A framework for trust‑based mutual aid

Purpose

This guide offers clear, practical steps for community members supporting one another through mutual aid. It is designed to uphold dignity, strengthen trust, and make it easier to respond with confidence in moments of neighborly need.

Principles

Move at the speed of trust.

Build relationships before relying on them.

Protect dignity first.

Ensure every action respects the person’s humanity.

Treat care as mutual, not transactional.

Recognize that everyone gives and receives support in different ways.

Share responsibility for safety.

Make safety a collective practice, not an individual burden.

1. How do I know if a request is legitimate?

Look for community connection.

• Check whether the group or person has been active in the neighborhood.

• Search for past events, posts, or collaborations with known local organizations.

• Ask someone who lives or works in the area if they’ve heard of them.

• Look for signs of continuity: repeated events, consistent messaging, or long‑term volunteers.

Confirm through trusted sources.

• Look for at least two independent confirmations from groups with established reputations.

• Ask organizers, faith leaders, or long‑standing volunteers if they recognize the resource.

• Compare details across sources to ensure consistency.

• Prioritize groups with transparent leadership and public contact information.

Check for clear needs.

• Look for specific quantities, timelines, or goals.

• Ask: “What exactly is needed, and by when?”

• Decline vague requests that cannot be verified.

2. What red flags should make me pause?

Slow down when urgency is paired with secrecy.

• Pause when someone pressures you to act immediately.

• Ask clarifying questions; legitimate groups will answer them.

• Check whether the urgency aligns with known local events.

Decline requests for unnecessary personal data.

• Refuse to share or collect information like ID numbers, immigration status, or Social Security numbers.

• Ask why any piece of information is needed; if the answer is unclear, stop.

• Expect transparency about how information will be used.

Verify when details shift.

• Compare the information you received with earlier versions.

• Pause and verify if the story changes.

• Ask: “Can you clarify this part?” and look for consistency.

Step back when emotional manipulation appears.

• Notice if guilt, fear, or shame is being used to push you into action.

• Reassess before responding.

• Trust your instincts when something feels off.

3. How can I protect people’s privacy?

Use encrypted communication.

• Use apps like Signal or WhatsApp for sensitive conversations.

• Avoid SMS, Facebook Messenger, or unencrypted email for anything involving identities or locations.

• Encourage others to switch to encrypted channels before sharing details.

• Use disappearing messages when appropriate.

Follow a no‑photo policy.

• Do not take photos of people receiving aid, distribution sites, or vehicles.

• Ask others not to post or share photos that include people or identifiable locations.

• If photos must be used (e.g., for supply inventory), ensure no people or sensitive locations appear.

Remove metadata.

• Use your phone’s “remove location data” option before sharing.

• Take a screenshot of the photo; screenshots usually strip GPS data.

• Use free online EXIF‑removal tools if needed.

Collect minimal information.

• Ask only for what you need to complete the task (e.g., “What cross‑streets are near you?” instead of “What’s your full address?”).

• Store information on paper rather than in digital spreadsheets.

• Destroy or delete information as soon as the need is resolved.

• Avoid creating long‑term digital records of vulnerable individuals.

4. How do I avoid burnout while supporting others?

Set limits.

• Decide in advance how many hours or tasks you can take on each week.

• Communicate your boundaries clearly to your group.

• Say: “I can take one request today, but not more.”

Share responsibilities.

• Divide tasks into small, manageable pieces (pickup, delivery, communication, follow‑up).

• Use shared calendars or task boards so work is visible and distributed.

• Encourage new volunteers to take on manageable roles.

Rotate roles.

• Switch between high‑stress and low‑stress tasks regularly.

• Pair new volunteers with experienced ones.

• Rotate leadership roles to prevent over‑reliance on one person.

Take breaks.

• Step away when you feel overwhelmed.

• Build rest periods into your schedule.

• Normalize taking time off within your group.

5. How do I find reliable local resources?

Start with long‑standing organizations.

• Look for groups with 5+ years in your zip code; longevity often signals trust and stability.

• For newer groups, ask for references, past collaborations, or transparent leadership information.

• Look for public accountability: board members, community partners, or published reports.

Use established legal‑aid and KYR networks.

• Search for local legal‑aid nonprofits or bar‑association‑affiliated services.

• Confirm that no upfront fees are required for emergency support.

• Attend or request “Know Your Rights” trainings from recognized organizations.

• Verify that any legal advice comes from licensed professionals.

Use mutual‑aid fridges and pantries.

• Locate fridges/pantries through neighborhood groups or community maps.

• Drop off shelf‑stable items or fresh produce.

• Take what you need without providing personal information.

• Keep the area clean and stocked when possible.

6. How can I safely help someone who doesn’t want to be identified?

Act as a buffer.

• Communicate with the aid group on the person’s behalf.

• Share only the information necessary to get help to them.

• Keep their name, address, and identifying details private.

• Ask the person what they feel safe sharing.

Use physical outreach.

• Post flyers in laundromats, libraries, grocery stores, and community centers.

• Use simple language and avoid identifying anyone.

• Include only non‑sensitive contact information (e.g., a general email or hotline).

• Avoid QR codes or digital tracking links.

Match response to need.

• Avoid mobilizing large groups for small tasks.

• Keep information sharing limited to those directly involved.

• Scale your response based on the person’s comfort level.

7. How do I quickly verify a new resource?

Ask who vouches for it.

• Contact someone who has used the service.

• Look for testimonials from known community members.

• Ask: “Who can I talk to who has worked with you before?”

Check data requests.

• Decline to engage if the group asks for sensitive information without a clear reason.

• Ask, “Why is this information needed?” and expect a transparent answer.

• Look for consistency between what they ask and what they provide.

Assess local relevance.

• Compare the request to what’s happening in your neighborhood.

• Look for alignment with current conditions (weather, events, known crises).

• Ask: “Does this make sense for our area right now?”