Mutual Aid groups have been growing since the Pandemic and the #Snap shut down really showed what they can do. So much that AP news is covering them.
When formal systems stop working, neighbors turn to each other in what many call ‘mutual aid’
“One of the principles of mutual aid is that it welcomes everyone. There’s no need to show an ID or prove income or residency, and most often, the organizers of these types of very local projects are all volunteers. Organizers are also often recipients, with many groups seeking to remove the distinction entirely between those who give help and those who need it.”
To me this is “Community” in it’s truest sense, when #Snap benefits were shut down November 1, my town basically said people aren’t going to go hungry here, even if this is a “Red” State. Large and small food drives were organized, the largest Food Bank in town did triple duty. Little Free Pantries were kept stocked. I felt it was a bigger effort than the October 18th #NoKings Rally and it sent the same message to the Administration.
AP News also ran this today What is mutual aid? And why are more people turning to informal efforts to help each other?
“What are examples of mutual aid projects?
Mutual aid practices have a long history, especially among immigrant and Black communities in the U.S., like the Black Panther’s Survival Programs or informal pooled savings circles. Examples include sharing food, exchanging household goods and clothes or organizing shared items like tools. In recent years, groups have helped people access reproductive healthcare, including abortions, and coordinated collective responses to immigration arrests under the umbrella of providing mutual aid.”
and
“The main thing is that you’re not trying to be an institution,” Zerkel said. “You’re trying to be a neighbor helping a neighbor, so you can do the best that you can and try to be responsible and loving to your neighbors and build something slowly.”
Mutual Aid movements builds Community on the ground, unites people in common causes. And its good for you, especially if your an older adult, as Mother Jones Magazine points out. Turns Out Fighting Fascism Helps You Live Longer . I was one of the younger volunteers at the Food Bank during the #SNAP crisis and I am in my late 60’s.
The Little Free Pantry movement began about 2016, and it’s been growing ever since. The mini pantry movement activates neighbor engagement with food insecurity. I have written about the off shoots that fight Period Poverty here. Something's Happening.
I feel people had forgotten how much “Community” matters and if most of us came come together around helping each other maybe we can begin to heal this Nation.
