What is mutual aid?
Mutual aid is a form of solidarity and cooperation based on shared values, such as compassion, reciprocity, and mutual respect. It is a voluntary exchange of resources and services for mutual benefit, and differs from charity in that it is not one-way, or dependent on a benefactor. Rather, mutual aid is based on the principle of mutuality, where everyone involved has something to contribute and something to gain.
Mutual aid groups are a necessity in our increasingly dangerous fascist world. As families are laid off from their jobs, evicted from their homes, and denied food assistance, we as comrades must be prepared to provide them food, fuel, and housing assistance.
How does it differ from charity?
Mutual aid differs from charity in that it is not one-way, nor is it dependent on one person or organization providing all of the resources. Instead, it is based on the principle of mutuality, where everyone involved has something to give and something to gain. Through mutual aid, individuals and organizations come together to create a more equitable and just society, where everyone has access to the resources they need to live and thrive. This creates a sense of community and belonging, and is a powerful tool for creating lasting change.
What is the ultimate aim of mutual aid?
Mutual aid is a powerful tool for creating lasting change. As our government fails to provide basic assistance to citizens, it provides our comrades an opportunity to establish credibility in our communities: if you can provide the supplies to people in need, you can build a community around your efforts.
That is to say: become more dependable than the government and people will turn to you in times if difficulty - their loyalty will shift to the struggle. They will see that it is the people that help them, not the established system.
Everyone wants to feel useful
Those that seek your help are likely to be in dire situations, so we should never expect them to be able to lend immediate assistance to the cause. As folks are reestablishing their lives, no longer dependent on the capitalist system, encourage them to find ways to help within the new communist system we are building.
What talents do they have, and how can they best help the cause? See