Browse Exhibits (1 total)

In 1902, philosopher Peter Kropotkin published an essay collection entitled Mutual Aid: A Factor of Evolution. Although this was not the first use of the term, his book popularized the idea of mutual aid, stating “As soon as we study animals…we at once perceive that though there is an immense amount of warfare and extermination going on amidst various species… there is, at the same time, as much, or perhaps even more, of mutual support, mutual aid, and mutual defence amidst animals belonging to the same species or, at least, to the same society.”

Indeed, the practice of mutual aid—of neighbors helping neighbors— is an ancient one; nevertheless, the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic decline has seen a heightened interest in mutual aid. Hundreds of funds and networks have been established around the United States in an attempt to respond to increased need due to shelter in place orders, disrupted food supply chains, and massive job loss (14.7% as of May 2020). The nature of COVID-19 has forced many of these networks to primarily function online, resulting in a plethora of born digital resources documenting these hyper-local, community based efforts. Online aid request forms, marketing materials, and community agreements chronicle the work of neighbors helping neighbors. Tweets, YouTube videos, and articles draw attention to the ways in which civilians have fulfilled needs where more formalized institutions have failed.

This collection includes resources which best illustrate the principles, practice, and influence of Mutual Aid networks across the United States of America as a direct response to the COVID-19 Pandemic in an attempt to document this work for future generations.