"In our society, the women who break down barriers are those who ignore limits." - quoted by Maya Angelou
Collective Economics
At Black Mamas Village, we are forging the path to a new economic landscape, one rooted in solidarity, community, and shared prosperity. We call it "Collective Economics," a model that builds upon our rich history of mutual aid.
Mutual Aid in Action
Voluntary Participation: Mutual aid is based on the voluntary contributions and efforts of individuals who choose to help one another.
Reciprocity: It involves a reciprocal relationship, where those who receive assistance are often expected to offer help in return when they can.
Community-Centered: Mutual aid activities are typically organized within a community or a group of people who have a shared interest or need. It can range from small, informal networks to larger, more structured organizations.
Non-Hierarchical: Mutual aid groups are generally non-hierarchical and often emphasize the equality of all participants. Decisions are often made collectively.
Diversity of Support: Mutual aid can take various forms, including sharing resources, knowledge, skills, emotional support, and sometimes financial assistance.
Social Justice: Many mutual aid initiatives are driven by a desire for social justice and aim to address systemic inequalities and gaps in traditional support systems.
A Foundation of Collective Economics
Mutual aid embodies the spirit of voluntary and reciprocal support, primarily found within a community or among like-minded individuals who share common interests, needs, or aspirations. This philosophy is firmly grounded in the notion of people uniting to provide assistance to each other while relying on the strength of our community. This includes forming thoughtful partnerships with organizations that share our values and are committed to transformative and trust-based contributions. It is closely linked with the principles of solidarity, cooperation, and a collective sense of responsibility.
Mutual aid can be seen in various contexts, from disaster relief efforts, where communities come together to help each other in the aftermath of a natural disaster, to grassroots organizations providing food, shelter, and medical care to those in need. It's also present in informal networks where neighbors help each other with everyday tasks, such as childcare, gardening, or home repairs.
Historically, mutual aid has been a cornerstone of many social movements, labor unions, and marginalized communities as a means of self-help and empowerment. It remains an important tool for building resilience and addressing community needs, allowing our village to thrive independently, without the need to depend on government and corporate institutions.
Evolving Towards a Solidarity Economy
Now, we're taking our dedication to the next level. We're formalizing our bartering system into a "Free Store" based at The Village Place, a space where community members can exchange goods and services without the constraints of traditional economic transactions. We're launching a Time Bank, a collective repository of the incredible gifts and skills our community possesses, making it even easier for members to exchange their talents and resources.