Have you Read this? Book Review

Mutual Aid

BY: Dean Spade

I read Mutual Aid. And you know the first half I hated it. It was things I already knew and at the same time I felt as if the author was saying that mutual aid is the answer to all the world’s problems. And although there’s a nice meaning behind its philosophy of caring for one and other, I just felt like there should be more. I was actively bored and have put a lot of the teachings into practice already. And you know how it is - you keep on supporting with these mutual aid resources and fulfilling people’s survival needs, but people don’t automatically liberate themselves because you established a mutual aid program. There needs to be more than that: education, organizational structure, economic and political power to the people, growing our own food resources, getting to know the land, etc etc. And you know what? maybe this book wasn’t talking about mutual aid being the answer to all the world problems, maybe I’m just projecting my own community organizing experience where people think they’re better than you cuz they did it this way and you did it that way, and they’re doing mutual aid so they feel so much superior than everyone else. I swear man, everyone is doing their part, and some people don’t know what to do. Eh, you’ll find your purpose somewhere, as long as you’re doing your best and don’t think you shit don’t stink. Shit stinks for real bro, and that’s the first half of the book.

The second half goes into cool processes and details about organizational structure such as consensus, roles in the organizations, how to keep new people in the loop of things, ways to implement cooperative leadership so everyone can develop those skills, the importance of checking-in, and working joyfully (lol Kamala). So if you want to read it, it’s real small, a real quick 148 pages. Not my priority, but a god starter for sure. At the end of the day I don’t hate the book, I’m grateful for the work Dean Spode does. 7/10.

#BookReview #bookrecommendations #booksoflemon8 #booktok #mutualaid #organizing #collectiveliberation #liberation #solidarity #skillshare

Riverside
2024/9/6 Edited to

... Read moreMy journey into community organizing has shown me that mutual aid, as Dean Spade eloquently discusses, is far more than just charity – it's a foundational pillar for collective liberation. While the concept might seem straightforward, putting it into practice effectively requires thoughtful structure and genuine commitment. I've personally seen how vital it is to move beyond simply addressing immediate needs, like providing 'clothes and food' for neighbors, to building sustainable systems. One of the biggest takeaways for me, reflecting on Spade’s insights and my own experiences, is the importance of robust organizational structures within mutual aid groups. It’s not enough to have good intentions; we need clear roles, established processes for decision-making like consensus-building, and methods for integrating new members seamlessly. I remember participating in a local food distribution network where, at first, things felt a bit chaotic. Everyone wanted to help, but without defined roles for sourcing, packing, or delivery, efforts often overlapped or fell through the cracks. It was only when we adopted some of the principles I later saw highlighted in the latter half of Spade's book – things like cooperative leadership and regular check-ins – that our efforts truly began to flourish. This shift from reactive giving to proactive, structured support is what transforms mutual aid into 'liberation aid.' It's about empowering communities to meet their own needs while simultaneously building economic and political power. For instance, instead of just handing out food, we started exploring community gardens and skillshare workshops on food preservation. This not only provided fresh produce but also fostered self-sufficiency and deeper connections. It’s about getting to know the land, as the article mentions, and understanding how local resources can be harnessed for collective good. The book also touches on the idea of working joyfully, and I can't stress enough how important that is in preventing burnout and maintaining momentum. Community organizing can be tough, but when everyone feels included, valued, and sees their efforts contributing to a larger, well-organized purpose, it becomes incredibly rewarding. It's about fostering an environment where everyone can develop leadership skills and feel a sense of ownership. So, while Dean Spade’s 'Mutual Aid' might start with a familiar premise for seasoned organizers, its deeper dive into how to build resilient, effective, and joyful mutual aid networks offers invaluable practical guidance. It reinforces that true solidarity is built not just on empathy, but on organized action that aims for lasting change, moving us closer to genuine collective liberation.

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