We can

Hello friends,

This week, we dropped non-perishable food off at one of the many “free pantries” that dot Portland. It’s a way for neighbors to help neighbors, and enact the principles of mutual aid: offer what you have, and take what you need.

Mutual Aid happens in all sorts of ways, every time we share skills or resources with one another. It’s sharing without keeping score. It’s also a different mindset than charity, which is always a one-way street. Mutual Aid acknowledges that everyone has something to offer to community, and everyone has needs, too. Need a ladder? I’ve got one. Need tutoring? Someone down the street can help. Have fallen wood to share but no way to chop it? That’s a great way to organize neighbors.

Mutual Aid reminds us that when we join together, people have power.

I think a lot about what I am able to offer, and I’m grateful for all the ways people give back to me, too.

If you want to set up a free pantry, talk to your neighbors and find a spot! Or, hook up with free pantries that already exist and help maintain them.

One way to look for pantries is go to Little Free Pantry map. But many towns and cities have their own, much more extensive maps. Portland, OR, for example, has dozens of free pantries and fridges on their own little map, while only one is listed on this Little Free Pantry map.

Another thing I did this week was take some time off on a hot weekday to head to a mostly empty movie theater—masked up—to watch The Green Knight. I liked it a lot. It’s very slow, very beautiful, and very strange. It’s also very pagan, and worth seeing on the big screen if you can.

How about you? What are you up to lately?

I’d love to hear about it.

blessings — Thorn

p.s. Thanks to everyone who bought We Heed No Laws so far! I hope you’re enjoying the latest installment of the Steel Clan Saga!