Mutual Aid Pods

Mutual aid pods are small, autonomous groups of people who come together to support and care for one another and their communities. These groups can range in size from as few as 2 people to as many as 20. (For a quick video introduction to mutual aid, check out "What is Mutual Aid?")

Due to their size, pods can create warm, welcoming, and participatory environments where all members feel valued. Many pods choose to make decisions through consensus, where the goal is to hear all voices and find solutions acceptable to everyone, rather than out-voting each other.

A key feature of pods is their autonomy. SF Bay Mutual Aid (SFMA), an all-volunteer collective, is facilitating the formation of pods, but once they’re established, each pod will have the freedom to engage with SFMA as much or as little as they choose. 

One of SFMA’s primary projects involves connecting people in need with those who are able to offer support. This support might include picking up groceries, making phone calls, providing childcare, running errands, or delivering home-cooked meals.

Pods that participate in this project can engage in these activities directly or help promote the project through flyering, tabling, social media, and fundraising events.  

Mutual aid pods can also take on a variety of other non-SFMA initiatives, such as:

  • Emergency Preparation

  • Resource Sharing

  • Seed Libraries

  • Eviction Resistance

  • Emergency Shelters

  • Mental Health Support

  • Free Schools

  • Harm Reduction

  • Food Sharing

  • Repair Cafes

  • Community Bail

  • Prisoner Support

  • Free Workshops/Trainings

  • Intergenerational Care

  • Radical Tech Support

  • Immigrant Support/Protection

  • Really Really Free Markets

If you would like more information on mutual aid, creating pods, and mutual aid best practices check out the following: