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There was this one youtube video I watched a long time ago which changed my views on what "activism" is. This was a long while ago though so I had forgotten most of what the video was about.
All I remembered was the core argument presented, which was the idea that we should all attempt to build a community that helps others without expecting anything in return.
This memory kept nagging at me today so I decided to go search to find more information about this ideology. And that's when I came across the term Mutual Aid
What is Mutual Aid?
The example in my head that best defines what I think mutual aid goes like this:
Say there's a group of homeless people near your area. You and a bunch of your friends decide to go around and buy meals for these people. But unlike basic charity work, you also tell these people about what you and your friends are doing, and ask if they would like to help.
The next day the people you helped also work on delivering, packaging, and, organizing the food for the next batches of people. They're of course not obligated to, but you and your friends helped open up that avenue for them.
Ultimately its about helping out people as a community in whatever capacity that you can, so that those people will in turn have the strength and avenue to do the same for you and the rest of the community.
Mutual Aid is not Charity Work
Mutual Aid is different from charity work in a number of ways. But what I think the most significant difference is that fact that you do not create a separation between yourself and those you donate to/help. They are as much part of the community as you are and provide just as much value in helping to make the world a better place.
Everyone has their strengths. The elderly can help in the kitchens. The single parents can help spread the word through social media. The children can help handout the food packages or anything else that your community needs.
Just to be clear, mutual aid does not just involve handing out meals. It's a philosophy that can be the root for many projects.
BTW I AM STILL LEARNING ABOUT THIS. If you think I missed an important point or worded something weirdly or heck, got something wrong please feel free to correct me!!
Anyways, I do hope my disorganized ramblings helped you learn something as well. :)
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