Legal Issues in Mutual Aid Operations: A Preliminary Guide

Abstract

This is a preliminary guide to legal issues that impact groups engaged in mutual aid. It is targeted to groups that have been responding to the COVID-19 crisis in New York, but has information that may be relevant for groups engaged in mutual aid in other contexts and other places. It gives legal information on topics including: risk of liability; questions around governance and incorporation; safety policies, liability waivers, and insurance; banking and mutual aid; funding mutual aid and taxation of mutual aid; crowdfunding regulations; and food storage and safety rules.

Keywords: Mutual Aid, COVID, Activism, Movement Lawyering, Community Economic Development

JEL Classification: I30, L30, K20, K32