UU Class Conversations is launching a mutual aid pilot in spring 2026 to help working class and economically marginalized UUs support one another through trust, relationship and shared care.
Here are answers to some of the questions you might have about the project.
What is mutual aid?
Mutual aid is the practice of communities sharing resources, care and support directly with one another.
Unlike charity models, mutual aid is based on:
- shared responsibility
- trust
- reciprocity over time
- dignity rather than eligibility screening
The goal is not simply to “help people,” but to strengthen networks of collective care and survival.
Who is this for?
This initiative is especially intended for:
- working class UUs
- economically marginalized individuals and families
- people experiencing financial instability or crisis
- people navigating housing insecurity, medical hardship, reentry or other material needs
Certainly, economically secure congregants who recognize the core inequities built into our economic system and wider society may want to participate with their congregation. And of course, we recognize that many people within our congregations experience economic struggle that often remains unseen.
How is this different from a ministerial discretionary fund?
Ministerial discretionary funds are typically controlled by one minister or leader and often involve private pastoral decision-making.
This pilot distributes stewardship across small community groups rather than centering authority in one person. Eventually, we hope to grow the these funds into a centralized network, available to working class and other UUs who need them.
The goal is not simply assistance, but shared participation in collective care.
Will people have to publicly ask their congregation for help?
No. We recognize that asking for financial support within one’s own congregation can feel vulnerable or difficult.
Needs may be shared:
- directly
- through trusted relationships or
- anonymously through a steward
In some cases, support may also move across congregations within the network to provide additional privacy and dignity.
People should not have to choose between receiving care and being exposed.
How are decisions made?
Each congregation’s Steward Circle will discern together how funds move, aligned with our established Mutual Aid practices and covenant.
There are:
- no formal applications
- no proof-of-need requirements
- no centralized approval process
The emphasis is on:
- relationship
- trust
- responsiveness
- accountability through community rather than surveillance
Can people contribute financially?
Yes — and participation is essential if this is going to become a true mutual aid network rather than a one-time fund distribution.
Contributions may include:
- monthly financial support
- congregational sponsorship
- steward participation
- helping identify needs
- relationship-building and community care
Suggested individual contributions may range from:
$10–$25/month (as able)
Congregations may also choose to contribute collectively.
Not everyone will be able to give financially. Everyone can still participate in how care moves.
How can congregations participate?
Pilot congregations will:
- identify 2–3 stewards
- participate in monthly reflection calls
- participate in UUCC highly-regarded social class trainings
- help hold and circulate funds locally
- commit to the shared covenant and principles of the pilot
Additional opportunities for participation and expansion will be shared after the pilot phase.
Why start small?
We are intentionally beginning with a limited pilot, because we want to build carefully and relationally rather than scaling too quickly.
This phase is about learning:
- how trust-based mutual aid functions in UU contexts
- how accountability can exist without bureaucracy
- how care can move quickly while remaining relational and sustainable
What happens after the pilot?
Following the 4–6 month pilot phase, UU Class Conversations hopes to:
- expand participation
- grow the shared fund through contributions
- strengthen cross-congregational relationships
- build a broader mutual aid network accessible across UUCC communities
The long-term vision is a sustainable commons of care rooted in solidarity and shared survival.