Mutual aid refers to a focus on building active reciprocal relationships to support each other in solidarity. Mutualist institutions, such as churches, unions, immigrant societies, co-ops, and mutual insurance aspire to implement this value on a regular basis.
Mutual aid derives its origins from the work of 19th-century anarchist theorists, such as Pierre-Joseph Proudhon and Peter Kropotkin. Mutual aid differs dramatically from charity in that its vision is not to help those who are less well-off, but rather for people to engage in reciprocal relationships, rooted in mutual benefit. A “needs and offers” exchange, in which participants list what they need and what they can offer, is perhaps the quintessential contemporary community-based, mutual aid institution.
Sign up for our free newsletters
Subscribe to NPQ's newsletters to have our top stories delivered directly to your inbox.
By signing up, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of use, and to receive messages from NPQ and our partners.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, mutual aid networks emerged across the United States and globally. While some of these local networks have since receded, a revived mutualist movement has emerged that seeks to build on labor unions, faith-based groups, and cooperatives to develop vibrant networks of mutual care and support.
