# Mutual Aid Network During the COVID-19, organizations are supporting & launching mutual aid. By [Kalin Ned](https://www.trendhunter.com/knedelch), Research Writer | Published Dec 16, 2020 | Category: [World](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/global-trends-and-hip-travel) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/mutual-aid-network1 ## Key Figures - Trend score: 2.3/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Mutual Aid Network trend? **Mutual Aid Network:** Emphasizing the growing food insecurity and the crisis of homelessness, not-for-profits are facilitating special tools that help bring the community together in sharing resources. Mutual aid networks throughout the world are rapidly increasing and these initiatives are often maintained exclusively by volunteers. ## The consumer insight behind the Mutual Aid Network trend As the COVID-19 pandemic continues and many countries around the world are going into their second or third lockdown, individuals are recognizing that members of their community need support for survival. Aware of the financial toll of the virus outbreak, many are looking for ways to contribute and support those who cannot afford certain necessities like food or a home. Doing so through mutual aid enables action without the help of corporations, which many see as a hindrance to true community support due to big-brand skepticism. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Dec 16, 2020 - Published: Dec 16, 2020 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality) - Megatrends: [Tribalism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/tribalism), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation), [Many to Many](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/many-to-many) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha, Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Examples of the Mutual Aid Network trend 4 featured examples from Dec 16, 2020. - [Toronto-Based Community Fridges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/community-fridges): Community Fridges Toronto Brings Neighbourhoods Together (Category: Social Good) Implication: The food and beverage industry can support community fridges by donating excess food or partnering with organizations to set up fridges at their locations. - [Neighbourhood Support Networks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neighbourhood-support-networks): West Neighbourhood House Organizes Mutual Aid During COVID-19 (Category: World) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity for tech companies to create user-friendly digital platforms that enable efficient communication and coordination within neighbourhood support ne… - [UK-Based Mutual Aid Networks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mutual-aid-network): Covid-19 Mutualaid UK Supports Those in NeedThrough Local Organizing (Category: Social Good) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunities for non-profit organizations to establish and support mutual aid networks. - [Grassroots Mutual Aid Funds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mutual-aid-fund): Servers Workers Coalition Offers Grocery Stipends and Rent Relief (Category: Social Good) Implication: Non-profit organizations, like Servers Workers Coalition, play a crucial role in addressing the financial needs of vulnerable populations and establishing mutual aid networks. **Workshop question:** How can your organization bring people together? ## Themes within the Mutual Aid Network trend ### Mutual Aid Networks COVID-19 pandemic has led to the formation of Mutual Aid Networks facilitated by not-for-profits increasing volunteerism and community support. ### Neighborhood Support Networks Creation of Neighborhood Support Networks through independent groups of neighbors or 'pods' helps optimize mutual support during times of need. ### Grassroots Mutual Aid Funds Grassroots Mutual Aid Funds work to support laid-off workers by providing grocery stipends and rent relief, creating new social relations in the process. ## What the Mutual Aid Network trend means for industry ### For Non-Profit Sector Non-profit organizations are crucial in facilitating Mutual Aid Networks to provide aid during the pandemic. ### For Food Industry COVID-19 and food insecurity have led to the creation of Neighborhood Support Networks and Community Fridges to provide food and goods to those in need. ### For Hospitality Industry Grassroots Mutual Aid Funds such as the Servers Workers Coalition provide rent and grocery stipends to support laid-off workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. ## Trend signals for Mutual Aid Network Trend score 2.3 out of 10, from popularity 36%, activity 25%, freshness 9%. - Popularity: 36% - Activity: 25% - Freshness: 9% ## Recent trend clusters - [Aloft Access](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/airplane-internet-access) (World) - [Caffeine Remix](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/portable-caffeine-formats) (Lifestyle) - [Climate Buffer](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/range-extended-suv) (Autos) - [Purpose Tuning](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/electric-suv-variants) (Autos) ## Trending in World - [Luxury In-Flight Beauty Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/luxury-in-flight-beauty-kits) - [Japan-Based Disney Cruises](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/japan-based-disney-cruises) - [Adjustable Regional Aircraft Seats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/adjustable-regional-aircraft-seats) - [Connected Cabin Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/connected-cabin-menus) All articles: [World](https://www.trendhunter.com/world)