The elements of mutual aid
A four-part, independently produced documentary series putting a finger on the pulse of community-led survival projects confronting crisis with care.
Weaving together over 60 voices and profiling 15 groups across North America, the series explores the origins, structures, healing ways, and logistics of collective organizing.
Watch the Trailer
Series Chapters
This series’ four chapters explore the history and values of liberatory mutual aid; how groups are building infrastructure; how communities heal from oppression; and the logistics of non-hierarchical organizing.
:
Chapter 1: Fire
Mutual aid is our spark of humanity that we must defend as those in power try to stomp it out. This chapter sets the series’ foundation: What is mutual aid, how is it different from charity, and why is it at odds with those in power?
Meet supply distros in Detroit and Atlanta alongside unhoused families in Los Angeles reclaiming homes from the State.
Chapter 2: Earth
This chapter takes a look at how to grow projects with strong, interconnected roots that can support communities. It explores how local needs and capacity should inform our projects, how we can network smaller projects over large areas, and how we can build infrastructure that outlasts crisis points.
Chapter 3: Water
Colonization & capitalism are dams holding us back from each other. This chapter is all about tearing them down so we can let mutual aid flow between us. We discuss creating safer spaces, handling crisis without police, & navigating power dynamics, burnout, & conflict.
Meet a self-defense project for trans femmes of color in Oakland, a group building crisis response skills in Detroit, and a community project combating patriarchy in Los Angeles.
Chapter 4: Air
Like the wind, our conditions are always shifting. The spirit of Air teaches us to speak, listen, strategize, and change with the seasons. This chapter explores decision-making, managing resources without hoarding them, weighing the pros and cons of formality and scale, and making our projects accessible.
Meet neighborhood disaster relief organizations in Houston, a migrant solidarity network in DC, and a refugee support collective in Tijuana.