Welcome to Mutual Aid Beacon
Welcome to the Mutual Aid Beacon (MAB) network! In these fast moving and uncertain times, it’s important that we show up for each other and remember that we are not alone.
Mutual aid is a powerful way to build strong connections- we all have something to offer and we all have something we need. This group is still building out infrastructure, but here’s what we have so far:
Offers of Support
The information you provide through this form will be added to a volunteer database that Mutual Aid Beacon dispatchers and coordinators use to fulfil neighbor and community needs as they arise. This form is only available in English at this time. If you have questions or need to make changes to your information, email us at mutualaidbeacon@gmail.com
At this time, volunteer information is not accessible to neighbors looking for direct support.
Requests for Support
We’re here to help! If you need support, you can complete this online form to let us know what you need. This form is available in English and Spanish. You can also text us at 845.288.2559 or email us at mutualaidbeacon@gmail.com. Mutual Aid Beacon dispatchers respond to requests daily. No one will ever be shamed for asking for what they need.
Neighborhood Pods
Pods are hyperlocal text message groups or phone trees of you and your neighbors. Since not everyone has access to online communication or will ever see these google docs, neighborhood pods are how we reach more people. We are asking for folks to sign up as Neighborhood Point People, where you’d take on the responsibility of reaching out to your neighbors, moderating a neighborhood group chat or phone tree (on whatsapp or another communication tool), and staying in touch with the other point people for resource sharing. If you have the capacity to take on this role, please let us know ASAP by filling out the survey and we’ll set you up with a toolkit (based on the one created by our friends at Mutual Aid Medford and Somerville) of how to get started.
MAB Free Groceries:
* Every 1st Wednesday of the month for seniors or families with senior members
* If you’re driving: Memorial Park from 9-10am. Enter by Ron’s Ice Cream
* If you’re walking: Beacon Rec Center from 8:30am until food runs out. 23 West Center Street. No car pick ups! Groceries will be pre-bagged and ready for pick-up.
MAB Mask Project
Our cotton masks are homemade by Hudson Valley workers though a partnership between Mutual Aid Beacon and Hudson Valley immigrant leaders Ignacio Acevedo and Alfredo Pacheco Cruz. These sales support unemployed immigrant workers who may not be able to access unemployment funds.
Trevor Fox
Product Management
Chase Benson
Creative Director
Donations
We gratefully accept donations or payments through Common Ground Farm, either online or by check. Checks may be sent to PO Box 148, Beacon, NY 12508 or you can donate online here!
Help Us Build
We are looking for support: these documents were put together in a few hours by some friends and we definitely need help from more people to get this thing going on the scale that we need. Here are some roles that need to be filled:
01
Spreading the word
We need to spread the word about what we’re doing in concise and clear ways to ALL parts of Beacon – help us make and distribute flyers, spread the word online, and reach out to other friends.
02
Translations/Language Justice
Please reach out if you have capacity to translate some of our materials into Spanish, or other languages.
03
Org Org
Why reinvent the wheel? Beacon and the surrounding area is filled with awesome organizations that already have tons of resources and skills. We want to form networks with them to maximize mutual aid! Help us reach out to existing networks and figure out how to power up together.
04
Budgeting
Determining financial needs and distribution based on principles of harm reduction and effectivity.
05
Other Ideas!
We are dreaming of other ways to support BeaconWe’d love to hear your brilliant idea! Get in touch: mutualaidbeacon@gmail.com
Thank you
Thank you to Mutual Aid Medford and Somerville, Community Care and Mutual Aid Milwaukee, Mutual Aid Solidarity Network of Seattle and others who are models for this work.
DISCLAIMER: By completing the sign up form to receive or provide voluntary services, you agree that you would like to be contacted by Mutual Aid Beacon dispatchers and/or other volunteers about your request. You accept all risk and responsibility including any injury or harms that may result from providing or receiving services, and further hold any facilitator associated with Mutual Aid Beacon harmless. You agree to follow Mutual Aid Beacon’s <a>General Safety Protocols</a> and all rules and orders of government health authorities. You understand that Mutual Aid Beacon volunteers are not healthcare professionals. If you need medical advice, you will call your physician or 911.