Montclair Mutual Aid

Standing Up to Attacks on Free Speech

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 15:58:26 +0000

On March 8, 2025, Columbia University graduate student Mahmoud Khalil was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in New York. He was told his green card was being revoked because of his role in Columbia University student protests last year opposing Israel’s genocide in Gaza. He has since been moved to an ICE jail in Louisiana with little access to legal counsel or to his family, including his pregnant wife.

Mahmoud has broken no laws. He is a legal, permanent resident of the US. He was exercising his first amendment right to peacefully protest the crimes against humanity being endured by his people. And this should be deeply concerning to us ALL.

Whether you are outspoken on Palestine or not, there are likely other issues you feel strongly about, whether it’s the attacks on LGBTQ+ rights, the gutting of federal agencies, an unelected oligarch making major decisions about our government, the slashing of DEI and environmental programs, etc. If we allow anyone to be illegally silenced in this way with no opposition, the government will have no incentive to stop at Palestinian activists and will extend their oppression to anyone who speaks up against the government.

What Can You Do?

Email and call your representatives and let them know this is unacceptable
Join local protests
Sign petitions like this one from the ACLU
Donate to Mahmoud’s legal fund
Educate your family and friends and encourage them to do all of the above

The Right to Remain Silent and Other Tips for Dealing with ICE

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 16:38:54 +0000

If ICE knocks on your door

Remain calm and do not open the door.
Ask them if they have a warrant. If they say they do, ask them to slide it under the door or show it through a window.
A judicial warrant, which must be issued and signed by a judge, will specifically list a person’s name and/or areas to be searched within your home. An administrative warrant issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or ICE, or signed by an immigration officer, does not have the authority to grant entry into your home.
Check whether the warrant lists the correct address and name(s)
Take pictures of any documents they show you. If possible, have someone record video or take notes.
If they force their way in, do not physically resist them, but clearly say, “I do not consent to your entry.”
If they do have a valid, signed judicial search warrant and you must let them in, tell them you are exercising your right to remain silent until you can talk to a lawyer (even if you don’t have one yet.)

If ICE approaches you in public, at work, school, etc.

Request to see a signed judicial warrant. If ICE is trying to access a workplace or other private area, they must have a signed judicial search warrant, signed by a judge. If they are seeking a particular individual, they must have a judicial arrest warrant, signed by a judge.
Again, do not answer their questions without a lawyer present.
If they search your belongings without a warrant, say, “I do not consent to this search.”
Ask if you are being detained. If they say no, leave immediately.

If you see a community member approached by ICE

Document the incident- recording with your phone if you can. Be sure to focus the camera on the officers and not the person being detained.
Do not try to interrupt an arrest physically.
You can let the person know that they have the right not to answer the officer’s questions without a lawyer.

If ICE knocks on your door

Remain calm and do not open the door.
Ask them if they have a warrant. If they say they do, ask them to slide it under the door or show it through a window.
A judicial warrant, which must be issued and signed by a judge, will specifically list a person’s name and/or areas to be searched within your home. An administrative warrant issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or ICE, or signed by an immigration officer, does not have the authority to grant entry into your home.
Check whether the warrant lists the correct address and name(s)
Take pictures of any documents they show you. If possible, have someone record video or take notes.
If they force their way in, do not physically resist them, but clearly say, “I do not consent to your entry.”
If they do have a valid, signed judicial search warrant and you must let them in, tell them you are exercising your right to remain silent until you can talk to a lawyer (even if you don’t have one yet.)

More helpful resources:

Know Your Rights Card

We Have Rights Videos

Find Someone Detained by ICE

Know Your Rights Fact Sheet for New Jersey

It’s Not Right or Left – It’s Up or Down

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 23:09:10 +0000

The killing of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson has been big news over the past several weeks, not just because of the act itself, but because of the public’s reaction. Most people -no matter what their political affiliation- ranged from unsympathetic to downright jubilant. It has been one of the most universal reactions to anything in a long time.

People across the political spectrum recognize that most health insurance companies are predatory and indirectly murder people in the thousands every year with no repercussions, while their executives live in luxury. This is allowed to go on because politicians on both sides of the aisle make money giving these insurance companies political cover and refuse to implement a universal healthcare system funded by our tax dollars, as is done in most developed countries worldwide. (You can see who is paying your representatives at opensecrets.org.)

Unfortunately, this dynamic is not unique to the health insurance industry. All across our economy, wealthy and powerful executives collaborate with politicians to ensure favorable policies that harm the general public. Just a few examples:

Oil and gas companies pollute our environment and cause catastrophic climate impacts, like the devastating wildfires in California this month. They have rarely been held accountable, even as it has come to light that they have known their activities cause climate change for decades.
Large companies like Amazon and Walmart exploit and underpay their workers, and then fight against those who attempt to unionize for better conditions. The government offers little in the way of worker protections, especially when compared to other wealthy countries. The federal minimum wage has not kept pace with inflation or worker productivity and is certainly not enough to live on.
Nestle has successfully lobbied against paid maternity leave to ensure more mothers have to rely on its baby formula to feed their children as they are forced back to work, along with a host of other evil deeds that even resulted in the deaths of thousands of infants.
Weapons manufacturers like Lockheed Martin and Raytheon get billions in US taxpayer dollars every year. Many members of congress invest in these companies, so they are incentivized to support wars and genocides like the ones in Palestine and Sudan. Meanwhile, we are continually told we cannot fund better education, infrastructure, healthcare, etc.; homelessness is up 18% over the last few years; and victims of Hurricane Helene are still living in tents.

As we brace ourselves for another Trump presidency, many people are understandably feeling anxious about what is coming. However, it’s important to note that even if he disappeared tomorrow and another person stepped in, all of the above has been true and will still be true. And we are all in this together- no matter who we voted for.

Politicians, corporations, and the corporate-backed media have a vested interest in keeping us fighting our neighbors on the opposite side of the political spectrum. Don’t fall for it–the only way out of this mess is standing in class solidarity with each other, mutual aid, and organizing to get our demands met. Imagine if all 99% of us non-billionaires refused to go to work or buy anything for just a couple of weeks, what we could demand with our power. We have far more in common than we think- let’s start talking.

Breaking Our Addiction to “Stuff”

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 03:20:00 +0000

It’s the holiday season and many of us are busy buying gifts for friends and family. But before you click “add to cart,” it’s important to consider the impact you are having on the world with every purchase.

There is a new documentary on Netflix now called “Buy Now – The Shopping Conspiracy,” which exposes the manipulative tactics employed by major corporations to perpetuate consumerism, with zero consideration of the environmental consequences.

The film features insights from former executives of companies like Amazon, Apple, and Adidas, who reveal strategies such as planned obsolescence, deliberate destruction of perfectly good items that are “out of season,” and persuasive marketing designed to encourage continuous purchasing even when goods are not needed.

