On April 29, 2026 ChathamCAN brought together community members to look at the idea of mutual aid, how it is working in Chatham County and the broader area, and why we consider it an important model and climate intervention. 

Mutual aid is one of the oldest ways that humans have organized themselves. It is still abundant in indigenous communities around the world in which our interconnectedness with each other and the natural world is deeply valued and understood. There is a rich history of mutual aid in marginalized and immigrant communities too. Abandoned or ignored by prevailing social systems, people have always found creative ways to help each other - often building cooperative systems to address basic needs such as education, health care, employment, transportation, food access, protection, and childcare. 

Our three panelists shared stories of mutual aid projects they've organized giving us plenty to consider about how such projects could promote an approach to organizing strong and climate resilient communities.