Generosity is the antidote to greed.
How to resist the rampant forces of capitalism, which encourage us to endlessly monetize that which was once freely exchanged? By willfully returning to the process of free and joyful exchange! Free exchange can remain untracked, unquantified, it feels great, and strengthens community ties that will make things a little bit better when the going gets tough.
Sharing really is caring
- Developing a mindset of giving freely: thinking about what we have to offer others (time, a listening ear, good food, a place to stay, useful objects, clothes, money??)
- Join your local Freecycle or Buy Nothing group or start your own! And start sharing things freely with your neighbors.
- Consider: what do I have to contribute to those around me? What do I really need? Ask and ye shall receive! (no promises, but eventually, hopefully!)
- Shifting our mindset around consumption: do we know how to have fun without spending money?
Places to start
- Organize a potluck in a park, yard, local garden & share your culinary creations with one another
- Start a little free library or a little free pantry
- Start a seed library
- Start a grow-your-own veggie co-op: bring your herbs, veggies, flowers harvested from your garden and exchange with others what you have an abundance of
- Bake bread and share it
- Start a communal generosity garden with a sign that says:
Generosity Garden
Free food for the people
Take only what you need
Leave the rest for others
Readings & Resources
Mutual Aid by Dean Spade - essential quick read about why and how to practice mutual aid, tips for organizing & mutual aid as part of social justice movements.
Inspiring projects
- Radical Roots (UK)