The environmental toll of this consumption has been absolutely catastrophic for people and the planet. The documentary features beaches in Ghana clogged with discarded clothing, sent there from all over the world. It shows landfills overflowing with the stuff we throw away–but they point out that there is no such thing as “away”- every item you get rid of goes somewhere. And that somewhere is not a recycling facility, as less than 10% of the plastic you drop in a blue bin actually get recycled. Even when we wash clothing made with synthetic fibers, it sheds microplastics into the water that cannot be filtered out.

The film does not delve into this aspect, but there are also a slew of human rights violations involved in many supply chains, from child slavery in the Congo used to mine the cobalt that helps power our electronics to exploited garment workers across the global south working in modern day sweat shops to produce inexpensive fast fashion.

Before you buy, please consider:

Do you really need this item? Think about where it will end up when you are done with it.
Get something of high quality that you will use for a long time — stay away from fast fashion or items that are made to throw away.
Buying secondhand before getting something brand new – check out Facebook marketplace, eBay, ThredUp, etc. for gently used items and Backmarket for refurbished electronics.
Giving experiences instead of stuff, like a gift card to a nice restaurant or a massage at a local spa.
Buying from local stores whenever possible, not big box retailers like Target or Walmart.
Suggesting to family members and friends that you redirect money normally spent on holiday gifts no one really needs to mutual aid for the unhoused in your area, or any other cause you are passionate about.

And please do watch the documentary if you have access to it; it will make you re-think your relationship with “stuff.”

A Cure for the Post-Election Blues

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 03:25:54 +0000

Over the past couple of weeks, Montclair Mutual Aid has seen a huge spike in volunteer interest. People are looking for ways to start helping their neighbors with the spectre of a second Trump presidency looming, and they have exactly the right idea. This article has a list of other great ideas on how to cope and take action.

The best thing we can do as a society, no matter who is president, is to build community, look out for our neighbors, and stand in solidarity with each other–especially the most vulnerable.

Unfortunately our country has a terrible record, no matter who is in the oval office, of providing a social safety net. Most Americans are just one unexpected illness or other emergency expense away from total financial ruin. The figures have ranged from $400 to $1,000 as the amount it could take to put the average family into bankruptcy. And this is not the result of poor financial planning or too many fancy lattes–it’s a combination of rising prices, stagnant wages, high healthcare costs, student debt, etc. The only way out is to build community support systems where we ensure that everyone has what they need.

If you are interested in volunteering with Montclair Mutual Aid and building community, please contact us!

Mutual Aid in Action During Disasters

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 02:33:00 +0000

Over the past few weeks, Hurricanes Helene and Milton have battered Florida, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, and Virginia. The death toll is currently around 230, with hundreds more still missing and thousands displaced. Unfortunately, storms like these will become more and more common as climate change continues to intensify the severity of normal weather systems.

While the government has deployed FEMA resources to help, they don’t always arrive quickly enough and are not always adequate. This recent Guardian article shows how mutual aid networks have been essential in filling the gaps left by both the federal and state governments. They have gathered and distributed food and other essentials, assisted with home repairs, and raised money for displaced people to get hotel rooms, among many other services.

In fact, if you are considering donating to help hurricane victims (or any other people in need of assistance), mutual aid or direct giving is usually the best way to ensure that the people who need it are getting it quickly. Large charitable organizations move slowly and also have a lot of overhead costs, so much of your donation may not even go to those who need it most. Here is a short list of mutual aid organizations to donate to for hurricane response:

Mutual Aid Disaster Relief
Footprint Project
Feeding Southwest Virginia
Organized Uplifting Resources & Strategies
East Tennessee Foundation
The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina

How can you start organizing your own community or neighborhood to prepare for when disaster strikes?

Start Small: The first step in building community is making sure neighbors know each other and build real relationships. Organize regular fun community events like block parties, potlucks, and holiday celebrations. Put flyers around your community, knock on doors, and use local social networks (like community Facebook groups) to promote your events.
Build Contact Lists: Gather emails and phone numbers at the events so folks can get in touch when they need something. This also becomes an easier way to communicate future events for community building.
Take Inventory: Once you have built up a neighborhood network, consider starting a tool share list. Who has a generator? A snowblower? A pickup truck?
Make a Plan: Come together as a community to build a disaster response plan. Think about a choosing centralized meeting place, creating an evacuation plan, and storing essentials like bottled water and medical supplies. Identify elderly or disabled neighbors that may need extra help.

If you are interested in building community in your area and would like support, we are happy to help! Please reach out to Montclair Mutual Aid.

Why Has Food Gotten So Expensive?

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 03:05:11 +0000

You’re not imagining it — prices have steadily gone up at the grocery store over the past few years. Although they have recently leveled off, they have not come down to pre-pandemic levels. There are two main factors contributing to this-

Corporate Greed: Many brands have raised prices just because they can, especially as they were able to use the pandemic and its supply chain disruptions as an excuse for a few years. Despite the thousands of brands available in the grocery store, just a few large companies own most of them, which blunts competition and leaves consumers with fewer affordable choices. For example: Kraft-Heinz owns 65% of the packaged cheese market. Their prices have gone up 21%, and as a result, in 2022–2023 their profits shot from $225 million to $887 million, an increase of 448%!
Climate Change: Extreme heat and volatile weather worldwide has damaged many crops, including olives, chocolate, rice, almonds, and wine grapes. Staples like corn, wheat, and oats are also affected by hotter temperatures, drought, pests/mold, and extreme storms. This leads to lower supply and higher prices.

Even in cases where prices haven’t gone up as much, you might notice that you aren’t getting as much for your money. This is called “shrinkflation,” or the practice of companies making their products smaller or lower quality while charging the same price.

So what can we do about it?

Boycott brands that are charging outrageous prices and find cheaper alternatives like generic options, which are often the same.
Email your favorite brands and complain!
Pressure your elected officials in the US government to step in, which France has recently done.
Buy from local farmers’ markets or CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture) whenever possible, or start a community garden.
Shop seasonally — for example, you’ll notice zucchini is super cheap in the fall when it is abundant.
Join a big box store like Costco to save on bulk goods.
Try to avoid processed goods as much as possible — cut up your own fruit, make your own salad dressing, and use a filtered water pitcher instead of buying bottled water. (It’s also much more environmentally friendly.)

Hotter Summers, Flooded Basements, and Rising Prices – How Climate Change is Affecting Our Lives

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 03:15:21 +0000

Over 99% of scientists agree that humans are causing the climate to change with activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and overuse of the earth’s resources for activities like manufacturing and factory farming. Unfortunately, the media does not report on climate change nearly enough, and many folks are unaware that the more frequent “heat waves” we keep experiencing every summer are not normal.

