By Jeremie Jean-Baptiste
Published January 7, 2025
What is mutual aid?
Mutual aid is a way for people to come together and support each other directly. Instead of relying on big organizations or governments, communities share resources, skills, and care to meet their needs. It’s about working together as equals and building trust, not about handouts or charity. The Haitian concept of konbit is a powerful example of mutual aid in practice, where people collaborate to complete tasks that benefit the whole community. Learn more about konbit and its role in Haitian society through organizations like Gwoup Konbit and Roots of Development. (Mutual Aid Coop, CUNY Urban Food Policy, and GlobalGiving)
How is mutual aid different from charity?
Charity often creates a divide between those giving and those receiving. It can feel like help is coming from above, with conditions attached. Mutual aid is different because it’s based on solidarity. It treats everyone as equals and focuses on collective care and shared responsibility. The concept of konbit embodies this principle by fostering collaboration and self-reliance rather than dependency. Learn more about mutual aid here.
Is mutual aid a new idea?
Not at all! Mutual aid has been around for centuries. Russian thinker Peter Kropotkin wrote about it in his book Mutual Aid: A Factor of Evolution in 1902, showing how cooperation helps societies thrive. Similarly, traditions like konbit in Haiti and Indigenous concepts such as the Navajo k’é highlight the long-standing practice of mutual care and reciprocity. These traditions prove that mutual aid is as old as humanity itself. Explore its history here.
How does mutual aid work?
Mutual aid can look like many things—sharing food, raising funds, or helping neighbors after a disaster. For example, during the 1960s, the Black Panther Party ran a free breakfast program for kids to fight hunger and racism. In Haiti, organizations like Gwoup Konbit continue to foster the spirit of mutual aid through programs that connect communities, provide funding, and promote collaboration. Learn about these inspiring examples here.
Why does mutual aid matter today?
In a world facing crises like pandemics, climate disasters, and inequality, mutual aid fills the gaps where other systems fall short. Practices like konbit and organizations like Gwoup Konbit show how communities can address immediate needs while building long-term resilience. By coming together and sharing resources, we create stronger, more connected communities that embody the values of cooperation and care.
References
CUFPI. (2023). Mutual aid 101: History, politics, and organizational structures of community care. CUNY Urban Food Policy Institute. https://cunyurbanfoodpolicy.org/news/2023/08/22/mutual-aid-101-history-politics-and-organizational-structures-of-community-care/
Méndez, V. (2022). What does mutual aid mean, and why does it matter? GlobalGiving.https://www.globalgiving.org/learn/what-is-mutual-aid#:~:text=Mutual%20aid%20is%20about%20cooperating,immediate%20needs%20of%20our%20neighbors
Solidarity Economy Association. (n.d.). What is mutual aid? https://www.mutualaid.coop/