”Mutual aid is a voluntary reciprocal exchange of resources and services for mutual benefit.”
What does DEIJ stand for?
The acronym stands for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and (restorative) Justice. It can be pronounced as “day-age” to reflect the Rromanes word for mother pronounced similarly, dej. We prefer this over D.E.I. or similar acronyms as it honors our matriarchs allowing us to disrupt the cishet-normative patriarchy AND honor our Romani culture.
What is Mutual Aid?
Mutual aid is based on the idea that all of us have needs and we all deserve these needs to be met. However, it acknowledges that we all also have something to offer to help others with their needs.
Simply put, mutual aid is when regular, everyday people get together to help others around us.
Is this the same as charity?
No. Mutual aid is NOT charity. Mutual aid is solidarity not charity. We are NOT a charitable organization. Mutual aid is based on solidarity, trust and mutual support.
Whilst we are supportive of many charities, mutual aid tends to keep all funds in the community. There is no overhead costs with mutual aid endeavors unlike that of non-profit charities.
“Mutual aid is the understanding that we live in an unjust society that divides us from ourselves and one another, and that it is often better to take our lives into our own hands and solve our problems because we are all in this together.” Joel Izlar
How do I contribute?
You can contribute via our venmo or paypal. Please place in the comments “DEIJ Fund” for our accounting purposes.
Can I help even if I’m not financially able?
Yes! We understand financial limitations. Beyond monetary contributions, you can volunteer with us or get involved in your local community! We are happy to help you find community outreach programs local to you.
How are the funds used?
Our DEIJ Fund is used to reduce barriers non-dominant identities face within all realms of animal welfare related professions. Our fund has helped with costs of education, housing, pet care, childcare, medical bills, pretty much whatever a marginalized animal professional needs to succeed…We’ve helped with it!
Who can apply for aid? How do I apply?
Anyone that self identifies as marginalized, disadvantaged, disenfranchised, or otherwise oppressed by mainstream society. Right now our process is simply to email us your name, location and why you are seeking aid. We try to keep the process as flexible as possible to be as inclusive as possible.
“Who better to mobilize the community than people who are already in the community?” Kirby Lynch
