While some of us in the working class are still on our feet, others are really struggling. As the COVID crisis exposes the fatal flaws of our economic and healthcare systems, it’s clear that we need to take matters into our own hands, at least until we build a system that actually cares for the people living under it. 

This is what mutual aid work is all about. It’s not charity. In charity, rich people donate to feel good about themselves, to get a tax write-off, and to legitimize their hoarding of resources by making themselves look generous. Mutual aid by contrast is “survival pending revolution,” as Huey Newton described it. We’re taking care of our sisters and brothers in the working class with one hand, and fighting the system that’s trying to rob and kill us with the other.  

There’s a long, rich history of mutual aid practice like this in the anthracite coal region — a history we’re proudly building on with our two new mutual aid initiatives. 

COVID SUPPORT FUND

First, we’ve established a COVID Support Fund. Think of it as a ‘give-a-penny / take-a-penny’ on a slightly larger scale.

We’re asking those who are able to pitch in what you can to help us build the fund up. At the same time, we invite those who need a little help right now to reach out to us. 

CLICK HERE to make a donation
Email AnthraciteUniteMutualAid@gmail.com to request support. 

GROCERY DELIVERY SERVICE

We’ve also established a grocery delivery service, intended to help those who are unable to leave their homes during the crisis. 

To request grocery delivery support, please CLICK HERE and fill out the form.

We can always use more drivers – let us know if you’re interested in volunteering by filling out this form. As of now, we have deliverers on standby in Scranton, Hazleton, Wilkes-Barre, north Schuylkill County, and the surrounding areas.

Finally, if you have any other ways that you’re helping out and want it shared out to the community, let us know. We’ll do what we can to help promote your efforts. 

We should also note that all funds go directly to our fiscal sponsor, Media Mobilizing Project, where they’re held until a committee of AU members decides on the most appropriate allocation. Any monies remaining post-crisis will be put toward ongoing mutual aid efforts.

Stay healthy. Stay strong. And remember: Nothing frightens those at the top like a united working class.