As a socially organized species, humans have long provided various forms of formal and informal aid to one another in times of crisis. Our empathy can be triggered by the suffering of others -- particularly others with whom we identify. That empathy can then drive a wide range of pro-social behavior to help others in need.
In Mutual Aid: A Factor of Evolution, Russian scientist Peter Kropotkin critiques capitalist and feudal systems for defining human order through competition alone despite bountiful evidence of cooperation in the face of a hostile natural environment. Kropotkin does not deny that competition occurs in the face of limited resources, but argues that our natural sociable inclinations towards cooperation and mutual support are underserved by focusing exclusively on the self-interested individual.
The Welcome Alliance is an alliance of civil society organizations, foundations, state institutions and companies initiated by ProjectTogether. Our goal is humane, needs-oriented and sustainable integration and participation of all new immigrants in Germany.
"Sudan Safe Passages, a volunteer group of local and diaspora Sudanese, has built an app called Amen, said Hiba Sharief, a Silicon Valley veteran and senior technology executive at Amazon Web Services. Amen uses crowdsourced data to send real-time updates on secure transport routes and hospital availability." - Damilare Dosunmu
"Just three days after the war started, Sudanese market intelligence firm DataQ launched a platform called Nidaa (meaning “call for help” in Arabic). It allows people in distress to post their requirements — from money and groceries to medical services and a ride to safety — so volunteers can reach out to them."
The all-in-one platform for community engagement
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Code for Romania's information portal for people fleeing war in Ukraine
Yunga is a local rescue digital network that connects neighbor to neighbor and neighbor to police in case of an attack or emergency.
A directory of over 900 COVID mutual aid local groups all across the UK, mostly via Facebook groups, and a backgrounder on what they are and how to start one.
Safe, free deliveries for NYC’s most at-risk community members facing COVID-19.
Inspired by the help that people give each other during hard times, we created an application that will allow anyone in need to find help in their daily duties.