GiveMoore, a new grassroots community mutual aid group, is inviting neighbors to join monthly gatherings at the Moorestown Library to build stronger, more connected support systems in town.
Meetings at the library provide space for sharing community needs and offers of support; discussing local challenges and creative solutions; learning about mutual aid principles and practices; and building trust and relationships among neighbors. GiveMoore is about more than just meeting needs – it’s about creating a culture of care in Moorestown.
“Mutual aid relies – first and foremost – on our ability to trust each other,” said Alisandra Wederich, a facilitator of GiveMoore. “Mutual aid starts with building connections. It’s (mutual aid) the idea that we’re all empowered to help each other in whatever ways we see fit, as long as we follow certain guidelines.”
GiveMoore is based on the idea that when neighbors come together, they can provide care, share resources and strengthen community resilience. Unlike traditional charity, mutual aid is rooted in collaboration and solidarity – everyone has something to give, and everyone may need support at different times.
The group’s vision is “A community where neighbors take action to provide care for each other, creating a kinder, more connected, and resilient place for everyone.“ Since its inception, GiveMoore – a subgroup of MooreUnity, a nonprofit whose mission is to embrace diversity and facilitate unity through programming, events and activities – has recently connected with other local committees including Better Together Moorestown.
“There are so many ways for us to connect,” Wederich said. “I think of mutual aid as being good neighbors to each other and so knowing that we have not just these formal committees but also these informal opportunities as well is really what the mutual aid is targeting towards. It’s cool to know that beyond these informal, decentralized efforts, there are these more structured efforts going on. Being able to partner with different committees is something that I’m excited about.”
Mutual aid is community-based support rooted in solidarity, not charity. People voluntarily share resources, time and care. Mutual aid emphasizes shared responsibility, trust and independence. Examples include educational resources (mentorship, tutelage, apprenticeship); skill-sharing; transportation assistance; medical care; childcare/pet care; disaster emergency relief (examples include health crisis, housing crisis); creative support (examples include creative projects to reinvigorate spirits, promote solidarity and express ideas); and relationship building/emotional support (examples include companionship, making friends).
GiveMoore’s community mutual aid meetings will be held at the library on the fourth Thursday of the month through October at 7 p.m. Meetings are open to all Moorestown residents and non-residents. Neighbors are encouraged to come as they are, whether to offer help, ask for support or simply learn more. For more information, contact Wederich at awederich@gmail.com or visit GiveMoore on Facebook.
