Fostering mutual aid

Action

Jan 15

What is Charity?

Charity often looks like economically rich people “giving” money to economically “poor” people, typically by upholding the systems that make most people financially sapped in the first place. In this context, people with financial wealth believe they are generously supporting people without financial wealth, when they have actually protected and advanced a system that has been designed to keep people economically poor.

Through this infrastructure, people with wealth outsource their vision of why economic poverty exists into a network of 501(c)(3)s — in exchange for a tax benefit. By outsourcing this vision, they often build narratives that make it seem like lack of capital is the fault of people who have spent their lives resisting structural injustices like racism and economic exploitation. These charity sources may also suffocate the ability of organizations to challenge or build alternatives to existing systems, and pressure organizations to operate on shoestring budgets, as though their staff are martyrs and shouldn't work for pay.

What is Mutual Aid?

Mutual aid is not charity. It is when people help each other meet basic needs, knowing that current systems aren’t enough or are designed to make things worse. Injustice could happen to any of us at any time, and we can take care of each other right now. We don't have to wait for someone else, and with time and cultural care, we can build a support system for all of us. Most mutual aid projects are volunteer-run, with people stepping in because they want to help now, versus wait for someone else to do it later.

Mutuality and solidarity: over charity and giving.
The system is the problem: Poverty and crisis come from unjust systems, not individual failure.
Transparency: Being open about operations and funding.
Inclusivity: Everyone belongs.
Learning: Everyone is learning, every brings wisdoms.
Long-Term Commitment: Fostering a culture of mutuality, not projects.
Connection and Cooperation: Building relationships with others.
Respect and Self-Determination: For all.