(Please note the difference between “weather” and “climate.” Weather refers to the temperatures and conditions over a short period of time, like a few weeks. Climate refers to long-term trends that affect the planet.)

While some may be happier about having warmer winters with less snow, there are severe impacts of climate change that will only get worse as time goes on.

Intense Heat: Heat waves can cause severe health problems for the elderly, people with pre-existing conditions, and those who work outside. It also causes bodies of water to dry up, crops to die in the field, and more frequent and intense wildfires.

Rising Prices: When crops are negatively impacted by heat and drought, it drives food prices higher. Have you noticed how expensive olive oil has gotten? That is largely because extreme heat in Europe has killed much of the crop and made olives scarce. The same thing is happening with chocolate and many other foods we know and love. Your electric bill will also continually increase as air conditioning becomes necessary for longer periods.

Extreme Weather Events: Climate change causes volatility that leads to more frequent and severe hurricanes, landslides, flooding, and wildfires. In New Jersey, we often see flooded basements, power outages, roof damage, rising insurance costs, and overall economic stability as a result.

Water Scarcity: Probably one of the most severe and least talked about impacts of climate change is its impact on our water supply. As surface water sources dry up due to lack of rainfall, underground water sources are overused and cannot be replenished fast enough. In coastal areas like the Jersey Shore, rising sea levels and overuse of groundwater can lead to saltwater intrusion into freshwater aquifers, making the water unsuitable for drinking or irrigation. (New Jersey just received $72 Million in federal funds to protect its shorelines against climate change.)

Lifestyle Changes: You might be spending less time outside in the summer these days in New Jersey because of the heat. Your kids or grandkids probably haven’t been able to make a snowman over the past several winters. You might find it harder to grow flowers or other plants in the scorching sun. These are all seemingly minor things to us, but they all have major ramifications for the natural environment and wildlife.

What can you do about climate change?

The corporations causing climate change by drilling for oil, overusing resources, destroying forests and water sources, and polluting our environment have framed it as a personal responsibility, telling regular people they have to recycle, bike to work, use less paper, etc. While these are all worthwhile things to do to reduce your own personal impact on the climate, the reality is that it will not be enough.

These same corporations also donate millions to politicians to deny climate change and frame it as a political issue, causing unnecessary divisions in the population that stop us from fighting the real culprits. (They also pay the media to run advertising and other misleading content.)

The most impactful thing you can do to fight climate change is to educate yourself and others, and become active in speaking out against corporate exploitation of our environment. There are many activism groups you can join, and you can also become vocal in your local community to advocate for things like community solar projects, community gardens, and tree planting.

Here are some local activism groups in New Jersey you can check out:

Affordable Housing

Wed, 19 Jun 2024 02:49:00 +0000

Many people in our community and across the country struggle to find affordable apartments to rent, and those who are ready to buy a home often cannot find one in their price range that doesn’t need expensive renovations.

The average price to rent an apartment in New Jersey is over $2,500 per month, while the average home sells for just under $530,000. If you make $75,000 per year, that means your rent will be 40% of your yearly income, which often leaves little room for other important expenses like childcare or car payments.

Why Are NJ Housing Costs So Expensive?

There are several factors contributing to this increasing unaffordability:

Zoning Laws Causing Lack of Supply: There are simply not enough homes being built to keep up with population growth. In many cities, existing residents began to block the building of new housing as far back as 1916 by creating commissions and zoning laws that would limit population growth and preserve historical landmarks. Some of these zoning laws included restrictions on multi-family housing, which were meant to keep families of color out of white neighborhoods. Those actions had far-reaching consequences that are coming to fruition today.
Rising Construction Costs and Regulations: The cost of new home construction has increased, partly due to higher prices for building materials and labor. Additionally, regulations and zoning laws in New Jersey can slow down new construction projects, which means fewer available homes.
Higher Mortgage Interest Rates: Many people who bought their homes several years ago are locked into low interest rates, so selling now would mean potentially paying double the interest. This factor is keeping many people who would otherwise sell their homes from doing so.
Private Equity Firms Buying Up Real Estate: Over the past 15 years, investment firms increasingly have begun buying homes, often out-bidding individual buyers with all-cash offers that are hard to compete with. These firms usually convert the purchased homes into rental properties to gain long-term profits. This practice has led to higher rents and reduced opportunities for individual homebuyers.
Gentrification: Gentrification is the process of a low-cost neighborhood, usually populated by lower income folks (often immigrants and/or people of color), being developed with new housing, shops, restaurants, etc. and becoming unaffordable for the original residents. The original residents are typically forced to move as rents and the cost of living go up beyond their means, and they are replaced with wealthier folks that can afford the higher costs.

So what can you do if you are having trouble finding affordable housing?

Please check out our housing resources page, which has both advice and a long list of resources and organizations that can help.
Apply for Montclair Housing Authority’s Affordable Housing Voucher Program- the application date is Thursday, June 20th at 8:30am. 225 applications will be accepted.
Check out this affordable housing lottery in Middlesex County – you must apply by July 29th.

Need help improving your current home? Check out the Essex County Improvement Program, which assists low to moderate income homeowners with things like roofing, plumbing, electrical, etc.

You can also contact your congressional representatives and ask them to support the Stop Predatory Investing Act, which aims to reduce the problem of investors buying up properties and increasing prices for regular folks.

Montclair Public “Library of Things”

admin — Mon, 24 Apr 2023 23:15:00 +0000

Objects currently available for borrowing include:

mini bass and amplifier
ukulele starter kit
speaker and microphone
cassette to CD converter
video to digital converter
telescope and microscope
robot kit
board games
bedazzler

To see the full list of items and place a reservation, visit montclairlibrary.org/borrow/things or call +1 973-744-0500 x2232.

Borrowers must present a Montclair Public Library card at the designated pickup location (Main Library or Bellevue Avenue Branch). Only one thing per library card may be borrowed at a time, and the loan period varies per thing. Late fees and replacement costs for damaged things apply.

Seed Library

In addition, MPL offers a variety of free seed packets to anyone, no library card required. The Seed Library focuses on plants that are native, pollinator-friendly, and/or edible, with the goals of fostering resilience, preventing hunger, and promoting nutrition in the community. To see a list of available seeds, which are currently available at the Bellevue Avenue Branch only, visit montclairlibrary.org/borrow/seeds or call +1 973-744-0500 x2283.

Solidarity, not charity – newsletter edition 3

admin — Sun, 04 Sep 2022 18:15:54 +0000

2022-06-24

Solidarity, not charity – edition 3

[Idioma español abajo]

Dear Montclair Mutual Aid participants and friends,

Summer is here! Do you have any extra air conditioners, or do you need any? Check with Tommy’s Laundromat, 84 Maple Ave. Tommy distributes donated ACs for free to local community members who need them. He can accept them if they are clean and in good working order. Please wash off the air filters and front grille, and test their cooling.

