Does your group have chapters? If so, can I ask what group it is? I’ve had difficulty finding a mutual aid group that has a real impact. They do things, but the lack of structure and organization makes it seem functionally useless. The people are all pretty cool, but it mostly feels like a waste of time.
Gotcha. If you have any experience interacting with groups that would have a chapter in most metro areas, feel free to let me know. Where I’m from originally we had some really active groups, but since moving to my current city I’m having difficulty finding something that seems to make a difference. I’d like to do mutual aid focused stuff rather than more mainstream charity work, but the charity work tends to be more impactful.
I’ve done a couple of things with the DSA and the PLA, but as orgs they’re kinda … eh. I wouldn’t be surprised if some local orgs near you might also collaborate with the DSA though, so you might be able to just ask about other groups from your local DSA chapter.
We get (and donate) food to established pantries and shelters, so you could also ask at some local food banks for group suggestions to get involved with.
Finally, check for zines posted on local classifieds, libraries, or refill stores. A lot of promotion of these kinda things is still somewhat underground, but you’re likely to find connections to leftist spaces from generally socially conscious or modern subversion spaces (plant swaps, gay bars, local owned weed shops, thrift stores, DIY music houses, etc).
I find plenty of anarchists helping out at our mutual aid group feeding, clothing, and distributing harm reduction and survival supplies to people.
yeah anarchists are based af usually
Does your group have chapters? If so, can I ask what group it is? I’ve had difficulty finding a mutual aid group that has a real impact. They do things, but the lack of structure and organization makes it seem functionally useless. The people are all pretty cool, but it mostly feels like a waste of time.
We do not have chapters though we do work with several other groups in the greater Denver metropolitan area.
Gotcha. If you have any experience interacting with groups that would have a chapter in most metro areas, feel free to let me know. Where I’m from originally we had some really active groups, but since moving to my current city I’m having difficulty finding something that seems to make a difference. I’d like to do mutual aid focused stuff rather than more mainstream charity work, but the charity work tends to be more impactful.
I’ve done a couple of things with the DSA and the PLA, but as orgs they’re kinda … eh. I wouldn’t be surprised if some local orgs near you might also collaborate with the DSA though, so you might be able to just ask about other groups from your local DSA chapter.
We get (and donate) food to established pantries and shelters, so you could also ask at some local food banks for group suggestions to get involved with.
Finally, check for zines posted on local classifieds, libraries, or refill stores. A lot of promotion of these kinda things is still somewhat underground, but you’re likely to find connections to leftist spaces from generally socially conscious or modern subversion spaces (plant swaps, gay bars, local owned weed shops, thrift stores, DIY music houses, etc).
Thank you for the great suggestions!