What does/can/should mutual aid look like?

[ellipsis]

I feel like there is more talk about the need for mutual
Aid than there is actual manifestations of it. And what exists is pretty limited in scope, ie food not bombs chapters abound. So what are other existing forms? Potential forms? Needed forms?

In terms of what I have seen: fnb, homes not jails/squatter syndicates, tool lending libraries, free libraries, collective housing, the free farm/communal agriculture.

Discuss.

[Ele'ill]

mental health support

[ellipsis]

+1 on that. Also sobriety/substance abuse support.

[blake 3:17]

I think the best kind of socialist politics is when we combine basic social solidarity while challenging or bypassing the dominant class or state.

I've lived in a couple of collective houses founded on mutual aid principles and, while challenging at times, they were very positive experiences. I was also a member of a leftwing communal campground for many years. Sorta institutions like these can be a great way to get to know people better, explore social alternatives, live relatively democratically, and screw up the environment less.

I'm excited by the possibility of doing this through a new section of the labour movement, but that's a hope and not an actuality.

I'd suggest to people who can't find a political home to volunteer in some kind of social/community services.

Communal kitchens are often great starting points.

[Sea]

Political science reading rooms?

Hmm, perhaps a way reach out to the truly destitute (or anyone else) who aren't actively seeking communal living. Where this would differ from charity would be at exactly the same place that a passive relationship of giving and receiving differs from active participation.

Just a thought.

[Os Cangaceiros]

Financial aid for legal battles/political prisoners

[ellipsis]

Any body following occupy sandy? Thoughts on that project re: op?

[Luc]

Intrrnatinal networks of revolutionary hideouts based on the extradition treaty relationships between countries (eg Canada and Ireland no treaty so canuks can hide there for a bit) I could be wrong in that specie example but u get my idea :lol:

Also regarding the Sandy thing I thinkthere was something written about disaster mutual aid a paper or easy article w/e called Insurrectionary Mutual Aid its good idea, I can't say anything on Occupy cause I haven't kept up with it. All these sound like good ideas :thumbup:

Also relate to Os' post; free lawyers or legal Ed like know ur rights and prison solidarity/support like Blakc Cross

[Quail]

Solidarity unions for stuff like issues with landlords and benefits are something that I think is pretty useful, especially in times like this.