Our next free food distro and music event will be at Glenfield Park on Sun June 26, 1–2:30pm (please note new time). In addition to free food from Toni’s Kitchen, toiletries, and period products, we’ll have free children’s books and toys donated by the Bullock School community, free lunchboxes, and live music organized by Parents Who Rock. We’ll also give free tomato seedlings (with an instruction sheet). We need volunteers!! Please let us know if you can help with set-up (starting at noon), distribution, and/or clean-up, or if you’d like to perform a 20–30 minute music set. Come and get to know some neighbors and members of the Montclair Mutual Aid community.

★ SPOTLIGHT: Our volunteer Direct Giving group raises and distributes cash to individuals in the Montclair area community who urgently need money – for any purposes – like bills, diapers, household items, moving expenses, medicine, car repair, and more. We do crowdfunding on local social media directly for individual recipients, and we offer information on local resources that may help. We meet briefly in person with each cash recipient, to confirm that they are local, in Montclair or nearby. We impose no other requirements. 100% of MtcMA Direct Giving donations go to the recipients – MtcMA takes no cut. Since 2020, our Direct Giving group has responded to over 100 requests for aid. Montclair area residents have generously donated thousands of dollars – in increments as small as $5.

In May, MtcMA’s Direct Giving group crowdfunded for 4 neighbor families. With the money raised, we were able to help these neighbors cover a portion of their rent, moving expenses, food needs, and more. A big thank you to the local community members who contributed!

During June, our Direct Giving group seeks to raise $2,725 to fund urgent requests for 6 Montclair-area families. Montclair Mutual Aid is also working with 3 refugee families who lost their housing in a fire.

Take a look at our website to learn more about our Direct Giving program. To donate, you can Venmo to @montclairmutualaid (-9044), or mail a check (memo: Direct Giving) to Montclair Mutual Aid, PO Box 1773, Montclair, NJ 07042.

To request help, or to volunteer, contact the MtcMA Direct Giving group at tiny.one/mtcma or +1 973-707-3355 x1.

Montclair Mutual Aid was glad to participate in Montclair’s 2nd AAPI Lantern Festival, at Edgemont Park. It was a beautiful event where we were able to connect with the community and provide information on mutual aid. Look for us at future events where you can meet members of our group and learn how you can be a part of neighbors helping neighbors.

Our next MtcMA monthly general meeting will be online, Wed July 13 at 7:30pm. New attendees are welcome – you’re invited! Contact us for meeting connection details.

From Montclair NAACP and Montclair TOOM: Montclair Rent Control Webinar. “Join us online on Mon June 27 at 7:00pm for a tenant educational workshop on the new Montclair Rent Control Ordinance, and tenants’ rights. Panelists include Mitch Kahn (VP, NJTO), William Scott (Chair, Montclair NAACP Housing Committee), Dierdre Malloy: (Chair, Montclair NAACP Economic Development Committee), and Joan Pransky (Tenant Advocate and Attorney). The presentation will be followed by a question-and-answer period.”

Facts & Fiction about Mental Illness: a workshop for youth. “1 in 5 children have a parent who suffers from mental illness. Yet the mental health support for these children is minimal. The Mental Health Association aims to fill this gap via an art-based curriculum for school-aged and high school youth who have a close family member experiencing mental health issues. MHA’s art therapists and licensed counselors will facilitate a 2-part workshop to provide youth with a supported space to receive mental health education, connect with peers, and creatively express themselves through art. This workshop will be held in person at the Verona Public Library, 4–5pm on Mon July 11 and July 18. To register, contact Genaya Palmer (gpalmer@mhainspire.org) in advance. (You can also indicate interest in a Zoom version of the workshop.) We hope to launch ongoing art therapy support for graduates of this workshop, throughout the school year.”

New Jersey’s housing eviction moratorium has expired. This article explains the current situation and points to resources for tenants in NJ who are having difficulty paying rent: “NJ evictions: How is landlord-tenant court going 5 months after moratorium ended?“.

We encourage your feedback and questions. If you want to join the email list, or if you don’t want to be on it, please let us know. MtcMA participants who created this edition include Kimberly Latortue, Aminah Toler, Susie Roman Luna, Margy Schilling, and Jonathan Marshall. MontclairMutualAid.org (+1 973-707-3355), PO Box 1773, Montclair, NJ 07042.

Solidaridad, no es caridad – edición 3

Estimados participantes y amigos de Ayuda Mutua de Montclair,

¡El verano está aquí! ¿Tiene acondicionadores de aire que no está utilizando? ¿O necesita alguno? Consulte con Tommy’s Laundromat, situado en 84 Maple Ave. Tommy distribuye los acondicionadores de aire donados de forma gratuita a los miembros de la comunidad local que los necesitan. Si tiene alguno para donar – se aceptan si están limpios y en buen estado de funcionamiento. Lave los filtros de aire y la rejilla frontal y pruebe su enfriamiento.

Nuestro próximo evento gratuito de distribución de comida y música será en Glenfield Park el domingo 26 de junio, de 1pm a 2:30pm (tenga en cuenta el nuevo horario). Distribuiremos bolsas de comida de Toni’s Kitchen, así como productos higiénicos, y para uso menstrual. También tendremos libros y juguetes para niños gratis, donados por la comunidad de Bullock School, loncheras gratis y música en vivo organizada por Parents Who Rock. También regalaremos plantas jóvenes de tomate gratis (acompañada por las instrucciones para su crecimiento). ¡¡Necesitamos voluntarios!! Háganos saber si puede ayudar con la preparación (a partir del mediodía), la distribución y/o la limpieza, o si desea realizar un conjunto de música de 20 a 30 minutos. Venga y conozca a algunos vecinos y miembros de la comunidad de Ayuda Mutua de Montclair.

★ DESTACADO: Nuestro grupo voluntario Direct Giving (donaciones directas) recauda y distribuye dinero efectivo a personas en la comunidad del área de Montclair que necesitan dinero con urgencia, para cualquier propósito, como facturas, pañales, artículos para el hogar, gastos de mudanza, medicamentos, reparación de automóviles y más. Hacemos “crowdfunding” en las redes sociales locales directamente para destinatarios individuales y ofrecemos información sobre recursos locales que pueden ayudar. Nos reunimos brevemente en persona con cada destinatario de efectivo, para confirmar que son locales, en Montclair o cerca. No imponemos otros requisitos. El 100% de las donaciones a “Direct Giving” se les entregan a sus destinatarios: MtcMA no cobra ni se queda con porción alguna. Desde 2020, nuestro grupo de donaciones directas ha respondido a más de 100 solicitudes de ayuda. Los residentes del área de Montclair han donado generosamente miles de dólares, en incrementos tan pequeños como $5.

