Why mutual aid models?

We firmly believe mutual aid models and systems are vital to the movement of people-

centered communities and safer neighborhoods. For a better understanding of mutual

aid concepts, Teighlor McGhee, who was the founder of Black Disability Collective,

explains it the best here.

Collective efforts from people with different access and opportunities, in the same

neighborhood, will eliminate hierarchies that tell us only the wealthy deserve

their basic needs to be met. There is mutual benefit for everyone

that takes the responsibility of safety within their communities. We need not rely on harmful systems to protect our most vulnerable. Every parent or caregiver, of any kind, deserves the support of a village. Through years of state sanctioned violence,

we’ve gotten to a point where children and other vulnerable

people are cared for in isolation. Without a safe, supportive community.

Mutual aid models bring back a core belief: that we are all in charge of each others

safety and support.

In the spirit of the Black Panther Party, who organized & gave community care before us, We will continue to use our organization to embody these values and practices.

There is no liberation without the people being aware and connected.

SWS Crew