Mutual Aid & Community Action
Best practices and education in mutual aid, community organization and other radical change come from oppressed communities, especially black women. They are the experts, and participation in the work of mutual aid and community building means treating those authorities with respect and gratitude.
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Tabletop Craft Co. is not primarily a mutual aid organization. The resources linked here are suggestions, things that have been personally helpful to me as a crafter, small business owner, and someone with an extraordinary amount of privilege. I am still learning. If you are still learning, please join me - we can responsible for helping each other stay accountable, responsible, and respectful.
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I will update these resources as I learn more. For now, I’ve only listed the basics - this is all stuff you could find yourself with a simple online search. My hope is that having it listed here reminds you prioritize that search. Click the links. Try different search terms. Fall down a rabbit hole. Most of all, pick something to try. One thing, something small if you don't know where to start. But find at least one thing you can do, and try doing it. That's how we start.
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I’ve included information on what mutual aid is, how it works, and how it ties to the communities that are so critical to our continued well-being, and so neglected by so many of us. I hope this is helpful.
bell hooks is a great starting place if you want to read up on intersectional oppression and freedom. Her work could be a syllabus all on its own. If you don't know where to start, the New York Public Library has a reading list.
Radical in Progress is a great primer for all things activism. It is primarily an educational resource, started by Gari De Ramos, a journalist with a focus in political science and social justice.
The Pod Mapping approach is a great starting point for individuals who want to get involved in community-building, but don't know where to start. This guide by Rebel Sidney Black is great for people who enjoy both theory and instruction.
If you're looking for ways to jump start your mutual aid journey, Mutual Aid Disaster Relief is a great springboard. They have educational resources, as well as ways to connect with your local mutual aid organizations.
Food Not Bombs is a community action group that, in their own words, "[is] not a charity but dedicated to taking nonviolent direction action." In addition to their work that you can support or get involved with, they also have recommended resources.