About Montclair Mutual Aid

Our Story

Who We Are & Why We Care

Montclair Mutual Aid was founded in 2020 during the early stages of the COVID pandemic to respond to emergency needs. Since then, we have continued to grow and evolve, fostering connections among community members and establishing support systems to help each other navigate daily challenges.

Participants come not only from Montclair itself, but also from the adjacent NJ towns of Bloomfield, Glen Ridge, Clifton, Little Falls, Cedar Grove, Verona, and West Orange. We became a 501c3 non-profit organization in 2023.

Our Mission & Vision

We aim to build relationships and familiarity with one another.

The mission of Montclair Mutual Aid is to foster an ongoing network of people and groups in the Montclair area to help one another meet critical needs.

  • Montclair-area people will build relationships and familiarity with one another, for empowerment and enjoyment.
  • People will say what the needs of their own community are, and will gain and exercise agency and control to meet those needs. (Community self-determination, self-reliance, and self-sufficiency.)
  • Critical needs (goods and services for survival and well-being) will be identified, particularly among underreached and underserved people.
  • Resources will be shared and managed for full and equitable coverage in meeting needs for all.
  • A long-term organization will meet critical needs, grow community wealth, and increase resilience, toward a more egalitarian community, economy, and society.

Our guiding principles

Montclair Mutual Aid operates as a non-hierarchical, consensus-governed organization. We do not categorize participants as “givers” or “receivers” of aid: all community members are included, giving what they can and taking what they need. Montclair Mutual Aid participants and volunteers are diverse, from all neighborhoods of Montclair and adjacent towns, of all ages and genders and orientations, from many races and ethnicities, at all economic levels, with all educational backgrounds.

Our main guiding principles are as follows:

Empowerment

We build networks of individuals and organizations to help and empower one another, building community and raising opportunities to reciprocate care.

Collaboration

We operate non-hierarchically, with acceptance and respect. We make decisions by open and honest consensus and resolve conflicts together, with the aims of personal and group growth, justice, and restoration.

Inclusion

We include all equally, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, citizenship, migration status, origin, religion, age, or ability. We strive to help all understand the concepts and practices of mutual aid, making them accessible by cultivating wide participation, connection, and belonging.

Accountability

We commit to acknowledging and understanding the consequences of our actions, taking responsibility, repairing damage, working to improve, and supporting healing for all. We look to reduce harms, toxicities, cruelties, and injustices in all aspects and combinations.
Volunteer With Us

Our Activities

Montclair Mutual Aid runs a variety of programs depending on the availability of members and participants that can help organize and drive them forward.

Below are some examples of our initiatives. If you are interested in getting involved in any of our current activities or starting your own, please reach out!

  • Monthly community “freeshare” events where we exchange food, clothing, feminine products, and other essentials
  • Community events like silent discos, art projects, presence at festivals, etc.
  • Facilitating direct giving to those in financial need
  • Providing resources and education
  • “Matchmaking” between volunteers and those who need help.

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Montclair Mutual Aid