
Today we are talking about all the basics in understanding mutual aid. Mutual aid has become a popular term over the last few years but what is it? It is a form of community care rooted in solidarity rather than charity (which involves a hierarchal relationship, is reactive, and often exclusive) or government aid. It’s all about people in communities coming together to support each other.
Mutual aid is based on a few key principles:
That everyone has something to offer and everyone has something to gain.
Direct action (addressing community needs quickly rather than waiting on intervention from external institutions)
Mutual aid allows communities to identify and address their own needs, based on their lived experiences
Mutual aid efforts are often informal, grassroots, and community-led. It is a long-term commitment to your community and must be sustained during times of obvious crisis or emergency
When it comes to mental health we know that there’s not enough education, especially about the tougher topics, and since the pandemic we know many are feeling disconnected from their communities. We know that coming together as communities, being educated, and helping one another is not only how we keep each other safe but also how we change society for the better!
History of Mutual Aid in the U.S.

With the exception of churches, mutual aid networks were the most popular form of volunteering in America throughout the mid-nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Without programs like government aid these organizations were ran by poor and working class community members and provided more aid than any other institution -public or private.
Many of these organizations had programs for all ages from birth to death. They offered everything from orphanages to hospitals and in the early twentieth century these types of organizations multiplied, popping up everywhere but especially in places like New York and Chicago. Services were funded through monthly dues of roughly $2 a year, back then that was equivalent to one day’s pay. The doctors were elected by the organization’s members and their salaries were dependent on the size of the organization.
Mutual aid organizations put together for and by women multiplied especially during the influenza epidemic, many organized women’s only health centers. Black mutual aid organizations were also booming in New Orleans which was home to approximately 135 all Black Mutual Aid groups- 40 of which were oriented exclusively towards Black women. There were also a large number of Hispanic and Indigenous mutual aid groups, particularly in Tampa, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona.
These mutual aid organizations played a big role in the Labor Movement. You see, the tradition of mutual aid is also tied very closely to the struggles that Western miner’s unions at the turn of the century. Matter of fact, the first significant strike (over occupational safety) was led by the Miner’s League of Grass Valley, California after the introduction of dynamite into the mines in 1869. In 1906 miners of the Daly-West mine in Park City organized a walkout protest because the owners began using oil-lamps instead of candles. When IWW founder Bill Haywood broke his hand, miners raised enough money for him to buy a house and support his family while he recovered. This gave Haywood a great sense of community and solidarity with an aversion to philanthropy. Hardrock and silver miners formed benefit societies to ensure they did not need to rely on charity.
How Mutual Aid Works
Mutual aid is solidarity and it can take many forms. It can look like a food pantry, a community fridge, clothing swaps, skill share workshops, housing assistance and so much more. The flexible structure doesn’t just allow but also encourages community members to contribute their ideas. What helps build the sense of solidarity is a mutual understanding of how 1 major life event can affect our lives, and in the case of our organization, Serenity Co-op, there’s an understanding of how many different aspects of our lives not only impact other aspects of our lives but also our mental wellbeing overall.
With mutual aid there is collective, community-led decision making rather than a hierarchical group making decisions based on what they think the community needs. Mutual aid groups are also volunteer-driven and are reliant on community donations. Now this is where our organization is a little different- we plan on opening a family fun center with a fully operational and accessible restaurant bar/grill that will help fund our nonprofit. This family fun center will be all ages, fully accessible and completely inclusive. It will have dart boards, tabletop shuffle board and lots of other fun things for the community to come enjoy. It will also aid us in hosting workshops and future events + community programs.
Mutual Aid’s Role in Mental Health
Mutual aid plays a huge positive role in mental health. Because mutual aid is a community-driven support system where individual people come together to share resources it naturally creates this environment of safety, respect, and solidarity. It helps people feel like they belong and we know how important that is from our 8 DIMENSIONS OF WELLNESS post. A mutual aid collective helps people feel like they matter and it alleviates isolation and loneliness. It also helps reduce stress and anxiety by meeting people’s needs (food, shelter, funds, clothing, etc) and increasing their quality of life overall. Mutual aid, unlike charity, also empowers people by shifting away from seeing themselves as passive recipients of charity and instead to active participants in their own support networks. This shift fosters a sense of agency and self-determination; people aren’t just getting help, they’re also contributing to others overall well-being (hence the “mutual” part of the term “mutual aid”) and when people feel empowered and have a sense of agency over their lives, their mental health improves.
