. First, where do you live? Mutual aid is local so find one in your community. Second, what are your needs? Mutual aids can be focused on many different needs or groups, so look for a mutual aid related to your needs. Alternatively, if you’re trying to help out, what need is there in your community? What can you help with? Time? Money? Resources? Mutual aid works when there is a coalition of people, so try to find a mutual aid organization with these two conditions in mind, and join! When it comes to finding a mutual aid organization the internet is your best friend. Google “[your neighborhood/city] mutual aid.” Following that up with a need or group of people can help narrow your search. Mutual aid organizations want to help so they try hard to be found. However, if your community has no mutual aids or is not addressing a certain group you can also start one. Find a couple of people who might benefit from mutual aid and support each other, later involving more people to fight against your collective struggle.
Mutual aid helps you and your community so engage in mutual aid!
