For anyone following our work these past dozen years, you will have become quite familiar with phrases like “by the people, for the people”, “solidarity not charity”, “give what you can, take what you need” and “mutual aid”. For those of you whom are not as familiar with these phrases, now is the time to pay them special attention.

They are all based on the philosophy that we are stronger when we collaborate with each other, when we share our resources, and when we work together for the common good.

Often this philosophy is questioned and even belittled by the capitalist milieu that wears “survival of the fittest” across their chests with pride. But it is in times like these when we see capitalism for what it is – immoral and a detriment to the human spirit.

As we witness the devastation wrought on communities across the southeast, we know that the only way forward is together.

The hardest hit communities are still in the early days of digging out from under the mud and the grief. Search and rescue is ongoing. Essential services are broken as are our hearts. And in our grief, as we witness these tragic events, we find our way to each other. We hold out our hands and ask what we can do. Mutual aid is love in action. 

We are building an Herbal Mutual Aid Directory to support re-leaf efforts and storm recovery. We are actively gathering information and if you would like to have your project listed, please complete this form: bit.ly/mutual-aid-herbs

The directory will be shared via public web listing as well as with a custom google map and is intended to highlight mutual aid groups that are offering the following services:

• HERBAL COLLECTION POINTS (receiving herbal donations for redistribution);

• FREE HERBAL CLINICS + APOTHECARIES (Open to the public)

• MUTUAL AID MEDICINE MAKING.

Questions or comments, please be in touch at [email protected]

This directory is being created and maintained by Herbalista Free Clinic and Botanica Mobile Clinic. Please be in touch if you’d like to assist in these efforts.