About

The Mutual Aid Working Group is a formation within the Pasco-Hernando chapter of DSA that focuses on mutual aid projects. The charter for the working group defines its purpose as follows:

The purpose of the Working Group is to plan and implement projects that meet the survival needs of our communities, while expanding and deepening solidarity within and between those communities. The group will also endeavor through these projects to develop an understanding within our communities that the capitalist system we live under is the reason that our survival needs are not met, that the current system is therefore unjust, and that a transition to a socialist society which centers our survival needs is the only viable alternative.

Projects

Every Sunday we show up to Sims Park in New Port Richey to serve food (primarily, but not exclusively) to unhoused and food insecure members of our community. During the summer months these events are taking place from 11 AM to 1 PM. Individual members bring food they have prepared, beverages, hygiene supplies, etc. By and large these efforts are funded through member donations, but we have also used chapter funds to help offset some of the costs.

If you are interested in helping out with the working group in any way, we would love to have you join us. You can show up in person to one of our food shares or RSVP for one of our upcoming meetings.

If you have any questions about the working group, or how to get involved, you can message one of the co-chairs on Signal, ask in the chapter Signal chat, or email pascohernandodsa@gmail.com (someone from Steering will point you in the right direction).

Meetings

We currently meet two times a month, on the second Thursday at 8 PM, and on the last Thursday at 7 PM. All meetings are virtual (on Zoom). These meetings give us the opportunity to evaluate the efficacy of our ongoing projects, determine areas where we may need to improve, and make plans for future projects.

This work is only possible due to the hard work and dedication of our members.

Solidarity forever!