It’s everyday people taking care of one another
often in small ways that build into something larger.
Yes, some of what we do resembles direct giving. However, the difference lies in our approach. Rather than simply distributing what we believe people need, mutual aid emphasizes that 'beggars should be choosers.' We prioritize listening to the community, respecting people's choices, and trusting that they know how to triage their own lives. This approach not only addresses urgent needs by connecting individuals with essential community resources, but it also empowers people to sustain themselves moving forward in solidarity.
One of my favorite ways to help is simply offering things I no longer need.
It’s like when your mom hands down her old sofa—except this time it’s Susan from three blocks away, and in the process, you discover you’re both competitive yodelers. Suddenly, you don’t just have a new couch—you have a new friend. That’s the magic of community resources: you don’t need to be perfect or have a lot to offer. Everyone has something to contribute to mutual aid, and everyone belongs in this spirit of solidarity.
Mutual aid is alive, flexible, and always evolving.
Mutual aid thrives on creativity and out-of-the-box thinking, drawing on community resources to meet unique needs. Every community has its own distinct requirements, and no two networks will look the same. Some groups organize childcare or task-sharing banks, while others establish ride networks to help neighbors get to their appointments. For example, we’ve seen someone offer weekly rides to a community member who couldn’t drive due to medication—what started as a practical solution grew into a beautiful friendship rooted in solidarity. Mutual aid is alive, flexible, and always evolving.
National Resources
Mutual Aid tool kit
Mutual Aid Legal Toolkit from Sustainable Economies Law Center
Mutual Aid Legal Toolkit from Sustainable Economies Law Center
This toolkit, authored by AOC and Mariama Kaba, provides step-by-step instructions on how to build your own mutual aid network, fostering community resources and strengthening solidarity.
Mutual Aid Legal Toolkit from Sustainable Economies Law Center
Mutual Aid Legal Toolkit from Sustainable Economies Law Center
Mutual Aid Legal Toolkit from Sustainable Economies Law Center
This legal guide is designed for grassroots mutual aid networks. We compiled community resources based on your submissions, reflecting the most common inquiries we've received in the spirit of solidarity.
How to create a mutual aid network with AFSC
Mutual Aid Legal Toolkit from Sustainable Economies Law Center
How to create a mutual aid network with AFSC
In challenging times, mutual aid serves as a vital way for communities to come together in solidarity, providing essential community resources to support one another when the government can’t or won’t.