“Mutual aid is a term to describe people giving each other needed material support, trying to resist the control dynamics, hierarchies and system-affirming, oppressive arrangements of charity and social services. Mutual aid projects are a form of political participation in which people take responsibility for caring for one another and changing political conditions, not just through symbolic acts or putting pressure on their representatives in government, but by actually building new social relations that are more survivable.” – http://bigdoorbrigade.com

INTRODUCTORY FRAMEWORKS

The Strategy of Mutual Aid (Ayni Institute) – webinar videos. Other resources from Ayni Institute.

 “We Keep Us Safe: The History and Principles of Mutual Aid” (Highlander Institute) – watch the webinar: Watch the Zoom Recording and Watch the Facebook Live

“Mutua Aid: How To” (Highlander Institute) watch the webinar Zoom Recording.

Why community is our best chance for survival—a lesson post-Hurricane Maria (Christine Nieves)

Solidarity vs Charity Mutual Aid Blog from BigDoorBrigade.com

Collective Care is our Best Weapon from Mutual Aid Disaster Relief

Mutual Aid vs Charity podcast from Rebel Steps

HOW-TO TOOLS

How to Create A Mutual Aid Network

Mutual Aid 101 Toolkit

Creating neighborhood pods 

Neighbor Support Network NYC

Mia Mingus speaks about pod mapping

Pod Mapping for Mutual Aid (Rebel Sydney Black)

Safety Practices for Mutual Aid Food and Supply Distribution During the Coronavirus Pandemic

OTHER RESOURCES:

Building Accountable Communities Video Series: here and here.

Beyond Prisons COVID-19 Resources For Incarcerated People

Mutual Aid Hub – https://www.mutualaidhub.org

Longer article about Mutual Aid by Dean Spade

This #COVID19 Know Your Rights Document has updated information on your rights while doing Mutual Aid and updates around protest rights and #stayathome orders. bit.ly/KYRights2020

Examples:

Ujimaa Medics

Chicago Community Bond Fund

Activities with Students:

How to Make a Mutual Aid Map (Created by Dr. Laura McTighe)

Dean Spade’s Mutual Aid Course Syllabus and reading questions for mutual aid class