En mayo de este año, el grupo de donaciones directas de MtcMA financió colectivamente a 4 familias vecinas. Con el dinero recaudado, pudimos ayudar a estos vecinos a cubrir una parte de su alquiler, gastos de mudanza, necesidades de alimentos y más. ¡Muchas gracias a los miembros de la comunidad local que contribuyeron!

Durante junio, nuestro grupo de donaciones directas busca recaudar $2725 para financiar solicitudes urgentes para 6 familias del área de Montclair. Montclair Mutual Aid también está trabajando con 3 familias de refugiados que perdieron su vivienda en un incendio.

Échele un vistazo a nuestro sitio web para obtener más información sobre nuestro programa de donaciones directas. Para donar, puede enviar un Venmo a @montclairmutualaid (-9044) o enviar un cheque por correo (nota: Direct Giving) a Montclair Mutual Aid, PO Box 1773, Montclair, NJ 07042.

Para solicitar ayuda o ser voluntario, comuníquese con el grupo de donaciones directas de MtcMA en tiny.one/mtcma o +1 973-707-3355 x1.

Montclair Mutual Aid tuvo el placer de participar en el 2do Festival de Linternas AAPI de Montclair, en Edgemont Park. Fue un evento hermoso donde pudimos conectarnos con la comunidad y brindar información sobre ayuda mutua. Búsquenos en eventos futuros donde pueda conocer a miembros de nuestro grupo y aprender cómo puede ser parte de vecinos que ayudan a vecinos.

Nuestra próxima reunión general mensual de MtcMA será virtual, el miércoles 13 de julio a las 7:30pm. Los nuevos asistentes son bienvenidos: ¡estás invitado! Póngase en contacto con nosotros para conocer los detalles de conexión de la reunión.

De Montclair NAACP y Montclair TOOM: Seminario web sobre control de alquileres de Montclair. “Únase a nosotros en línea el lunes 27 de junio a las 7:00pm para un taller educativo para inquilinos sobre la nueva Ordenanza de control de alquileres de Montclair y los derechos de los inquilinos. Los panelistas incluyen a Mitch Kahn (VP, NJTO), William Scott (presidente, Comité de Vivienda de la NAACP de Montclair), Dierdre Malloy: (Presidente, Comité de Desarrollo Económico de la NAACP de Montclair) y Joan Pransky (Abogada y Defensora de Inquilinos). La presentación será seguida por un sesión de preguntas y respuestas”.

Realidad y ficción sobre la enfermedad mental: un taller para jóvenes. “1no de cada 5 niños tiene un pariente que sufre de enfermedad mental. Sin embargo, el apoyo de salud mental para estos niños es mínimo. La Asociación de Salud Mental tiene como objetivo llenar este vacío a través de un plan de estudios basado en el arte visual para jóvenes en edad escolar y secundaria que tienen un familiar cercano que experimenta problemas de salud mental. Los terapeutas de arte y los consejeros autorizados de MHA facilitarán un taller de 2 partes para brindar a los jóvenes un espacio de apoyo para recibir educación sobre salud mental, conectarse con sus compañeros y expresarse creativamente a través del arte. Este taller será se llevará a cabo en persona en la Biblioteca Pública de Verona, de 4pm a 5pm los lunes 11 y 18 de julio. Para registrarse, comuníquese con Genaya Palmer (gpalmer@mhainspire.org) con anticipación. (También puede indicar su interés en una versión Zoom del taller.) Esperamos lanzar un apoyo de terapia de arte continuo para los graduados de este taller, durante todo el año escolar”.

La moratoria de desalojo de viviendas de Nueva Jersey ha expirado. Este artículo explica la situación actual y señala los recursos para los inquilinos en NJ que tienen dificultades para pagar el alquiler: “Desalojos en NJ: ¿cómo va el tribunal de propietarios e inquilinos 5 meses después de que finalizó la moratoria?“.

Alentamos sus comentarios y preguntas. Si desea unirse a la lista de correo electrónico, o si no desea estar en ella, háganoslo saber. Los participantes de MtcMA que crearon esta edición incluyen a Kimberly Latortue, Aminah Toler, Susie Roman Luna, Margy Schilling y Jonathan Marshall. MontclairMutualAid.org (+1 973-707-3355), PO Box 1773, Montclair, NJ 07042.

Solidarity, not charity – MtcMA newsletter edition 2

admin — Sun, 20 Mar 2022 03:05:15 +0000

2022-03-13

Solidarity, not charity – edition 2

[Idioma español abajo]

Dear Montclair Mutual Aid participants and friends,

Our community food gardening season starts on Monday March 14, 10am at the Mt Carmel Church garden, 94 Pine St. Please come and help! It’s an orientation day, and we will plan the season according to volunteers’ preferences. We’ll be guided by Jose German-Gomez of Northeast Earth Coalition. The NEEC community gardens are expanding: we will have a new garden on Cooper Ave in Montclair, and another in Newark, as well as the existing ones at Mt Carmel, Crane Park, and First Congregational. Weekly gardening time slots will be on Mon/Wed/Fri. Our produce is donated to Toni’s Kitchen to be served, or distributed in grocery bags. There’s nothing like planting a seed and seeing a large plant with food on it a couple of months later! Questions to Andrea Marshall, garden@montclairmutualaid.org.

What makes aid “mutual”? In mutual aid, we help one another as peers and neighbors. All local residents are members. Any of us can receive and any can give, with equal dignity, at any time. We help directly, through hands-on participation – rather than at arm’s length. We work together to improve our community and one another’s lives. We help build relationships and trust between community members, by finding enjoyable opportunities for people to talk and work together. We help address inequalities – economic, racial, gender, identity, etc. – so that people hold respect as individuals. Mutual aid is about two-way relationships – rather than one-way charity from givers to receivers. Our website lists some definitions of mutual aid.

Several types of aid are available through MtcMA: essential goods (food, clothing, diapers, menstrual products, toiletries, etc.), kitchenware and household items, urgent cash, snow clearing for seniors and others, running errands for neighbors, growing vegetables, and info on local resources like housing, food, education, legal, health, and crisis services.

What else does our community need? We rely on your input. If you have an idea for a community project, or know of a need, please tell us!
Interested in participating? We seek residents interested in helping one another or receiving help! We currently need helpers at our monthly distro, people to help manage our social media or help create this newsletter, or people to help organize fundraising for essential items for neighbors. All activities are open to new learners, as well as experienced folks – we train and learn together. Contact MtcMA for info.

