What Is Mutual Aid & How Can You Get Involved?

With the state of the world right now, things may feel very overwhelming, and many need extra support. One way to help your neighbors is by getting involved in a local mutual aid group.

Back in November, the City Cast Chicago podcast chatted with Maira Khwaja, a writer, reporter, and co-founder of the mutual aid group Market Box Chicago. She explained what mutual aid is and how to get involved.

What Is Mutual Aid?

Mutual aid is when people come together to directly help one another when they need it.

Mutual aid comes in many different forms. There are formal networks that do things like package food, but even actions such as letting someone crash on your couch or volunteering to teach a language can be forms of mutual aid.

“Mutual aid is basically the practice of people, community, neighbors getting together to try to address some sort of survival need that's happening,” Khwaja said.

How Is Mutual Aid Different From Charity?

Mutual aid involves building relationships and working directly with the community. In contrast, charity often involves donating without seeing the direct impact of your contribution.

“When in doubt, being like, am I building relationships within a community by participating in this, by donating, by showing up?” Khwaja said. “If you are not, then it's probably charity.”

Mutual Aid Groups in Chicago

There’s no shortage of mutual aid organizations in Chicago that help people get food, clothes, and other support throughout the city. Here are some well-known ones:

Block Club and Borderless have put together other lists of mutual aid groups if you want to find one in your community.

How To Get Involved in a Mutual Aid Group