During this pivotal moment of a global viral pandemic and the simultaneous nation-wide reckoning with the impacts of systemic injustices and inequalities on the lives of many, the past year has laid bare the lack of structural resources to provide for the most vulnerable. The repeated purging and shrinking of social welfare programs over the past three decades has led to many individuals and families who are unable to have their basic needs met during a global crisis. In the absence of these structures, communities have gathered together to take care of their own. While much of this work came through grassroots organizing, much of it also utilized the structures of religious institutions and faith communities to effectively provide mutual aid. The goal of this workshop is to expand and strengthen our collective understanding of mutual aid and care work and the importance of extending communal care during a time of global crisis.

This workshop will focus on the histories of mutual aid within faith institutions and how these histories have led religious institutions to be able to assist during this crucial moment of increasing despair and hardship due to the pandemic. The needs for housing, food, education, health resources have been there before the pandemic and will be after. What can we learn from these structures of care that are already in place and implement them into our daily lives? In addition to providing historical context, this workshop will explore various definitions of mutual aid and look to document participants’ own relationship to mutual aid and religion.

Amber Delgado, University of Minnesota Graduate Student

Mohamud Mohamed, University of Minnesota Graduate Student

Treasure Tinsley, University of Minnesota Graduate Student

This History for the Future public program was hosted by the Hennepin History Museum, with support from the University of Minnesota Heritage Studies and Public History program.