Our next monthly free distro event will be Sunday March 20, 12–1:30pm, at Glenfield Park, 55 Maple Ave. We’ll have groceries from Toni’s Kitchen, donated clothing (including men’s/teens’ new dress clothing), toiletries, menstrual products, and diapers. Parents Who Rock will provide live music. During warmer weather expect activities for kids, and more involvement with community organizations. Fresh ideas are always welcome! We’re on the lookout for neighbors who perform Latin music.

Would you like to GROW vegetable seedlings at home, to give for the MtcMA free distro event in May? We seek volunteers for this group project. Tomato seeds, for example need to be started in March, tended indoors, and then repotted for distro. Contact Andrea Marshall, garden@montclairmutualaid.org.

We will celebrate the 2nd Anniversary of Montclair Mutual Aid with a social/fundraising event, Thu April 14, 6–9pm at Montclair Brewery. Come help us raise funds for Montclair Mutual Aid to continue its community work. Raffles/gift baskets will be on site. Live music will be organized by Parents Who Rock. A taco truck will be available.

★ SPOTLIGHT: Our Gofer team was started in the height of the pandemic, to help those unable to leave home for groceries, medication, and supplies. We also included free school lunch deliveries for students at home. Today Gofer supports the community as a resource for pick-up and delivery of items and goods to elderly people, people with disabilities or immune compromise, or people who lack transportation. If you or someone you know can use a neighbor to “go fer” an errand, please reach out to gofer@montclairmutualaid.org.

MtcMA general meetings will now happen monthly, on the 2nd Wednesday, at 7:30pm, rather than twice a month. This leaves more time for our mutual aid activities to happen within each of our affinity groups and committees. Next general meeting is on April 13. You’re invited!

MtcMA fundraisers and distribution drives:

Montclair High School students are collecting essential items to donate for MtcMA: diapers (and baby wipes), toiletry & menstrual products (sanitary products, soap, toothpaste, deodorant), cleaning products (wipes, spray, laundry detergent), and coloring books, crayons, & puzzles (or other items for children’s creative, hands-on activities).
To honor Charles H Bullock (1877–1950), CHB Elementary School held a Week of Action and collected nearly 1,000 items to donate for MtcMA. These items will be given at our monthly distros at Glenfield Park. We thank all of the students and families!
Our January online fundraiser is complete. Generous community members donated a total of $1,000 for 4 local residents with urgent cash needs. We have distributed all of the funds to the 4 recipients, who are grateful for your support.
Our one-day “2-22-2022” fundraiser received $176 from local residents toward Montclair Mutual Aid initiatives and events. Thank you to all who sent in $22!

Happy PI DAY! Today is your chance to donate $3.14. How cool is that? Help Montclair Mutual Aid raise $314 to continue our initiatives in the community. Venmo: @montclairmutualaid (-9044).

Several of us met to discuss the topic “What Is Safety?” with a member of Montclair Beyond Policing on March 1. We shared personal views, to help MBP understand the diversity of thoughts and opinions across our community. The discussion touched on fear of mugging and other violence, police stops, stress of being profiled by police, bullying, freedom, security devices (like locks, cameras, alarms, whistles, weapons), and friendliness among neighbors.

We encourage your feedback and questions. If you want to join the email list, or if you don’t want to be on it, please let us know. MtcMA participants who created this edition include Kimberly Latortue, Aminah Toler, Susie Roman Luna, Andrea Marshall, Jose German-Gomez, Margy Schilling, and Jonathan Marshall. MontclairMutualAid.org (+1 973-707-3355), PO Box 1773, Montclair, NJ 07042.

CALENDAR: Apr 13, May 11: online MtcMA general meetings, 7:30pm on the 2nd Wed of each month (new attendees 7:15pm for welcome and orientation); contact us for online details. Mar 20, Apr 24: 12–1:30pm, monthly MtcMA free food distro at Glenfield Park. Apr 14: 6–9pm, MtcMA social/fundraising event at Montclair Brewery.

Solidaridad, no es caridad – edición 2

Estimados participantes y amigos de Montclair Mutual Aid,

Nuestra temporada de jardinería de alimentos comunitaria comienza el lunes 14 de marzo a las 10am en el jardín de la Iglesia Mt Carmel, 94 Pine St. ¡Venga y ayudenos! Es un día de orientación y planificaremos la temporada según las preferencias de los voluntarios. Seremos guiados por Jose German-Gomez de Northeast Earth Coalition. Los jardines comunitarios de NEEC están expandiendose: tendremos un nuevo jardín en Cooper Ave en Montclair y otro en Newark, además de los existentes en Mt Carmel, Crane Park y First Congregational. El horario semanal de jardinería será cada lunes, miércoles y viernes. Nuestros productos serán donados a Toni’s Kitchen para servirlos o agregarlos a las bolsas de comida que se distribuyen gratis. ¡Es asombroso plantar una semilla y ver una planta grande con comida un par de meses después! Si tiene alguna pregunta, comuníquese con Andrea Marshall, garden@montclairmutualaid.org.

¿Qué hace que la ayuda sea “mutua”? En la ayuda mutua, nos ayudamos el uno al otro como compañeros y vecinos. Todos los residentes locales son miembros. Cualquiera de nosotros puede recibir y cualquiera puede dar, con igual dignidad y en cualquier momento. Ayudamos directamente, a través de la participación práctica, en lugar de a distancia. Trabajamos juntos para mejorar nuestra comunidad y la vida de los demás. Ayudamos a construir relaciones y confianza entre los miembros de la comunidad, al encontrar oportunidades agradables para que las personas hablen y trabajen juntas. Ayudamos a destacar las desigualdades (económicas, raciales, de género, de identidad, etc.) para que las personas tengan respeto como individuos. La ayuda mutua se trata de relaciones bidireccionales, en lugar de la caridad unidireccional de los donantes a los que reciben. Nuestro sitio web enumera varias definiciones de ayuda mutua.

Varios tipos de ayuda están disponibles a través de MtcMA: artículos esenciales (alimentos, ropa, pañales, productos menstruales, de aseo, etc.), utensilios de cocina y menaje, dinero urgente, limpieza de nieve para personas mayores y otros, ayudar a los vecinos con mandados, cultivo de vegetales, e información sobre recursos locales para servicios de vivienda, alimentos, educación, legales, de salud y de crisis.

¿Qué más necesita nuestra comunidad? Confiamos en sus comentarios. Si tiene una idea para un proyecto comunitario o conoce de alguna necesidad, ¡díganoslo!
¿Interesado en participar? ¡Buscamos residentes interesados en ayudarse el uno al otro o recibir ayuda directa! Actualmente necesitamos ayudantes en nuestra distribución mensual, personas que puedan administrar nuestras redes sociales o ayudar a crear este boletín, o personas que puedan organizar la recaudación de fondos para bienes esenciales para los vecinos. Todas las actividades están abiertas para gente aprendiz, así como a personas con experiencia: entrenamos y aprendemos juntos. Póngase en contacto con MtcMA para obtener información.

