Isolation, quarantine, and social distancing may be an effective strategy when dealing with a global pandemic like the Coronavirus. But, unfortunately, in a global economy that has been plagued by 40 years of neoliberalism, the social bonds that help to create strong, resilient communities have been so badly eroded that the strategy of social distancing, while necessary, is having  many unanticipated consequences.

In the face of these challenges, there is a groundswell of grassroots action  in towns and cities across the U.S. and world. Although often hidden beneath the surface, these grassroots responses are growing rapidly in scope and scale. They are often formed spontaneously by individuals and groups who recognize the immediate needs of those around them and choose to act.

Many of these responses take the form of mutual aid — grassroots, horizontal, community-led aid that has emerged spontaneously to help those impacted in some way by the pandemic.

One of the most straightforward forms of community response is simply checking up on neighbors — especially the elderly or those who are otherwise immunocompromised. An example of this comes out of Philadelphia, where an online signup sheet for those in need titled “Neighbors Helping Neighbors: Philly Mutual Aid for folks Affected by Covid-19,” has been circulating. Other simple, replicable examples of neighborly help include things like zero percent loan funds for friends and family members in need and even things like soup swaps.

Read the full article about coronavirus catalyzes grassroots organizations by Robert Raymond at Shareable.