Mutual aid: building solidarity during this crisis (and the next)

Introduction : Crisis conditions require bold tactics

Part I. What Is Mutual Aid? 1. Three key elements of mutual aid. One. Mutual aid projects work to meet survival needs and build shared understanding about why people do not have what they need ; Two. Mutual aid projects mobilize people, expand solidarity, and build movements ; Three. Mutual aid projects are participatory, solving problems through collective action rather than waiting for saviors

2. Solidarity not charity!

3. We get more when we demand more

Part II. Working Together On Purpose. 4. Some dangers and pitfalls of mutual aid. Deservingness hierarchies ; Saviorism and paternalism ; Co-optation ; Characteristics of mutual aid vs. charity

5. No masters, no flakes. Group culture ; Making decisions together ; Leadership qualities that support mutuality and collaboration ; Handling money ; Burnout ; Conflict ; Working with joy ; Perfectionism ; Mad mapping

Conclusion : Everything is at stake and we're fighting to win

Resource list.