This shift also has another positive effect, it challenges the stigma around seeking/needing assistance. It isn’t seen as a “handout” or failure of the individual. Mutual aid acts as a disruption to the stigma of receiving or needing help because it’s a community-based network of support. It’s a collective effort. Many times you’ll hear us refer to our organization as a “collective” for this very reason. Furthermore, mutual aid normalizes community care by acknowledging and accepting that everyone needs help in life sometimes. Because of this we know we will all benefit from this type of collective effort and network. Mutual aid also promotes healthy interdependence rather than the toxic hyper independence that society tries to impose on us. Meaning, it shows us that leaning on one another in our communities makes stronger, healthier communities overall.
More benefits of mutual aid
We’ve already briefly covered some of the benefits of mutual aid, but let’s talk about some others. In addition to creating a feeling of belonging, it also creates a sense of purpose and connection. Humans, despite our profit-driven society making it seem otherwise, naturally want to be helpful. It gives us a sense of meaning and purpose to help others. Somewhere along the way it feels like we’ve been moving away from that as a society, and it’s no coincidence that mental wellness overall has also deteriorated at the same time. Our society wants us to be hyper independent and it views relying on others as a bad thing. For example, pop psychology oftentimes tells us that relying on others is a sign of weakness. When in reality it’s a sign of a healthy community with strong connections.
Another benefit to mutual aid is that it reduces barriers to accessing support, particularly for marginalized community members (elderly, non-white, children, disabled, women, etc) by offering community-driven resources that are often free, accessible, and not judgmental. Unlike traditional systems that can be costly, stigmatizing, or difficult to navigate, mutual aid provides immediate, culturally relevant support without the red tape, making it easier for people to get the help they need when they need it.
One of the most beneficial aspects of mutual aid is that it helps address unfairness in society by making sure resources and support reach those who are often overlooked or left out. Traditional systems can be difficult to navigate, expensive, or simply not available to everyone, especially marginalized groups. Mutual aid works differently by directly redistributing resources within communities—whether it’s food, financial help, or mental health support—without barriers like high costs, lengthy applications, or judgment. This approach ensures that more people, regardless of their background or circumstances, can access the help they need in a way that feels supportive and inclusive.
Getting involved in mutual aid

Now let’s talk about getting involved in mutual aid efforts in YOUR community. To find or start a mutual aid network, you can start by researching existing groups in your area through social media or community resources. If none exist, identify the specific needs of your community and connect with like-minded individuals to form a small group of dedicated volunteers. Start small with manageable projects, like a neighborhood food pantry, and use social media to organize and spread the word. As your network grows, ensure it remains inclusive and accessible to all, and seek partnerships with local organizations to expand your impact and sustainability. For example, we have just launched our organization and our first community based mutual aid project is a free community fridge and pantry that is filled, monitored, and cleaned out by volunteers and community members. Remember, it doesn’t have to be huge to be life changing or successful. You want to start by doing something that is sustainable for you and others involved.
Basically,
Mutual aid is essential for bolstering community mental health by providing direct, accessible, and compassionate support that traditional systems often fail to offer. It goes far beyond just meeting material needs; mutual aid fosters a sense of connection, belonging, and shared responsibility, which are critical for individual and collective well-being. By redistributing resources within the community, mutual aid not only addresses immediate needs but also helps break down barriers that often prevent people from seeking help, creating a culture where support is normalized and accessible to all.
Mutual aid emphasizes the power of community care and interdependence, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles and that helping one another strengthens us all. It nurtures resilience, empowers individuals, and cultivates a network of support that can make a profound impact on mental health outcomes. I encourage you to explore local mutual aid opportunities, get involved, or even start your own initiative. Whether it’s through sharing resources, offering time, or simply spreading awareness, your participation can contribute to building a more connected, caring, and resilient community. Remember, mutual aid is not just about addressing immediate needs—it's about creating a world where everyone feels supported, valued, and connected.
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