Solidarity, Not Charity
Free events in the community serve as a model for operating a more just society. They is based on the principles of mutual aid and the gift economy, where people cooperate to meet the needs fellow community members, while building a shared understanding of our lives. Mutual aid creates networks of care and generosity to meet the immediate needs of our neighbors. Solidarity helps us connect with people facing varied forms of crisis, in order to see clearly that everything is connected in a globalized world. We need to resist together as we build the future we want.
During times of precarity, and converging crises that expose capitalism’s chokehold on all facets of our life, it feels increasingly important to center mutual aid. While this is an important part of the struggle against oppressive systems, it should not be used as a synonym for organizing, confrontation and direct action against those systems. It does not confront—and therefore cannot change—unjust power structures on its own.
However, by planting mutual aid within organizing campaigns and returning it to its mutual roots, we can create conditions within communities and organizations that anticipate the kinds of social relationships that will truly liberate us.
The Free events have no strings attached: everyone is welcome, there are no limitations on items people can take, and there are no requirements to participate! We don’t for personal information and welcome anyone who wants to learn and contribute.
Contact us at: info@sjcommunity.ca
Donate to us at: free@sjcommunity.ca using e-transfer or click below to use a credit/debit card
(please mention “free store” in your donation). This project puts on 2 – 3 events every year. Your donations will go a long way in supporting us!
Resources
- Mutual Aid by Dean Spade
- Mutual Aid explainer by Andrewism
- The Revolution Will Not Be Funded: Beyond the Non-Profit Industrial Complex
- Cooperation Jackson
- Mutual Aid podcast
- Mutual Aid disaster relief
- Critical reflections on Mutual Aid
- Support Mutual Aid in Gaza
- Support Mutual Aid in Sudan
News Clippings
