Introduction to Mutual Aid

Part of the The Janine Soleil Abolitionist Youth Organizing Institute (AYO, NYC!)—a collaboration between Project NIA & EFA Project Space. Recorded June 17, 2020.

This session addresses the following questions: What is “mutual aid,” and how is it different from charity, philanthropy, and state social services? How is mutual aid part of current and historical freedom, liberation, and self-determination struggles of different peoples? How are mutual aid efforts responding to the COVID-19 pandemic? How can people participate in mutual aid projects now?

Facilitator: Mariame is an organizer, educator and curator who is active in movements for racial, gender, and transformative justice. She is the founder and director of Project NIA, a grassroots organization with a vision to end youth incarceration. She has co-founded multiple organizations and projects over the years including We Charge Genocide, the Chicago Freedom School, the Chicago Taskforce on Violence against Girls and Young Women, Love & Protect and most recently Survived & Punished.