This document is for brainstorming public-facing communication of our mutual aid organization, how quickly we are able to respond to requests for aid, our policy for interacting in-person with unvaccinated individuals, and more.
Some copy to get us started:
Sunnyside & Woodside Mutual Aid (SWMA) is a group of neighbors acting collectively to address community needs and take care of each other.
Things to consider when placing an aid request:
- We are not a traditional non-profit organization. We are community members who have joined this mutual aid group to both lend a hand to fellow neighbors, and receive support when we need it ourselves. Our members are in constant flux, therefore we do not have specific hours when attending to aid requests. Please allow for 2 business days to receive an initial response, whether it is by phone, email, or text. We cannot foresee how long it will take to fulfill your request, if possible. Our response time can be delayed during times when fewer members are available to respond to requests.
- With the rise of the Delta COVID-19 variant, we do not participate in in-person aid requests with unvaccinated individuals. We will still do our best to match you up with any other organization that may be of assistance to you.
- We may not be able to fulfill your aid request. This may be due to lack of available volunteers, lack of time given to fulfill your request, or the nature of the request being something outside of our capability. Often, we may not be experts in the type of aid you are requesting.
- Our aid requests are limited to residents of Sunnyside and Woodside. This is because we do not have member capacity to reach residents of other neighborhoods. However, there are several mutual aid organizations in other neighborhoods that we recommend you reach out to. Use this handy webpage to find a group near you: https://mutualaid.nyc/mutual-aid-groups/
- We treat each other with respect and dignity. Our members reserve the right to leave an aid request at any time for any reason, including if they feel uncomfortable.
- Our budget and supply inventory is sourced entirely from community donations and changes month to month depending on what we receive. Sometimes we simply do not have the resources to meet all requests. However, everyone's requests are factored into planning for larger projects, such as wholesale procurement and partnerships with other organizations. Hearing our community's needs helps us grow this project.