MUTUAL AID & RESOURCES

The concept of **mutual aid** is foundational to building resilient, equitable communities. Unlike traditional charity, which often relies on a top-down model of "giving" to those deemed "deserving," mutual aid is a horizontal, peer-to-peer system of solidarity where neighbors support neighbors based on the belief that everyone has something to contribute and everyone has needs. The Importance of Mutual Aid Mutual aid serves as a critical social safety net, particularly for marginalized communities including BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and low-income residents. Its importance lies in: Solidarity, Not Charity: It removes the stigma of "help" by focusing on collective responsibility and shared abundance. Gap Filling: It responds rapidly to crises (like economic shifts or public health emergencies) where government bureaucracy may be slow or insufficient. Systemic Change: By meeting immediate needs (food, housing, child care), it creates the stability necessary for people to organize and advocate for long-term policy shifts. V Fixmer-Oraiz: A Position of Community Care As the 4th District Johnson County Supervisor, **V Fixmer-Oraiz** (they/them) approaches governance through a lens of radical compassion and intersectional equity. Their position on mutual aid is not just a policy stance, but a reflection of their background as a community planner and social justice advocate. Housing as a Human Right V views mutual aid as a vital tool in the struggle for housing stability. Having served as Chair of the Iowa City Housing and Community Development Commission, they advocate for community-led solutions that protect vulnerable renters and unhoused neighbors, recognizing that housing is the bedrock of community health. 2. Environmental and Climate Justice Through their work with *Astig Planning*, V emphasizes that climate resilience must be community-driven. They support mutual aid networks that prepare neighborhoods for environmental stressors, ensuring that those most impacted by climate change have the collective resources to adapt and thrive. 3. Radical Inclusivity V is the first transgender, non-binary person of color to serve on the Johnson County Board. Their support for mutual aid extends to protecting the LGBTQIA+ community and ensuring that local government partners with grassroots networks rather than replacing or over-regulating them. 4. Direct Action and Policy On their website, **[www.vfo4joco.com](https://www.vfo4joco.com)**, V outlines a vision for a Johnson County where the government functions as a partner to the people. This includes: Supporting the redistribution of resources to address racial and social inequities. Advocating for non-carceral solutions to community needs. Fostering collaborative relationships between the Board of Supervisors and local mutual aid organizations. Mutual aid is about more than just meeting a need; it's about building the world we want to live in—one where no one is left behind because we all belong to each other.