Nuestro próximo evento de distribución gratuito mensual será el domingo 20 de marzo, 12–1:30pm, en Glenfield Park, 55 Maple Ave. Distribuiremos bolsas de comida de Toni’s Kitchen, ropa donada (incluyendo ropa de vestir nueva para hombres/adolescentes), productos higiénicos, productos para uso menstrual y pañales. Parents Who Rock ofrecerá música en vivo. Cuando esté más cálido, espere actividades para los niños y una mayor participación en las organizaciones comunitarias. ¡Las ideas nuevas e inovativas siempre son bienvenidas! Estamos en la búsqueda de vecinos que interpreten música Latina; si conoce a alguien, dígale que se ponga en contacto con nosotros.

¿Le gustaría cultivar plantas de vegetales en casa, para regalar para el evento de distro gratuito de MtcMA en mayo? Buscamos voluntarios para este proyecto de grupo. Las semillas de tomate, por ejemplo, deben comenzar en marzo, cuidarse en el interior y luego trasplantarse para su distribución. Comuníquese con Andrea Marshall, garden@montclairmutualaid.org.

Celebraremos el segundo aniversario de Montclair Mutual Aid con un evento social/de recaudación de fondos, el jueves 14 de abril, 6–9pm en la Cervezería Montclair. Venga y ayúdenos a recaudar fondos para que Montclair Mutual Aid continúe con su trabajo comunitario. Habrán rifas/canastas de regalo para los que quieran participar. La música en vivo será organizada por Parents Who Rock. Un camión de tacos estará disponible también.

★ DESTACADO: Nuestro equipo Gofer se inició en el punto más alto de la pandemia, para ayudar a aquellos que no pueden salir de casa para comprar alimentos, medicamentos y otros suministros. También incluimos entregas gratuitas de almuerzos escolares para los estudiantes a domicilio. Hoy el equipo Gofer apoya a la comunidad como un recurso para la recoger y entregar de artículos y mercancías a personas mayores, personas con discapacidad o inmunocomprometidas, o personas que carecen de transporte. Si usted o alguien que conoce necesita este servicio, comuníquese con gofer@montclairmutualaid.org.

Las reuniones generales de MtcMA ahora se llevarán a cabo mensualmente, el 2º miércoles, a las 7:30pm, en lugar de dos veces al mes. Esto crea más tiempo para que nuestras actividades de ayuda mutua sucedan dentro de cada uno de nuestros grupos y comités de afinidad. La próxima asamblea general es el 13 de abril. ¡Estás invitado!

Recaudaciones de fondos y campañas de distribución de MtcMA:

Los estudiantes de Montclair High School están recolectando artículos esenciales para donar para MtcMA: pañales (y toallitas húmedas para bebés), productos higiénicos y de uso menstrual (productos sanitarios, jabón, pasta de dientes, desodorante), productos de limpieza (toallitas húmedas, aerosol, detergente de lavandería) y libros para colorear, crayones y rompecabezas (u otros artículos para actividades creativas y prácticas de los niños).
Para honrar a Charles H Bullock (1877–1950), la Escuela Primaria CHB llevó a cabo una Semana de Acción y recolectó casi 1,000 artículos para donarlos a MtcMA. Estos artículos se distribuirán en nuestras eventos de distribución mensuales en Glenfield Park. ¡Le agradecemos a todos los estudiantes y familias!
Nuestra recaudación de fondos en línea de enero está completa. Generosos miembros de la comunidad donaron un total de $1,000 para 4 residentes locales con necesidades urgentes de efectivo. Hemos distribuido todos los fondos a los 4 destinatarios, quienes están agradecidos por su apoyo.
Nuestra recaudación de fondos de un día “2-22-2022” recibió $176 de residentes locales para iniciativas y eventos de Montclair Mutual Aid. ¡Gracias a todos los que enviaron $22!

¡Feliz DÍA PI! Hoy es tu oportunidad de donar $3.14. ¿Cuan genial es eso? Ayude a Montclair Mutual Aid a recaudar $314 para continuar con nuestras iniciativas en la comunidad. Venmo: @montclairmutualaid (-9044).

Varios de nosotros nos reunimos para discutir el tema “¿Qué es la seguridad?” con un miembro de Montclair Beyond Policing el 1ro de marzo. Compartimos puntos de vista personales para ayudar a MBP a comprender la diversidad de pensamientos y opiniones en nuestra comunidad. La discusión identificó el miedo a los atracos y otros tipos de violencia, la detención policial, el estrés de ser perfilado por la policía, la intimidación, la libertad, los dispositivos de seguridad (como candados, cámaras, alarmas, silbatos, armas) y la amabilidad entre vecinos.

Alentamos sus comentarios y preguntas. Si desea unirse a la lista de correo electrónico, o si no desea estar en ella, háganoslo saber. Los participantes de MtcMA que crearon esta edición incluyen a Kimberly Latortue, Aminah Toler, Susie Roman Luna, Andrea Marshall, Jose German-Gomez, Margy Schilling y Jonathan Marshall. MontclairMutualAid.org (+1 973-707-3355), PO Box 1773, Montclair, NJ 07042.

CALENDARIO: 13 de abril, 11 de mayo: reuniones generales de MtcMA en línea, 7:30pm el 2º miércoles de cada mes (nuevos asistentes 7:15pm para bienvenida y orientación); contáctenos para detalles en línea. 20 de marzo, 24 de abril: 12–1:30pm, distribución mensual de comida gratis de MtcMA en Glenfield Park. 14 de abril: 6–9pm, evento social/de recaudación de fondos de MtcMA en la Cervecería Montclair.

Solidarity, not charity – MtcMA newsletter edition 1

admin — Sat, 05 Mar 2022 21:10:14 +0000

Mutual aid opportunities in the Montclair area // Oportunidades para ayuda mutua en el área de Montclair

Solidarity, not charity – edition 1

[Idioma español abajo]

Dear Montclair Mutual Aid participants and friends,

We’d like to keep you posted more regularly and quickly about mutual aid opportunities and activities. Welcome to our new MtcMA newsletter!

We launched our Montclair Free Snow Clearing project in January, and have matched 50 volunteers to clear snow from 35 homes (with priority for seniors, people with disabilities or limits on shoveling, or people with financial strain paying for snow removal) after 2 snowfalls so far. We invite you to sign up now to participate for the snowfalls this winter!

Our monthly free food distro is continuing this winter. On January 23 Montclair Mutual Aid hosted the community event with Toni’s Kitchen and Parents Who Rock. The event shares free groceries, clothes, and toiletries while participants enjoy music and fun activities. All are welcome at the next events, Glenfield Park 12–1:30pm on Sunday February 20 and March 20. We invite you to help with volunteer tasks: storing donated items before the next event; updating flyers; event setup and takedown; or performing music outdoors.

