What is Mutualism?

Mutualism is a way to build our next safety net in America through the local organizations we know and trust. Mutualism exists in 4 principal areas: unions, cooperatives, mutual aid groups and faith based institutions.

What defines a mutualist organization?

Mutualist organizations are defined by 3 criteria…

1.

Mutualists are formed into solidaristic communities.

Each has boundaries based on solidarity. Some examples include unions where workers come together to bargain collectively; In cooperatives, members produce or group purchase together or in faith communities, adherents share a common belief system often passed down generationally within families.

2.

Mutualists are formed into solidaristic communities.

This means that the community typically has an economic model like dues, service, fees, paid events, time banks, bartering, or lending circles. This economic mechanism enables the community to pool its own revenue, to control that revenue, and to recycle it back within the community.

3.

Mutualists create institutions with a long-term focus.

Through mutualist institutions, members can pass down wisdom from generation to generation. As humans, we live one life, but institutions are vessels to hold insight, ideas, values and lessons beyond one person's lifetime to reach future generations.

Mutualists You May Know