Where's the Mutual?

The Grift and the Gift

Mutual aid is supposed to be about community. At least, I thought it was. Instead, it’s turned into a cesspool of grifters, scammers, and clout-chasers looking for the next quick buck. Sometimes I feel less like a mutual aid supporter and more like a bankroll for someone’s poor choices. I wonder if what I’m doing is worth it, or just in vain. Yes, we covered a hotel for a couple nights—but then what? Where is the long-term care? How do we get the community on board to support a more sustainable, less reactive approach? Ugh. It’s so frustrating.

And please, don’t get me started on the fly-by-night organizations that pop up and raise $20,000 in a week, while we’re fighting to scrape together $200. Something has to give. This is thankless, tireless work, but someone has to do it. It’s my calling, per se. How I got here was unconventional, but anyone will tell you I’ve always had a generous spirit. But when does giving become too much? When does “mutual” never show? What kind of cup are we pouring from? A Stanley cup or a broken strainer? I don’t know. Something has to give, though. The “mutual” is becoming mute.