Our Direct Giving group is fundraising $2,850 emergency cash for 4 recipients. So far MtcMA has received $1,000 for them, from generous Montclair-area donors. We invite you to participate as a Direct Giving volunteer or as a recipient. If you wish to donate, you may Venmo @montclairmutualaid (-9044), or mail a check payable to Montclair Mutual Aid, PO Box 1773, Montclair, NJ 07042.

Interested in doing a volunteer task? Montclair Mutual Aid seeks volunteers to: help manage our social media; help create this newsletter; or help organize fundraising for essential goods and critical bills for neighbors. Contact us for more info.

★ Spotlight: Our Aisle 7 group provides free menstrual products to those who need them. We collect donations of tampons, pads, etc. from neighbors, pack them, and distribute them around town. Find our pouches in the Little Free Pantries and local businesses. This MtcMA affinity group is open to all – we invite you to participate!

Calendar: Feb 9, 23, Mar 9, 23: online MtcMA general meetings, 7:30pm on the 2nd and 4th Wed of each month (new attendees invited at 7:15pm for welcome and orientation); contact us for online details. Feb 20, Mar 20: 12–1:30pm, monthly MtcMA free food distro at Glenfield Park.

What does our community need? Have an idea for a community project? Know of a need that Montclair Mutual Aid can help fill? Reach out to us!

We encourage your feedback and questions. If you want to join the email list, or if you don’t want to be on it, please let us know. MtcMA volunteers who created this edition include Kimberly Latortue, Aminah Toler, Susie Roman Luna, and Jonathan Marshall. MontclairMutualAid.org (+1 973-707-3355), PO Box 1773, Montclair, NJ 07042.

Solidaridad, no es caridad – 1’ra edición

[Si prefiere recibir la edición en español, por favor háganoslo saber.]

Estimados participantes y amigos de Montclair Mutual Aid,

Quisiéramos mantenerlo informado con más regularidad y rapidez sobre oportunidades y actividades de ayuda mutua. ¡Bienvenido a nuestro nuevo boletín MtcMA!

Lanzamos nuestro proyecto “Limpieza de Nieve Gratuita” de Montclair en enero. Con 2 nevadas hasta el momento, hemos emparejado a 50 voluntarios para limpiar la nieve de 35 hogares (con prioridad dada a personas mayores, personas con discapacidades o limitaciones físicas, o personas con dificultades económicas y que no pueden pagar la remoción de nieve). ¡Te invitamos a apuntarte ya para participar con las nevadas que se esperan este invierno!

Nuestra distribución mensual de comida gratis continúa este invierno. El 23 de enero, Montclair Mutual Aid organizó un evento comunitario con Toni’s Kitchen y Parents Who Rock. El evento ofrece comestibles, ropa y artículos de aseo gratis mientras los participantes disfrutan de música y actividades divertidas. Estan todos bienvenidos a los próximos eventos, en Glenfield Park de 12 a 1:30pm los domingos 20 de febrero y 20 de marzo. Los invitamos a ayudar con las tareas como voluntariado: a almacenar artículos donados antes del próximo evento; con el actualización de avisos; organizar y limpiar despues de eventos; o tocando música al aire libre.

Nuestro grupo de donaciones directas, “Direct Giving,” está recaudando fondos de $2,850 en efectivo de emergencia para 4 destinatarios. Hasta ahora, MtcMA ha recibido $1,000 para ellos, de generosos donantes del área de Montclair. Lo invitamos a participar como voluntario de este grupo o como receptor. Si desea donar, puede hacerlo por Venmo @montclairmutualaid (-9044) o enviar un cheque por correo a nombre de Montclair Mutual Aid, PO Box 1773, Montclair, NJ 07042.

¿Interesado en hacer una tarea de voluntariado? Montclair Mutual Aid busca voluntarios para: ayudar a administrar nuestras redes sociales; ayudar a crear este boletín; o ayudar con la organizacion o recaudación de fondos para bienes esenciales y facturas críticas para nuestros vecinos. Contáctenos para mas información.

★ Destacado: Nuestro grupo “Aisle 7” provee productos menstruales gratuitos a quienes los necesiten. Colectamos donaciones de tampones, toallas higiénicas, etc., los empacamos y los distribuimos por la ciudad. Encuentre nuestras bolsitas en los pequeños quioscos de despensa gratuitos y negocios locales. Este grupo de afinidad de MtcMA está abierto a todos. ¡Te invitamos a participar!

Calendario: 9, 23 de febrero, 9, 23 de marzo: reuniones generales de MtcMA virtualmente, a las 7:30pm los miércoles 2 y 4 de cada mes (toda persona nueva puede asistir a las 7:15pm para la bienvenida y orientación); contáctenos para detalles sobre la junta virtual. 20 de febrero, 20 de marzo: 12–1:30pm, tendrémos la distribución mensual de comida gratis de MtcMA en Glenfield Park.

¿Qué necesita nuestra comunidad? ¿Tienes alguna idea para un proyecto comunitario? ¿Conoce alguna necesidad que Montclair Mutual Aid pueda ayudar a satisfacer? ¡Comuníquese con nosotros!

Alentamos sus comentarios y preguntas. Si desea ser parte de la lista de correo electrónico, o si no desea estar en ella, háganoslo saber. Los creadores de esta edición, voluntarios de MtcMA, incluyen a Kimberly Latortue, Aminah Toler, Susie Roman Luna y Jonathan Marshall. MontclairMutualAid.org (+1 973-707-3355), PO Box 1773, Montclair, NJ 07042.

January 2022 urgent cash donation requests

admin — Wed, 26 Jan 2022 19:19:03 +0000

January 2022 urgent cash donation requests

Community snow clearing project

jonathan — Wed, 22 Dec 2021 19:37:20 +0000

We are working to start a project for free neighborly snow shoveling in the Montclair area this winter (2021–22).

Seniors, people with disabilities or limits on shoveling, or people with financial strain paying for snow removal may love this Montclair neighborly connection.

Can you help us get started? We need help with behind-the-scenes organization – things like publicizing, finding neighbors who will need snow removal, or coordinating volunteers. We’ll also need help with shoveling.

Please let us know via tiny.one/montclair-snow.

Thanks!

TapInto article about Montclair Mutual Aid monthly distro

admin — Tue, 25 May 2021 19:06:22 +0000

Montclair Mutual Aid Continues to Give Back, Provides Free Food and Music at Glenfield Park
https://www.tapinto.net/towns/montclair/sections/arts-and-entertainment/articles/montclair-mutual-aid-continues-to-give-back-provides-free-food-and-music-at-glenfield-park