June’s Program featured SnoCo Mutual Aid,
by Leslie Brown and Sugely Sanchez
“Mutual Aid is the radical act of caring for each other while working together to change the world.”
“Snohomish County Mutual Aid follows the core principles of the mutual aid philosophy, which involves helping each other in a two-way, non-transactional manner absent of judgement and with intention to help now when governments and systems fail to, or engineer crises which are harming our families, friends, and neighbors.”
President Kelsey says
“They are completely volunteer led and support those in our community with support in the form of groceries, basic need items, transportation, rental/utility assistance, connection to resources, access to the Covid vaccine, and even sometimes cash to purchase any of the aforementioned items. All aid is provided with compassion and without judgement.
Leslie shared a quote from Dean Spade who said “Mutual Aid is the radical act of caring for each other while working together to change the world.”
I love this concept and think that it can be applicable in so many situations, both personal and professional. I think it resonates with Zonta and the work we do to empower women. Imagine changing the world through compassion and without judgement. Let’s do it!”
We learned that Mutual Aid is a departure from traditional models in that it requires no qualifications, means checking or paperwork. It is peer to peer, no questions asked support.
From Sugely:
I am volunteer Snohomish Mutual Aid and became involved because of groups willingness to help everyone that reach out and ask for help with food, resources and even asking help to finding resources. without judgement or questions.
Just given a helping hand to our neighbors, community and connecting people that wanted to help delivering, doing shopping or picking up basic needs items and delivering them to people that needed them. I enjoy doing it because I can deliver, shop or drop off a box of food, items to families when they need it and volunteer with my family. I enjoy getting to know people in my community and love that people feel comfortable to reach out and ask for the help and they have a way by email, FB message or even text.
Our speakers invite you to learn more about Snohomish County Mutual Aid and get involved by following their Facebook page, and jumping in to help wherever you feel motivated. They always need drivers to deliver care packages, and donated food for their food pantries. Donations can be made directly to their fiscal sponsoring partner: The Clearwater School. (note Snohomish County Mutual Aid)