Mutual Aid Meta Questions (Sorry to use main hashtag)
I'm trying to understand exactly the processes and etiquette of Mutual Aid here on Fedi. I myself am in a tough spot and could really use some support, but I want to be sure that I'm doing things right. To me, Mutual Aid sounds like an exchange of sorts. Something like, people give me money, and I do X, Y, or Z for them based on their needs? Or is it more of a community promise thing where you promise to provide aid back when you're in better financial situations?
I appreciate any patience and understanding you can provide.
Also of note, I don't usually post publicly from this account, it's more for personal life stuff compared to my bigger account which grew to focus on my game projects and such.
#MutualAidMeta #MutualAid
re: Mutual Aid Meta Questions
@nessie The "mutual" refers to "among peers", more or less - rather than depending on some central institution of power, we help each other.
There's some degree of reciprocity implied in that, in the "each other" part, but it's not a hard expectation, and it's not just about financial support either - it's much more about the underlying ethics of solidarity, helping when you're able and receiving help when you are in need.
Some people will need much more help than they can give, because they grew up in a much less privileged environment, and that's completely okay - they don't "owe" anyone anything. The help is freely given, it's just about recognizing the moral responsibility to give that help if you *are* able.
Summarized: if you are in need of help, money or otherwise, feel free to ask for it! You do not owe anyone anything for it. All that's asked is that *if and when* you find yourself in a situation where you're stable and doing well, you have a look at how you can help others still in need. If things never are stable enough for that, that's okay too.
As long as those who are doing well do their part in supporting those who aren't yet, we'll all get there.
