Some of this information may be out of updated.

We have not updated this webpage since 2021.

A more recent set of information at be found at https://www.mutualaidla.org

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This pandemic has reaffirmed that we are all interconnected – our health and ability to thrive depends on our collective action. Right now, we must cooperate for the common good, starting at the hyper-local level with our buildings, blocks, or neighborhoods. 

We encourage you, your family, and your neighbors to get organized locally and set up systems to share support, supplies, and information through a mutual aid network. 

What is mutual aid?

  • Mutual aid is about creating systems that empower your community to meet their own needs.

  • It’s premised on solidarity rather than charity, and is about sharing power rather than relying on external structures (like government or philanthropy) to solve problems.  

  • Mutual aid work often starts with addressing material needs like food, childcare, errands, and monetary support. Over time, your organizing may also grow into collective action and advocacy, building long term trust, relationships, and understanding. 

  • Learn more about mutual aid at the Big Door Brigade website.  

How can I take action?

  • Organize your own back-up

    • Start by making sure you have lined up a support network of friends, family, and neighbors who are standing by to have your back in this trying time. This means creating your own mutual aid “pod” or support network, and actively asking folks to be on stand-by if you have needs come up.

    • Check out the Bay Area Transformative Justice Collective’s Pod Mapping Worksheet for helping in mapping your support network.

  • Join an existing mutual aid group 

  • Start your own mutual aid network

    • We highly recommend setting up a network at the hyper-local building, block, or neighborhood scale to create close ties and hyper-local connections. 

    • Here are some of our favorite resources to help you get started.

    • You can watch this Zoom teach-in we did on How to Start a Mutual Aid group at youtube.com/watch?v=lDmJZpmh9vI

    • LA Forward is also here to help you! We can add your group to our list and connect you with other members who are interested in engaging and live nearby. You can send us an email with suggestions: mutualaid at losangelesfwd.org

  • Let folks know you’re there to help 

    • HANG A SIGN: We recommend putting a sign on your front door or mailbox letting folks know that you are participating in mutual aid. Include your phone number or invite folks to leave a note on your front mat if they need help.

    • LEAVE A NOTE: If you are reaching out to neighbors in your building or on your block that you do not know well, we recommend leaving a note with your phone number. Here are a few tips on how to be safe. 

      • Wash your hands with soap before you leave home for 20 seconds, vigorously scrubbing tops, palms, individual fingers, and fingernails.

      • Please wear a mask when handling flyers and when posting on doors in order to reduce the likelihood of spreading germs.

      • Carry hand sanitizer, if available, to sanitize your hands in the event they come into contact with any surface outside your home (hand rails, walls, etc).

      • Do not leave a note in the mailbox, since It is illegal to put things in other people’s mailboxes without paying for postage. Instead, try the crack of their door, between screen door and main door, or on their front mat. 

      • Safely reaching out is meaningful in and of itself to combat the social isolation and anxiety folks may be feeling. It is worth checking in on people, even if there is no associated action that comes from it.

      • DOWNLOAD our LA Forward Mutual Aid Flier, or make your own! 

      • Wash your hands with soap again when you return home. Scrub vigorously for 20 seconds on the tops, palms, individual fingers, and fingernails.

      • For more information on the latest safety protocols from the county, visit their website.

A majority of our budget comes from our members’ monthly donations. In 2024, our goal is to raise 70% of our budget from dues-paying members. That will enable us to be 100% accountable to people like you. Your gift allows us to respond rapidly to emerging issues, to take on powerful interests, and spend as little time possible on fundraising so we can focus on the crucial work that needs to get done every day.