Today we’d like to introduce you to Frida Cowlo.
Hi Frida, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Mootual Aid is a community built organization across the neighborhoods of San Antonio. We started through collaborating with other organizations during their street outreach, such as Bexar Area Harm Reduction Coalition and San Antonio Care Collective, and continue to shift our focus as the needs of our communities change and our member’s interests develop, such as cyber security and immigration support. Mootual Aid is whatever you make of it! We are not a non-profit or charity and do not receive state funding, but rather a mutual aid; a flat autonomous grassroots collective based on the principles of direct action, cooperation, solidarity, and harm reduction. We empower communities by breaking down stigmas of mental health and substance use, primarily amongst our unsheltered neighbors. In an attempt to close the gap, we also provide resources to sheltered and the free pantry network in San Antonio. Mootual Aid provides support, entertainment, and resources that contribute to the health and well-being of said individuals/communities. Throughout Mootual Aid’s existence, we have experienced bouts of burnout and low activity periods. We encourage everyone to stay in touch with their status and take breaks as necessary, the herd will always be out at the pasture! We would like to inform readers that we are currently in a low capacity level and may be slow to respond to any inquiries.
As for our organization and mascot names, Mootual Aid and Frida Cowlo, were inspired by our Texas roots and close-knit cattle herds, as well as the iconic, resilient Frida Kahlo. We felt it was important to not stray from being called mutual aid due to our strong belief and connection in and with mutual aid.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Conflict is a natural and expected part being in community; interpersonal, individualistic, and societal. With the entire country currently taking a hit financially, the working class feels the tension exponentially more than the ruling class. We find our struggles amplify during high stress external factors, alongside the rest of the community. Being a mutual aid, we rely on participation from the community itself just as much as the community is involved with mutual aid. A smooth road is relatively non-existent due to many systemic barriers, however, there are windows of hope through empathy and co-operation that bridge gaps of aid where non-profits are unable to reach those in need on the frontline. When in collaboration across multi-facets, the struggle is minimized dramatically. A burden shared is a burden halved.
Additionally, mutual aids face a level of external vulnerability and can be targeted easily from people who may not agree with our beliefs. We have been threatened with state and local oppression, which lead us to adapt to stronger security measures for the safety of ourselves and those affiliated with Mootual Aid.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
There is not a definitive answer that sets Mootual Aid apart from other individuals and grassroots organizations. We help where and if we can, addressing various wants and needs, to be as integrated as possible. Mootual Aid accepts inquiries at face value, as it is, where someone is, and whatever it is, without being judgmental, charitable, paternal, or maternally inclined. There is no exceptionalism or deep distinction- just people doing our best with what we have. We have a plethora of operations with long-term commitments, that allow people to have space and be in their capacity.
What makes you happy?
Comradery! Seeing neighbors come together and breaking down walls to build a sustainable community, through transparency and constant action. Spending quality time and creating fun memories and experiences with those who may not have the opportunities otherwise.
Pricing:
- EVERYTHING IS FREE!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mootualaid.org
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/MootualAid
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/MootualAid
- Other: https://linktr.ee/MootualAid
